1 

April 2008 February 2009 

HealthierFeds Physical 

Activity Challenge: 

Results from the Twelve 

Month Follow-up Survey 

Submitted to 

The Work/Life Group 

Center for Employee and Family 

Support Policy 

Strategic Human Resources
 i 

HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge: 

Results from the Twelve Month Follow-up Survey

Submitted to: 

The Work/Life Group 

Center for Employee and Family Support Policy 

Strategic Human Resources Policy Division

Assessment Services Branch, Center for Talent Services 

Division for Human Resources Products and Services 

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 

Washington, D.C.: February 2009 
ii

Executive Summary 

This report presents results of the analysis of a survey administered as a follow-up to the 

HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge. Sponsored by the Office of Personnel Management, 

the Department of Health and Human Services, and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness 

and Sports, the Challenge promoted participation in regular, moderate exercise. The Challenge 

took place from January 22, 2007 to April 1, 2007 with the purpose of promoting health by 

facilitating positive changes in physical activity levels, behaviors, and related attitudes and 

motivation. The extent to which such changes occurred was assessed in follow-up studies, 

including this survey issued 12 months after the Challenge. Respondents to the survey included 

eligible participants: Federal employees, Government contractors, retirees, and family members 

of Federal employees. The Work/Life Group of OPM’s Center for Employee and Family 

Support Policy, Division for Strategic Human Resources Policy, partnered with OPM’s 

Assessment Services Branch, Center for Talent Services in the Division for Human Resources 

Products and Services in the reporting and analysis. 

Physical Activity Levels, Intensity and Duration 

• The majority of respondents to the twelve month Challenge survey were full-time Federal 

employees (93%). 

• Almost half (45%) of survey respondents reported that they were engaged in more 

physical activity 12 months after the Challenge than at the start of the Challenge. 

• In terms of activity intensity, participants reported a greater average number of days 

engaging in moderate (3.7) versus vigorous activity (2.7) during the week prior to the 

survey. In addition, a larger percentage of participants engaged in moderate activity for 5 

to 7 days in the week prior to the survey (39%) than engaged in vigorous activity for 5 to 

7 days in the week prior (24%). 

• Participants reported that on any one day, the actual time (minutes, hours) they engaged 

in vigorous activity exceeded the time respondents spent in moderate activities. Asked to 

report the time spent in activity on a single day in the week prior to the survey, 32% 

reported spending just over an hour to more than 2 hours in vigorous activity while 26% 

spent the same amount of time involved in moderate activities. 

• Similar activity levels were reported across participant groups (e.g., Federal employees, 

retirees). With the exception of family members, fewer respondents engaged in moderate 

physical activity for more than an hour in a single day than engaged in vigorous activity 

for more than an hour in a single day: 26% of full-time employees (vs. 32% for vigorous 

activity), 27% of part-time employees (vs. 31%), 23% of contractors (vs. 31%), 28% of 

retirees (vs. 32%), and 26% of family members (vs. 25%). 

Behaviors and Attitudes 

• Over half of the participants reported that they are more likely to look for ways to fit 

physical activity into the day (55%) and to try to eat a healthy diet (51%) 12 months after 

the Challenge than at the start of the Challenge. 

• With 50% more likely to enjoy being physically active, and 49% more likely to be aware 

of the benefits of physical activity, results suggest that the Challenge may have had a 

beneficial influence on shaping positive attitudes among many participants.
iii

• Results from the different participant groups (e.g., Federal employee, retiree) show 

similar patterns. Since the Challenge, roughly half of each group of respondents 

expressed being more likely to engage in positive behavior and attitude changes with 

respect to physical activity. 

Motivation to Change 

• More than half of survey respondents were more likely to feel motivated to engage in 

physical activity 12 months after the Challenge than at the start of the Challenge (52%). 

Slightly fewer (44%) were more likely to encourage or be encouraged by a coworker to 

be physically active. 

• A number of factors proved to be strongly motivating to participants in maintaining or 

increasing their level of physical activity, including a desire to improve overall health 

(86%), desire to improve energy level and/or alleviate stress (74%), and desire to lose 

weight (69%). Fewer reported being motivated by a desire to maintain or increase the 

physical activity level achieved through the Challenge (25%), another program similar to 

the Challenge (10%), or a physician’s recommendation to get more exercise (16%). 

