Trial Program Report

Target Health delivered a 12 week corporate wellness program for staff at the Kingscliff campus of North Coast TAFE between September and December 2010.

20 people began the program and attended the initial assessment day, of these 12 were female and the average age was 46 years. Of the initial 20, 16 completed the program but only 14 attended the final day re-assessments and were used in these results.

Summary of program:

Each participant received a tailored health plan that included nutritional management and a physical activity program, both built around results from the original TargetHealth assessment. Generally compliance was reasonable with all participants increasing their physical activity levels and making some adjustments to their food intake. Participants were re-assessed after 12 weeks rather than the recommended 16 weeks. This was due to the limitations created by the academic calendar.

Outcomes:
• Each of the 14 who completed the program increased both the frequency and more importantly the intensity of their weekly physical activity

• VO2 (cardio fitness level) increased by an average 22%

• Muscle strength increased significantly; pushup performance - 52%, single leg squat performance - 92%, abdominal strength - 44%

• Body composition (fat levels) decreased by an average of 3.2% representing fat reduction of around 2.5kgs

• Two of the participants improved dysfunctional sleep patterns

• All participants improved their core food consumption and reduced intake of processed foods

• 8 participants reduced alcohol intake for the duration of the program

• 13 of the 14 participants who completed the program lost weight, the other had no change

Challenges:

None of the people who completed the program were able to improve work/life balance or workplace activity levels. This suggests that achieving a meaningful shift in workplace culture is difficult as it generally requires changes to weekly working hours and/or a re-think of how individuals are "set up" and function whilst at work.

Feedback and Testimonials:
• "Increased my awareness of how important a well-balanced diet and regular exercise is in your life"

• "Before this program I never would have believed I could go jogging"

• "I feel more motivated and optimistic about things"

• "I am enjoying exercise and recognising the benefits"

• "Sleeping better and riding my mountain bike regularly…even bought an     elliptical trainer for home"

• "Loved the recipes in the newsletter"

• "learnt the importance of intensity during exercise"

• "Target Health Staff were incredibly supportive"