Factors for adherence to a physical activity promotion program in the workplace: a systematic review

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are now widely accepted and proven. Promoting PA in the workplace is therefore of major public health interest, but is limited by employees' adherence.

A systematic review was therefore carried out to identify factors for adherence to PA promotion program in the workplace (primary outcome); health outcomes were to be regarded as secondary outcomes. Four databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane CRCTs) and PsycInfo were searched to find all pertinent articles published from 2000 until June 2024. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials were selected.

More than 9000 publications were analyzed and 91 were retrieved. Two main types of study were identified: 46 non-supervised PA programs (NSPAPs) supported by socio-cognitive theories, and 45 supervised (tailored) programs (SPAPs). Concerning the primary outcome, the main factors identified for adherence were the levels of baseline PA, health and motivation of the individual; intervention individualization at the interventional level; and work environment quality at the organizational level. This review highlighted significant health benefits in both types of study, with effect sizes ranging from small to large.

Assessing these factors for adherence emerges as an essential prerequisite before implementing a PA promotion program in the workplace. According to our results, implementing NSPAPs, supported by socio-cognitive theories, is rather complex, and such programs can be difficult to operationalize in their entirety; consequently, coach-supervised PAPs based on RCT programs tend to be more effective.

Our results prove the short and medium-term beneficial effect on health of PAP in the workplace based on rigorous methodology such as RCTs. Management's support through work organization and the follow-up of actions in the long term are an essential factor for adherence to these programs. Finally, we suggest what this literature review contributes for future research or entrepreneurial and/or political projects. In fine, new models of working time will have to be considered.