Can we use behavioral theory at the workplace to improve fitness? A recent pilot study conducted in Australia seems to suggest so. Focused on increasing fitness levels at the workplace, the 6-weeks long pilot study found that commitment to fitness can be strengthened with habit-based intervention. This was an attempt at utilizing behavioral theory in improving fitness levels at the workplace. [1]
The aim of the study was to develop a habit-based intervention to promote physical activity and average weekly step count among workers. The study was conducted for 6 weeks where the team recorded and measured these parameters at regular intervals. The participants were 20 sedentary office workers from an Australian University.
The participants were given actionable information on developing healthy habits and weekly step counts. The information was in the form of the top 10 tips they could follow to promote habit formation. At the end of the study, the team found that the average physical activity habits showed a marked improvement at the end of the very first week. This improvement was maintained until the end of the 6-weeks. However, there was no significant increase in the average step count.