Based on this survey sample, a large proportion of those who participated in the HealthierFeds 

Physical Activity Challenge report 12 months after the Challenge being more physically active, 

more likely to look for ways to stay fit and eat healthy diets, and/or more motivated to participate 

in physical activity. 

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans encourages adults ages 18-64 to participate in 2 

hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) a 

week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderateand vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Overall survey results show respondents are 

well on the way to meeting or exceeding these guidelines. 
iv

Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 5 

Results............................................................................................................................................. 5 

Physical Activity Levels and Intensity ....................................................................................... 6 

Behaviors and Attitudes............................................................................................................ 11 

Motivation to Change ............................................................................................................... 12 

Appendix A................................................................................................................................... 14 

Appendix B................................................................................................................................... 16 

Appendix C................................................................................................................................... 19
 5 

Introduction 

The Work/Life Group of OPM’s Center for Employee and Family Support Policy, Division for 

Strategic Human Resources Policy, partnered with OPM’s Assessment Services Branch, Center 

for Talent Services in the Division for Human Resources Products and Services to analyze and 

report on the twelve month HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge Survey. Sponsored by 

OPM, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the President’s Council on Physical 

Fitness and Sports, the HealthierFeds Challenge took place from March 18 to April 1, 2007. The 

Challenge promoted participation in regular, moderate physical activity. Successful participants 

engaged in physical activity for 30 minutes per day, five or more days per week, for a period of 

six weeks. 

A follow-up survey assessed changes in physical activity behaviors and related attitudes and 

motivation of participants in the 2007 HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge. The 8-item 

survey was administered 12 months post Challenge by the Work/Life Group in the spring of 

2008 (see Appendix A for actual survey content). Respondents to the survey included eligible 

Challenge participants: Federal employees, Government contractors, retirees, and family 

members of Federal employees. The survey was sent to approximately 27,000 participants and 

was subsequently completed and returned by 7,105 respondents (with 1,850 undeliverables, the 

response rate was calculated as 28%). The Work/Life Group provided data from the twelve 

month survey of Challenge participants to CTS/ASB psychologists for analysis (for comparison, 

Appendix C shows results to the six month survey). This report provides results of the analysis. 

Results 

Table 1 shows percentage and number (N) of survey respondents for each Challenge participant 

category. The majority of participants described themselves as full-time employees (93%). 

Table 1. Respondent Characteristics 

Percent (%) 

(N)

Full-time Employee 93% 

(6,540) 

Part-time Employee 2% 

(162) 

Contractor 3% 

(174) 

Federal Retiree 1% 

(83) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 1% 

(46) 

No Response Provided 1% 

(100) 

Total 100% 

(7,105) 
The survey asked participants to report on their frequency and levels of physical activity, 

behaviors and attitudes toward physical activity, and what motivates them to remain physically 

active. The following section describes results according to survey group and topics. 

Physical Activity Levels and Intensity 

Participants were asked to compare their current and pre-Challenge physical activity levels. 

Shown in Figure 1, a total of 89% were at least as active since participating in the Challenge. 

Figure 1. Changes in Activity Twelve Months After the Challenge

11%

45% 44%

More

Less 

The same

amount 

Table 2 provides responses to the same item by respondent group. Looking within groups, 

roughly half of all part-time employees (50%) and contractors (49%) were involved in more

physical activity, while the largest percentage of retirees (53%) and family members (49%) 

reported the same amount of physical activity since the Challenge. 

Table 2. Changes in Activity Twelve Months after the Challenge by Participant Type 

Less Same 

Amount 

More Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 11% 

(753) 

45% 

(3,120) 

44% 

(3,030) 

100% 

(6,903) 

Full-time Employee 11% 

(710) 

45% 

(2,923) 

44% 

(2,812) 

100% 

(6,445) 

Part-time Employee 8% 

(13) 

42% 

(66) 

50% 

(80) 

100% 

(159) 

Contractor 13% 

(22) 

38% 

(66) 

49% 

(85) 

100% 

(173) 

Federal Retiree 7% 

(6) 

53% 

(43) 

40% 

(32) 

100% 

(81) 

6
Less Same 

Amount 

More Total 

Family Member of Federal Employee 4% 

(2) 

49% 

(22) 

47% 

(21) 

100% 

(45) 

Challenge participants were asked how many days during the prior week they had engaged in 

vigorous activity (e.g., heavy lifting, digging, aerobics, or fast bicycling) or moderate physical 

activity (e.g., carrying light loads, bicycling at a regular pace, walking, or doubles tennis). As 

displayed in Table 3, participants reported spending a greater average number of days engaged in 

moderate physical activity than vigorous physical activity during the week prior to the survey. 

