Study title

The research project investigated whether or not group based worksite intervention increased both motivation for physical activity and actual physical activity. We tested also if the interventions resulted in change in physical health (fitness, blood pressure, cholesterol and waist size), well-being, somatic ailments, absence due to illness and job functioning. The intervention is based on the principles in the self-determination theory combined with techniques from motivating interviews. The design is a randomized control study consisting of one intervention group and one control group. 202 people participated, all employed in Posten and worked daily as delivery personnel, drivers or terminal workers. The participants were measured three times, baseline, after intervention and after 12 months. This study showed that intervention, consisting of different measures to create support, can be effective despite a relative modest dose. Effects it had on physical activity, fitness and health are mixed but promising. This is especially relevant to somatic ailments which is an important contributor to work absence (by muscle and skeletal ailments as well as psychological ailments). The study showed that self-determination theory represents a valuable and practical framework for worksite interventions. The results indicated that health-promoting programs that focus on lifestyle have a limited immediate effect on absence due to illness unless it is combined with other worksite measures. The results of this study were used to evaluate and improve health and well-being programs in Posten Norge. The study also contributed with scientific and applied knowledge about health and well-being on worksites in general and expanded the understanding of motivation for lifestyle changes. The project has been a collaborative effort between Posten Norge, Research Council Norway and Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Alot of the questions asked in this dataset comes from standardized...