Schult Tamara M, Schmunk Sandra K, Awosika Ebi R
Veterans Health Administration, Occupational Health, Patient Care Services, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Schult, Ms Schmunk, Ms Awosika), University of Minnesota School of Medicine (Ms Awosika), and School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Dr Schult).
J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Dec;58(12):1217-1222. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000892.
The aim of this study was to describe a comprehensive approach to decrease physical inactivity in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employee population.
The approach included (1) initiatives to decrease physical inactivity in the workplace; (2) two operational surveys to assess system-wide service provision; and (3) two national employee surveys.
From 2010 to 2012, 86 employee fitness centers were completed in VA medical centers. A grants program (2010 to 2015) funded smaller projects designed to decrease physical inactivity in the workplace. Projects involved the provision of equipment to decrease sedentary behaviors, including stability balls, treadmill and sit-to-stand desks, stairwell projects, and funding for on-site fitness classes, bicycle racks, and outdoor par courses and walking paths among others.
A comprehensive approach to decrease physical inactivity in VHA employees was successful. Overall, self-reported, age-adjusted physical inactivity in VHA employees decreased from 25.3% in 2010 to 16.1% in 2015.