Table 3. Average Number of Days Per Week Participants 

Engaged in Physical Activity 

Average days of vigorous activity during the last 7 days 2.7 

Average days of moderate activity during the last 7 days 3.7 

Results in Table 4 show the specific number of days participants spent in each activity type over 

the course of the previous week. Half of the participants involved in vigorous activity did so for 

1-4 days. Similarly, for those who were involved in moderate activity, 38% did so for 1-4 days. 

Higher frequencies of activity, 5-7 days, were reported by 24% of those involved in vigorous 

activity, while 39% of those involved in moderate physical activity engaged for 5-7 days. 

Figure 2. Days Participants Engaged in Vigorous vs. Moderate Activity During Prior Week 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

01234567

Number of Days Per Week

Vigorous activity

Moderate activity

7
8

Table 4. Number of Days Participants Engaged in Vigorous vs. Moderate Activity During the 7 

Days Prior to the Survey 

Number of Days Per Week 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Vigorous activity 25% 8% 13% 17% 13% 13% 6% 5% 

Moderate activity 12% 6% 5% 16% 11% 15% 7% 17% 

Table 5 expands on Table 4 results by showing the differences in number of days for vigorous as 

compared with moderate activity participation by surveyed group (e.g., full-time employee, 

retiree). A fairly substantial proportion of each group engages in vigorous activity for five days 

or more days; retirees show the greatest rates of participation—33% versus 25% for full-time 

employees, 27% for part-time employees, 28% for contractors, and 28% for family members. 

Also shown in Table 5, a comparatively larger portion of each group engages in moderate 

physical activity for five days or more: 39% of full-time employees, 38% of part-time 

employees, 43% of contractors, 47% of retirees, and 29% of family members. 

Table 5. Number of Days Respondents Performed Vigorous Compared with Moderate 

Physical Activities During the 7 Days Prior to the Survey by Challenge Participant Group 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All 

Respondentsvigorous 

25% 

(1,777) 

8% 

(580) 

13% 

(898) 

17% 

(1,226) 

13% 

(905) 

13% 

(902) 

6% 

(455) 

5% 

(361) 

100% 

(7,104) 

All 

Respondentsmoderate 

12% 

(882) 

6% 

(438) 

15% 

(1,08

2) 

16% 

(1,142) 

11% 

(797) 

15% 

(1,044

) 

7% 

(491) 

17% 

(1,227

) 

99%* 

(7,103) 

Full-time 

Employeevigorous

25% 

(1,616) 

8% 

(533) 

13% 

(848) 

17% 

(1,138) 

13% 

(838) 

13% 

(818) 

7% 

(425) 

5% 

(324) 

101%* 

(6,540) 

Full-time 

Employeemoderate

12% 

(780) 

6% 

(408) 

16% 

(1,01

8) 

16% 

(1,057) 

12% 

(732) 

15% 

(955) 

7% 

(457) 

17% 

(1,132

) 

101%* 

(6,539) 

Part-time 

Employeevigorous

27% 

(44) 

9% 

(15) 

9% 

(14) 

15% 

(24) 

14% 

(22) 

11% 

(17) 

9% 

(14) 

7% 

(12) 

101%* 

(162) 

Part-time 

Employeemoderate 

12% 

(19) 

6% 

(9) 

11% 

(18) 

21% 

(34) 

12% 

(19) 

14% 

(23) 

9% 

(15) 

15% 

(25) 

100% 

(162) 

Contractorvigorous22% 

(39) 

9% 

(15) 

10% 

(16) 

18% 

(31) 

14% 

(25) 

17% 

(29) 

4% 

(7) 

7% 

(12) 

101%* 

(174) 

Contractormoderate 15% 

(26) 

5% 

(9) 

