Worksite physical activity breaks: Perspectives on feasibility of implementation

BACKGROUND: Worksites offer a unique opportunity to increase physical activity in persons with both active and sedentary lifestyles. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine employee and supervisor perspectives on feasibility and acceptability of 10-minute Instant Recess((R)) physical activity videos in the worksite. METHODS: Convenience sample of public and private worksites in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Employees (n = 187) at 13 worksites were recruited by a one-time email invitation to participate in a group Instant Recess break and complete a 15-question survey. One supervisor per site participated in a one-on-one interview to assess suggestions for feasibility of implementation. Likert-type survey responses were averaged per worksite and overall. Interview results were recorded, transcribed, and coded by two authors. RESULTS: Employees were extremely positive about enjoyment, increased productivity, comfort, and feasibility of doing Instant Recess at the same time and place every day (score = 4.29, 4.17, 4.25, and 4.37 out of 5, respectively). However, they did not feel comfortable leading an Instant Recess break (score = 2.68 out of 5). Supervisors voiced during the one-on-one interviews that they enjoyed Instant Recess (13 out of 13 supervisors), were enthusiastic about Instant Recess as a simple and cost-effective entry into worksite wellness (11 out of 13 supervisors), and felt that Instant Recess could be institutionalized by offering it daily at a set time and place (13 out of 13 supervisors). CONCLUSIONS: Employees and supervisors at variousworksites believed that it is feasible and desirable to offer 10-minute physical activity breaks using videos during the workday.