| The risk factor of potentially greatest public health impact is inactivity, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 1989 report. The Task Force advised all adults to adopt a physically active life style. Yet little is known on effective methods to change fitness behavior. This dissertation evaluates the effect of a year-long organizational behavior-based health promotion program designed to improve physical fitness at a worksite.;U.S. Navy personnel at a San Diego Naval Air Station were exposed to a multifaceted health promotion program, while sailors at a control worksite and throughout the entire U.S. Navy were offered the standard Navy program. Cohorts (n = 1,609; 217; and 546, respectively) were administered both a physical readiness test (PRT) and a lifestyle questionnaire at baseline and at one year. The PRT consisted of 1.5-mile timed run, sit-up, push-up, and percent body fat components, while the questionnaire addressed demographics, current exercise behavior, and attitudes toward exercise.;Overall PRT category and 1.5-mile run time both improved significantly (P ;The program was successful in improving fitness performance. The improvement was distributed throughout the workforce and included those who were substandard at baseline. The magnitude of improvement, however, was probably too small to support claims of significant long-term health benefits in the exposed population. |