14% 

(25) 

12% 

(20) 

11% 

(19) 

18% 

(32) 

6% 

(10) 

19% 

(33) 

100% 

(174) 

Federal 

Retireevigorous 

17% 

(14) 

10% 

(8) 

11% 

(9) 

17% 

(14) 

13% 

(11) 

24% 

(20) 

4% 

(3) 

5% 

(4) 

101%* 

(83) 
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 

Federal 

Retireemoderate

10% 

(8) 

6% 

(5) 

16% 

(13) 

10% 

(8) 

12% 

(10) 

19% 

(16) 

5% 

(4) 

23% 

(19) 

101%* 

(83) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employeevigorous 

20% 

(9) 

13% 

(6) 

11% 

(5) 

20% 

(9) 

9% 

(4) 

20% 

(9) 

4% 

(2) 

4% 

(2) 

101%* 

(52) 

Family 

Membermoderate

11% 

(5) 

13% 

(6) 

11% 

(5) 

22% 

(10) 

15% 

(7) 

22% 

(10) 

0% 

(0) 

7% 

(3) 

101%* 

(46) 

*Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

As a follow-up to questions about number of days spent in vigorous or moderate activities, 

respondents were also asked to estimate how much time they engaged in vigorous/moderate 

physical activity on any one day of the 7 day period prior to the survey. Results in Figure 3 and 

Table 6 show that, in terms of vigorous physical activity, 23% spent 30 or fewer minutes, while 

another 32% spent just over an hour to more than 2 hours engaged in vigorous activity. Those 

who reported engaging in moderate activity on a single day during the same one week time 

frame tended to do so for slightly shorter periods. Also shown in Table 6, 36% spent 30 or fewer 

minutes, while 26% spent just over an hour to more than 2 hours on a day in which they engaged 

in a moderate physical activity. Findings suggest that those engaged in vigorous activities tend 

to do so for longer durations than those reporting involvement in moderate activities on a single 

day. 

Figure 3. Amount of Time Participants Engaged in Physical Activity in One Day 

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

0 mins

1–15 mins

16–30 mins

31–45 mins

46–60 mins

61–75 mins

76–90 mins

91–105 mins

106–120 mins

More than 2 hours

Vigorous Activity

Moderate Activity

9
10

Table 6. Total Amount of Time on One Day That Participants Engaged in Physical Activity 

During the Week Prior to the Survey 

0 mins 1–15 

mins 

16–30 

mins 

31–45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–75 

mins 

76–90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

106–

120 

 mins 

More 

than 2 

hours 

Vigorous 

Activity 

4% 2% 17% 13% 32% 2% 10% 1% 11% 8% 

Moderate 

Activity 

2% 4% 30% 12% 28% 1% 5% 0% 11% 9% 

Table 7 provides a breakout of results by respondent group for time spent in a single day in 

vigorous physical activity. With the exception of Federal employee family members (25%), 

almost one-third of participant groups reported spending an hour or more engaged in vigorous 

physical activity on any one day (32% of full-time employees, 31% of part-time employees, 31% 

of contractors, and 32% of retirees). 

Table 7. Total Amount of Time on One Day Participants by Group Engaged in Vigorous 

Activity During the Week Prior to the Survey 

0 

mins 

1–15 

mins 

16–

30 

mins 

31–

45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–

75 

mins 

76–

90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

106–

120 

mins 

More 

than 

2 hrs 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All 

Respondents

4% 

(232) 

2% 

(99) 

17% 

(927) 

13% 

(701) 

32% 

(1,739) 

2% 

(114) 

10% 

(518) 

1% 

(51) 

11% 

(611) 

8% 

(447) 

100% 

(5,439) 

Full-time 

Employee 

4% 

(220) 

2% 

(90) 

17% 

(859) 

13% 

(646) 

32% 

(1,597) 

2% 

(106) 

10% 

(482) 

1% 

(48) 

11% 

(565) 

8% 

(416) 

100% 

(5,029) 

Part-time 

Employee 

6% 

(7) 

3% 

(4) 

18% 

(22) 

15% 

(18) 

29% 

(35) 

2% 

(2) 

9% 

(11) 

1% 

(1) 

10% 

(12) 

9% 

(11) 

102%* 

(123) 

