| dc.description.abstract | As work roles become more sedentary, new interventions to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB) are required. Mobile health (mHealth) technology (including wearable activity monitors and smartphone apps) is increasingly popular, low cost and accessible. The project consisted of a systematic review of the existing evidence for mHealth interventions for PA and SB in workplace settings, followed by a real-world pre-post pilot study of a specific mHealth intervention in the police force (the Physical Activity Wearables in the Police Force, or PAW-Force study). The review findings indicated that mHealth is a potentially effective, feasible and acceptable tool for promoting PA in a workplace context, at least in the short term. The longer-term impact and acceptability, and the impact on SB and wider outcomes (such as health, wellbeing and productivity) were less clear. The methodological quality of many existing studies was low and there were few mixed methods and qualitative studies. The study aims were to address the evidence gaps identified in the review, including the use of mixed methods, a detailed exploration of feasibility, acceptability and engagement in both the short- and longer-term, in addition to the impact on PA, sedentary time, health and wellbeing, perceived stress, perceived productivity and sickness absence. This was the first known study of an mHealth intervention for PA and SB in the police force. Police officers and staff (n = 180) within the Devon and Cornwall and Dorset Police received a 12-week intervention (a Fitbit® activity monitor and ‘Bupa Boost’ smartphone app) with 8 months follow-up. The results suggested a potential short- and long-term impact of the intervention on PA, particularly for less active officers and staff. Although the intervention was perceived as acceptable and feasible at various organisational levels, the findings highlighted the importance of contextual factors and opportunity, particularly for reducing SB. As in previous studies in other workplace settings, the impact on health, wellbeing, stress, productivity and sickness absence was unclear. The fields of workplace wellness, mHealth and behaviour change are brought together in this PhD. The findings will inform future interventions in addition to policy and practice in the police force. | en_GB |
