Using Focus Groups and Interviews to Inform the Design of a Workplace Exercise Programme: An Example From a High-Intensity Interval Training Intervention

Burn, Naomi L.; Weston, Matthew; Atkinson, Greg; Weston, Kathryn L.

Abstract

Objective:
Using a formative evaluation of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention, we illustrate how qualitative data can inform the development of workplace exercise interventions.

Method:
Eight focus groups and four interviews were conducted with employees (n = 38) and management (n = 4) from six office-based organisations before intervention implementation.

Results:
Some participants thought workplace-based HIIT would be practical, given the limited time required. Others perceived it may not be acceptable for all individuals, given the exercise intensity. With consideration of identified barriers (workload /family commitments effecting time availability) and facilitators (flexible working conditions) participants’ perspectives were incorporated into the intervention protocol. A short-term group-based intervention was preferred, with a choice of exercise modes (based on stair climbing, stepping or boxing).

Conclusion:
This study provides a framework to incorporate stakeholders’ perspectives into the development of workplace exercise interventions.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 17, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Nov 23, 2020
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Deposit Date: Dec 4, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 24, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine
• Print ISSN: 1076-2752
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 2
• Pages: e63-e74
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000002092
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2708314