Contractor 2% 

(3) 

3% 

(4) 

13% 

(17) 

15% 

(21) 

37% 

(50) 

1% 

(1) 

11% 

(15) 

1% 

(1) 

13% 

(17) 

5% 

(7) 

101%* 

(136) 

Federal 

Retiree 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(1) 

19% 

(12) 

11% 

(17) 

39% 

(25) 

0% 

(0) 

8% 

(5) 

2% 

(1) 

11% 

(7) 

11% 

(7) 

103%* 

(65) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employee 

0% 

(0) 

0% 

(0) 

19% 

(7) 

11% 

(4) 

46% 

(17) 

5% 

(2) 

3% 

(1) 

0% 

(0) 

9% 

(3) 

8% 

(3) 

101%* 

(37) 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

Table 8 provides estimates by respondent group of time spent involved in moderate activity for a 

single day during the week prior to the survey. Compared with vigorous activity, fewer 

respondents spent more than an hour engaged in moderate physical activity: 26% of full-time 

employees, 27% of part-time employees, 23% of contractors, 28% of retirees, and 26% of family 

members. Again periods of engagement in moderate activity are of shorter duration. 
11

Table 8. Total Amount of Time on One Day Participants by Group Engaged in Moderate Activity 

During the Week Prior to the Survey 

0 

mins 

1–15 

mins 

16–30 

mins 

31–45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–

75 

mins 

76–

90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

 106–

120 

mins 

More 

than 

2 hrs 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All 

Respondents

2% 

(90) 

4% 

(218) 

30% 

(1,828) 

12% 

(727) 

28% 

(1,735) 

1% 

(61) 

5% 

(285) 

0% 

(21) 

11% 

(665) 

9% 

(530) 

102%* 

(4,756) 

Full-time 

Employee 

2% 

(84) 

3% 

(196) 

30% 

(1,701) 

12% 

(676) 

28% 

(1,595) 

1% 

(59) 

5% 

(273) 

0% 

(18) 

11% 

(614) 

9% 

(486) 

101%* 

(5,702) 

Part-time 

Employee 

2% 

(3) 

6% 

(8) 

29% 

(42) 

10% 

(15) 

28% 

(39) 

1% 

(1) 

4% 

(5) 

1% 

(1) 

10% 

(14) 

11% 

(16) 

102%* 

(144) 

Contractor 1% 

(1) 

4% 

(5) 

27% 

(39) 

9% 

(13) 

37% 

(53) 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(3) 

0% 

(0) 

14% 

(20) 

7% 

(10) 

101%* 

(144) 

Federal 

Retiree 

0% 

(0) 

11% 

(8) 

21% 

(15) 

10% 

(7) 

31% 

(22) 

0% 

(0) 

3% 

(2) 

3% 

(2) 

14% 

(10) 

8% 

(6) 

101%* 

(72) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employee 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(1) 

27% 

(11) 

12% 

(5) 

32% 

(13) 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(1) 

0% 

(0) 

12% 

(5) 

12% 

(5) 

99%* 

(41) 

* Percentage totals greater or less than 100 are due to rounding. 

Behaviors and Attitudes 

Items in the twelve month survey examined behavior changes toward an overall healthy lifestyle 

due to participation in the Challenge. Demonstrated in Table 9, over half of the participants 

reported that they are more likely to look for ways to fit physical activity into the day (55%) and 

to try to eat a healthy diet (51%). No more than 1% of participants stated that that they were less 

likely to engage in the above behaviors, suggesting that participants perceive themselves as more 

likely to promote and engage in healthy behaviors since participating in the Challenge. 

Table 9. Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less 

likely to do the following?

Less 

likely 

About as 

likely 

More 

likely 

Total 

Look for ways to fit physical activity into the day 1% 44% 55% 100% 

Try to eat a healthy diet 1% 48% 51% 100% 

Attitudes are expected to change with experience; they are generally positive or negative, 

representing someone’s degree of like or dislike for a person, thing or so on. Moreover, 

awareness is thought to shape attitudes. The survey contained items to assess both attitudes and 
12

awareness. Demonstrated in Table 10, 50% of respondents were more likely to enjoy being 

physically active and 49% were more likely to be aware of the benefits of physical activity. 

