Implementation of a 12-week pharmacist lead walking program designed to increase physical activity and improve overall health of participants
Implementation of a 12-week pharmacist lead walking program designed to increase physical activity and improve overall health of participants
Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to determine if a pharmacist lead walking program will motivate employees to increase their physical activity and provide a means for participants to improve overall health.
Methods: Subjects will participate in a 12-week walking program. Participants will complete a survey to assess current physical activity and overall health. Past medical history, current medication list, point-of-care labs including lipid panel and fasting glucose, and blood pressure will be obtained by a pharmacist or pharmacy student. The participants will be educated and counseled about lab results. Weight, BMI, body composition, and waist-to-hip ratio will be obtained by an exercise physiologist.Participants will report to weekly pedometer checks where steps will be recorded, medications will be reassessed, and questions will be answered. Weight and blood pressure will be rechecked at week 4 and week 8. As an incentive to meet the walking goals, the participants will receive a raffle ticket each week their goal has been achieved. After 12-weeks, all parameters will be reassessed: lipid panel, fasting glucose, blood pressure, weight, BMI, body composition, and waist-to-hip ratio. After data has been collected, it will be analyzed for clinical and statistical significance. All information will be protected according to HIPAA and ONU HealthWise standards based on IRB approved protocol with respect to patient privacy and confidentiality. Any presentation of data will be done in an aggregate, anonymous form.
Results: One hundred forty-four subjects participated in an initial appointment. There were 183 new conditions uncovered in participants who had no prior history: one diagnosis of diabetes, 77 cases of impaired fasting glucose (>100 mg/dL), 36 cases of elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL), 49 cases of decreased HDL (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women), 7 cases of LDL cholesterol above goal (patient specific), and 13 new cases of hypertension (systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg). Results from the final appointment are pending.
