Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42447482›Full record

ArticleJMIR human factors2026

Development of a Blended Physical Activity Intervention for Office Employees Using Intervention Mapping: Intervention Development Study.

Yan Sun, Alison Yt Ou, Tony Lei Shi, Yang Gao, Martin S Hagger, Zhennan Xiong, Xiang-Yan Chen, Shirley Sm Fong, Linda L D Zhong, Yao Jie Xie and 1 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR human factors, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Yan SunAcademy of Wellness and Human Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9945-2557
Alison Yt OuFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9082-3179
Tony Lei ShiSchool of General Education, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhu Hai, Guangdong, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6040-1680
Yang GaoAcademy of Wellness and Human Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0439-4804
Martin S HaggerDepartment of Psychological Science, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2685-1546
Zhennan XiongAcademy of Wellness and Human Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2132-2072
Xiang-Yan ChenDivision of Science, Engineering and Health Studies (SEHS), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University College of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9991-6208
Shirley Sm FongDepartment of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6410-7606
Linda L D ZhongSchool of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3877-1914
Yao Jie XieSchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong).ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9289-4985
Julien S BakerNeurology and Endocrinology Departments, Medical Research Centre, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7550-8616

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundInsufficient engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is a significant risk factor for major noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (eg, coronary heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. Physical inactivity accounts for an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually. Office employees, due to their sedentary and desk-based work patterns, are particularly vulnerable to low MVPA levels, which negatively affect health and work productivity. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, further reducing MVPA levels due to lockdowns and work-from-home policies. Although numerous interventions have aimed to promote MVPA, many lack theoretical grounding, stakeholder involvement, or systematic development frameworks. A theory- and evidence-informed approach is warranted to target modifiable determinants and mechanisms, improve coherence and replicability, and enhance effectiveness and scalability.

objectiveThis study aimed to design an evidence-based blended intervention to improve MVPA, health, and productivity among office employees, guided by the intervention mapping (IM) framework.

methodsFollowing the first 4 steps of the IM framework, we developed a 12-week blended intervention and created a website named "Smartly Active for Health and Life." Step 1 involved a needs assessment through a literature review and focus group discussions (n=12 office employees) to identify barriers, facilitators, and determinants of MVPA. Step 2 defined intervention outcomes, performance objectives, and change objectives based on the social ecological model. Step 3 integrated theory- and evidence-based behavior change techniques with delivery methods, resulting in a 3-group randomized controlled trial design: (1) a blended intervention group (web-based sessions and e-workshops), (2) a web-only intervention group, and (3) an active control group. Step 4 developed and refined intervention materials and protocols through a pilot study (n=18). Key behavior change techniques included problem-solving, goal setting, self-monitoring, and habit formation.

resultsThe pilot study demonstrated the intervention's acceptability, feasibility, and adaptability. Participants reported increased motivation, improved knowledge of MVPA benefits, and greater confidence in goal setting and self-regulation. Feedback led to refinements such as improved website navigation and interactive content. The intervention is expected to enhance MVPA levels, health, and work productivity by addressing both motivational and volitional phases of behavior change while supporting habitual behaviors.

conclusionsThe IM framework offered a systematic and iterative approach for developing a blended MVPA intervention tailored to the needs of office employees. This study highlights the importance of theory-driven and stakeholder-informed approaches in designing scalable and sustainable health promotion programs. The intervention has the potential to address the critical public health challenge of physical inactivity in office settings and serves as a model for future behavior change interventions. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12889-020-09128-z.

Indexed as

COVID-19ExerciseHealth PromotionAdultFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedProgram DevelopmentWorkplacebehavior changeintervention designintervention developmentintervention mappingphysical activitytheory and evidence-based

Identifiers

PMID42447482
PMCPMC13416307

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.