Results suggest that the Challenge may have had a beneficial influence on shaping positive 

attitudes among many participants. 

 

Table 10. Attitude and Awareness Since the Challenge

Since participating in the Challenge, are you 

more likely, about as likely, or less likely to do 

the following? 

Less 

likely 

About as 

likely 

More 

likely 

Total 

Be aware of the benefits of physical activity 1% 50% 49% 101%*

Enjoy being physically active 1% 49% 50 % 100% 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

Motivation to Change 

Actual behavior change occurs to the extent individuals are motivated to change. The survey 

included several items to assess how participant motivation was influenced by the Challenge. 

Table 11 shows more than half of respondents to the survey were more likely to feel motivated to 

engage in physical activity since the Challenge. Slightly fewer (44%) were more likely to 

encourage or be encouraged by a coworker to be active. 

Table 11. Assessing Motivation for Change

Since participating in the Challenge, are you 

more likely, about as likely, or less likely to do 

the following? 

Less 

likely 

About as 

likely 

More 

likely 

Total 

Feel motivated to be physically active 1% 47% 52% 100% 

Encourage or be encouraged by a co-worker to 

be physically active 

6% 51% 44% 101%*

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

Participants also indicated whether certain factors motivated them to maintain or increase their 

levels of physical activity. As displayed in Table 12, 86% of participants were motivated by a 

desire to improve their overall health. Other motivating factors that were reported by a majority 

of the participants include a desire to improve their energy levels and/or alleviate stress (74%) 

and a desire to lose weight (69%). However, far fewer (25%) noted that they were motivated by 

a desire to maintain or increase the physical activity level they achieved through the Challenge, 

and just 10% were motivated by another program similar to the HealthierFeds Challenge. 

See Appendix B for responses to each item displayed in Table 12 by survey respondent group 

(e.g., Federal employee, retiree). Patterning of results suggests that the Challenge had a positive 

affect on expressed participant motivation. 
13

Table 12. Factors Motivating Participants to Maintain Or Increase Physical Activity Levels 

What motivates you to maintain or increase your level of physical 

activity? 

Percent 

(N)

A desire to improve overall health 86% 

(6,101) 

A desire to improve my energy level and/or alleviate stress 74% 

(5,254) 

A desire to lose weight 69% 

(4,906) 

A desire to maintain or increase the physical activity level I’ve achieved 

through the Challenge 

25% 

(1,747) 

Another program like the HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge 10% 

(680) 

Physician’s recommendation that I get more exercise 16% 

(1,122) 

None of the Above 3% 

(210) 
Appendix A 

HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge Survey - 12 Month 

1. Are you a: (Select one answer.) 

Full-time employee? 

Contractor? 

Part-time employee? 

Federal Retiree? 

Family Member of Federal Employee? 

2. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do vigorous physical activities like heavy 

lifting, digging, aerobics, or fast bicycling? 

Number of Days 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

3. How much time did you usually spend doing vigorous physical activities on one of those 

days? (Responses recorded by respondent in hours/minutes.) 

4. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do moderate physical activities like 

carrying light loads, bicycling at a regular pace, walking, or doubles tennis? 

Number of Days 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

5. How much time did you usually spend doing moderate physical activities on one of those 

days? (Responses recorded by respondent in hours/minutes.) 

6. Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to do 

the following? 

Be aware of the benefits of physical activity 

Feel motivated to be physically active 

Look for ways to fit physical activity into my day 

Encourage or be encouraged by a co-worker to be physically active 

Enjoy being physically active 

Try to eat healthy 

14
7. Compared to six months ago, how much physical activity are you engaged in now? 

The Same Amount 

More 

Less 

8. What motivates you to maintain or increase your level of physical activity (select all that 

apply)? 

A desire to improve my overall health 

A desire to improve my energy level and/or alleviate stress 

A desire to lose weight 

A desire to maintain or increase the physical activity level I achieved through the 

Challenge 

My physician’s recommendation that I get more exercise 

Another program like the HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge 

None of the Above 

15
Appendix B 

Motivation Items by Survey Respondent Group (e.g., full-time employee, retiree) 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

look for ways to fit physical activity into your day? 

