Work 44 (2013) 423–433 423 DOI 10.3233/WOR-2012-1379 IOS Press The analysis of a group-mediated cognitive-behavioral corporate physical activity intervention J. Lynn Kabaroff a , Mark A. Eys b,* , Robert J. Schinke a and Tammy Eger b a Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada b Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada Received 4 April 2011 Accepted 2 October 2011 Abstract. OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the use of a group-mediated cognitive behavioral (GMCB) exercise intervention approach within a corporate environment PARTICIPANTS: Twenty (n males = 17, n females = 3) employees from two departments within a large Canadian resource company took part in the study. The average age was 43.50 years (SD = 8.60, range = 29 to 60) for males and 49.70 years (SD = 6.40, range = 45 to 57) for females. METHODS: A mixed methods case study approach was adopted to assess the response to and effectiveness of the GMCB program within a corporate setting. These included field notes, weekly fitness logs, anthropometric measurements, and end of program focus group sessions. RESULTS: Qualitative measures pointed toward positive outcomes while quantitative results found significant decreases in body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist girth over the duration of the program. Descriptive statistics revealed an increase in exercise frequency and a strong preference for unstructured, group or mixed (i.e., group and individual) based activity during the program. CONCLUSION: The GMCB protocol can be successful at encouraging physical fitness within a corporate environment with the potential to address other health and wellness issues and to aid in vocational team building. Keywords: GMCB, physical fitness, exercise, organizations 1. Introduction As is well known, engaging in physical activity re- sults in a number of important health benefits. The Public Health Agency of Canada [1] noted that phys- ical activity improves fitness and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. In addition,physical activity helps * Address for correspondence: Mark Eys, Department of Kinesiol- ogy/Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada. Tel.: +1 519 884 0710, ext. 4157; Fax: +1 519 747 4594; E-mail: meys@wlu.ca. to prevent a number of conditions such as cardiovascu- lar disease and diabetes, reduces the incidence of soft tissue injuries, and contributes toward independent liv- ing in later life. Psychologically, physical activity is linked to reductions in anxiety and stress, as well as improvements in confidence and self-esteem [1]. De- spite most individuals having knowledge of these ben- efits [2], it is consistently reported that the Canadi- an population is not active enough to realize positive health outcomes, while overweight/obesity rates have continued to rise [3]. In response, researchers have investigated what fac- tors (e.g., barriers) affect the general population’s ad- 1051-9815/13/$27.50  2013 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved AUTHOR COPY