Efficacy of mHealth-Based Workplace Health Promotion Strategy in Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness in a Healthcare Setting: A Randomized Controlled Study.

mHealth interventions provide unique opportunities for reducing noncommunicable disease risk factors in workplace. They can be useful in promoting positive health behaviors among employees and can be leveraged, among others, to improve step counts, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Objective: This study aimed to test the efficacy of a mHealth-based workplace health promotion strategy in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in a healthcare setting. Methods: Seventy-seven female nurses (age, 30–45 years) meeting the inclusion criteria underwent baseline assessment and received either a 12-week mHealth or awareness intervention based on their workplace. Changes in peak oxygen consumption (VO2), fasting blood sugar, and physical activity were compared within and between the groups at the end of the intervention. Results: Thirty-seven and 33 participants in the mHealth and awareness arms, respectively, completed the 12-week intervention. Peak VO2 (1.6 mL/kg/min, 7%), physical activity, and step counts improved significantly in the mHealth arm. However, between-group differences were not significant. Conclusions: mHealth interventions offer unique opportunities to improve physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among health professionals in their workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]