A Worksite Intervention Program for Obese Sedentary Women Using Wearable Technology

The sedentary aspects of work have been associated with increased health risks. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and increased steps on anthropometric, body mass, and body composition changes over a 12-week period.

12 sedentary, obese, body mass index (BMI) = 32.98 ± 3.21 kg/m², adult (46.10 ± 9.56 years), females volunteered for the study and were randomly assigned into one of the two groups, the HIIT group and the STEP group. During the 12-week study, all participants' movements were monitored during their workday, via an accelerometer, a Movband™, 5 days/week.

The HIIT group (n = 5) engaged in structured exercise (~15.0 ± 3.5 minutes), defined as total body moves which consisted of eight different routines: upper and lower extremity, two cardio segments, two total body, yoga, and abdominal exercises. The STEP group (n = 7) averaged ~7,000 steps/day throughout 12 weeks. Pre- and post-program measurements included: five anthropometric measurements (biceps, waist, abdomen, hips, and thigh), along with body mass and body composition measures: relative (%) body fat via dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, fat mass, fat-free mass, and lean mass.

Statistical significance was determined among participants for biceps, hips, and thigh measurements along with body mass and body composition changes for improved health.

This work is suggestive that a physical activity intervention integrated into the workplace via work processes and/or structured exercise is supportive in reducing anthropometric and body composition measurements, while changing body mass, to increase health and reduce obesity-related chronic disease risks in sedentary women.