Effect of group health behaviour change coaching on psychosocial constructs associated with physical activity among university employees

Abstract

Lifestyle behaviours are a contributing factor in approximately 80% of chronic diseases, making them a primary target for employee wellness programmes (EWPs). To effectively change health behaviours, EWPs should implement evidence-based strategies. One strategy is health behaviour change coaching, which is often delivered in a one-on-one format. While limited research exists, group health behaviour change coaching (group coaching) has potential to be an efficient alternative, impacting more people. The purpose of this study was to determine whether group health coaching improved psychological constructs related to physical activity and physical fitness among university employees in an EWP. Employees (n = 100) were randomly selected from a pool of volunteers who registered for the EWP, were overweight/obese, and at risk for cardiovascular disease. The intervention consisted of three group coaching sessions based on the Transtheoretical Model and Self-Determination Theory. Paired t-tests compared pre/post-measures of psychological constructs related to physical activity and physical fitness. Additionally, multivariate regression analysis with post-coaching self-efficacy as the dependent variable was performed. Overall, 84 participants (83% female, average BMI = 31.2) completed the intervention, attending an average of 2.26 sessions. Stages of change, seven processes of change, self-efficacy, perceived competence, and the health care climate score improved. Attending group coaching sessions predicted post-test self-efficacy. All but one measure of physical fitness improved. Group coaching can be effective in improving physical fitness and psychological constructs related to physical activity behaviour. In programmes with limited funds, group coaching has potential to be an important EWP component to support health behaviour change.

Keywords:

• health coaching
• behaviour change
• physical activity
• worksite wellness

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the staff and students who supported this study and to the employees who participated in the study.