Less 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

More 

Likely 

Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 1% 

(96) 

44% 

(3,027) 

55% 

(3,800) 

100% 

(6,923) 

Full-time Employee 1% 

(92) 

44% 

(2,803) 

55% 

(3,505) 

100% 

(6,400) 

Part-time Employee 1% 

(2) 

41% 

(66) 

58% 

(92) 

100% 

(160) 

Contractor 1% 

(1) 

49% 

(82) 

51% 

(86) 

101%* 

(169) 

Federal Retiree 1% 

(1) 

51% 

(41) 

48% 

(38) 

100% 

(80) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 1% 

(0) 

44% 

(14) 

55% 

(32) 

100% 

(46) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

feel motivated to be physically active? 

Less 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

More 

Likely 

Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 1% 

(93) 

47% 

(3,265) 

52% 

(3,602) 

100% 

(6,960) 

Full-time Employee 1% 

(87) 

47% 

(3,026) 

52% 

(3,320) 

100% 

(6,433) 

Part-time Employee 1% 

(2) 

41% 

(66) 

58% 

(92) 

100% 

(160) 

Contractor 2% 

(3) 

54% 

(92) 

44% 

(76) 

100% 

(171) 

Federal Retiree 0% 

(0) 

49% 

(40) 

51% 

(41) 

100% 

(81) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 0% 

(0) 

39% 

(18) 

61% 

(28) 

100% 

(46) 

16
Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

be aware of the benefits of physical activity? 

Less 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

More 

Likely 

Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 1% 

(45) 

50% 

(3,453) 

50% 

(3,470) 

101%* 

(6,968) 

Full-time Employee 1% 

(42) 

50% 

(3,194) 

50% 

(3,208) 

101%* 

(6,444) 

Part-time Employee 1% 

(1) 

48% 

(75) 

52% 

(82) 

101%* 

(158) 

Contractor 1% 

(1) 

57% 

(96) 

43% 

(73) 

101%* 

(170) 

Federal Retiree 0% 

(0) 

49% 

(40) 

51% 

(42) 

100% 

(82) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 0% 

(0) 

43% 

(20) 

57% 

(26) 

100% 

(46) 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

encourage or be encouraged by a coworker to be physically active? 

Less 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

More 

Likely 

Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 4% 

(294) 

52% 

(3,609) 

44% 

(3,016) 

100% 

(6,919) 

Full-time Employee 5% 

(262) 

52% 

(3,356) 

44% 

(2,782) 

101%* 

(4,169) 

Part-time Employee 5% 

(8) 

50% 

(78) 

45% 

(70) 

100% 

(156) 

Contractor 6% 

(11) 

47% 

(81) 

46% 

(79) 

99%* 

(171) 

Federal Retiree 4% 

(3) 

56% 

(45) 

41% 

(33) 

101%* 

(81) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 9% 

(4) 

49% 

(22) 

42% 

(19) 

100% 

(45) 

* Percentage totals greater or less than 100 are due to rounding. 

17
Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

enjoy being physically active? 

Less 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

More 

Likely 

Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 1% 

(74) 

50% 

(3,450) 

49% 

(3,409) 

100% 

(6,933) 

Full-time Employee 1% 

(71) 

50% 

(3,193) 

49% 

(3,145) 

100% 

(6,409) 

Part-time Employee 0% 

(0) 

54% 

(87) 

46% 

(73) 

100% 

(160) 

Contractor 1% 

(2) 

47% 

(80) 

52% 

(89) 

100% 

(171) 

Federal Retiree 0% 

(0) 

49% 

(40) 

51% 

(41) 

100% 

(81) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 0% 

(0) 

47% 

(21) 

53% 

(24) 

100% 

(45) 

 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

try to eat healthy? 

Less 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

More 

Likely 

Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All Respondents 1% 

(61) 

48% 

(3,352) 

51% 

(3,506) 

100% 

(6,919) 

Full-time Employee 1% 

(57) 

49% 

(3,108) 

51% 

(3,231) 

101%* 

(6,396) 

Part-time Employee 1% 

(1) 

47% 

(75) 

52% 

(83) 

100% 

(159) 

Contractor 2% 

(3) 

47% 

(80) 

52% 

(88) 

101%* 

(171) 

Federal Retiree 0% 

(0) 

56% 

(45) 

44% 

(35) 

100% 

(80) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 0% 

(0) 

35% 

(16) 

65% 

(30) 

100% 

(46) 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

18
Appendix C 

HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge Survey – Six Month Survey Results 

Sponsored by OPM, Department of Health and Human Services, and the President’s Council on 

Physical Fitness and Sports, the HealthierFeds Challenge took place from January 22 through 

March 18, 2007. HealthierFeds is based on the premise that chronic disease can be prevented 

through modest exercise. The purpose of the Challenge was to promote health by facilitating 

positive changes in physical activity among participants. Successful participants engaged in 

physical activity for 30 minutes per day, five or more days per week for a period of six weeks. 

Six months after the Challenge, changes in participant physical activity behaviors, related 

attitudes and motivation were assessed by an 8-item survey. The survey was administered by the 

Work/Life Group of OPM’s Center for Employee and Family Support Policy, Division for 

Strategic Human Resources Policy. The survey asked questions about the amount and intensity 

of physical activity, behaviors and attitudes toward physical activity, and what motivates 

participants to keep physically active. Respondents included eligible Challenge participants: fulltime Federal employees, part-time Federal employees, contractors, retirees, and family members 

of Federal employees. A total of 27,000 surveys were administered and 4,642 Challenge 

participants completed the survey (with undeliverables of 646, the response rate was calculated 

as 18%). 

OPM’s Assessment Services Branch, Center for Talent Services in the Division for HR Products 

and Services analyzed and reported on the twelve month HealthierFeds Physical Activity 

Challenge Survey. The six month survey was also analyzed (not included in the agreement and 

so included as appendix) and results are provided below for comparison. Item wording appears 

in each table; frequencies and percentages are displayed for each item and by respondent group. 

1. Are you a: 

Percent 

(N) 

Full-time Employee 92% 

(4,268) 

Part-time Employee 3% 

(136) 

Contractor 3% 

(129) 

Federal Retiree 1% 

(57) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 1% 

(52) 

Total 100% 

(4,642) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

19
2. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do vigorous physical activities like heavy 

lifting, digging, aerobics, or fast bicycling? 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All 

Respondents 

26% 

(1,211) 

8% 

(387) 

13% 

(603) 

17% 

(788) 

12% 

(556) 

13% 

(642) 

7% 

(313) 

5% 

(256) 

101%* 

(4,756) 

Average number of total days 2.8 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

Question 2 by Participant Group 

During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do vigorous physical activities like heavy lifting, 

digging, aerobics, or fast bicycling? 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Full-time 

Employee 

26% 

(1,088) 

8% 

(349) 

13% 

(552) 

17% 

(718) 

12% 

(503) 

13% 

(561) 

6% 

(273) 

5% 

(224) 

100% 

(4,268) 

Part-time 

Employee 

15% 

(21) 

8% 

(11) 

14% 

(19) 

15% 

(20) 

14% 

(19) 

18% 

(24) 

10% 

(14) 

6% 

(8) 

100% 

(136) 

Contractor 23% 

(29) 

9% 

(11) 

12% 

(15) 

20% 

(26) 

13% 

(17) 

19% 

(24) 

3% 

(4) 

2% 

(3) 

101%* 

(129) 

Federal 

Retiree 

19% 

(11) 

5% 

(3) 

9% 

(5) 

19% 

(11) 

7% 

(4) 

16% 

(9) 

12% 

(7) 

12% 

(7) 

99% 

(57) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employee 

10% 

(5) 

14% 

(7) 

10% 

(5) 

19% 

(10) 

12% 

(6) 

21% 

(11) 

6% 

(3) 

10% 

(5) 

102%* 

(52) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

*Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

20
3. How much time did you usually spend doing vigorous physical activities on one of those 

days? (Responses recorded by respondent in hours/minutes.) 

0 

mins 

1–15 

mins 

16–

30 

mins 

31–

45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–

75 

mins 

76–

90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

106–

120 

 mins 

More 

than 2 

hours 

Vigorous 

Activity 

4% 2% 16% 14% 34% 3% 9% 1% 10% 7% 

Question 3 by Participant Group 

How much time did you usually spend doing vigorous physical activities on one of those 

days? 

0 

mins 

1–15 

mins 

16–30 

mins 

31–45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–75 

mins 

76–90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

 106-

120 

 mins 

More 

than 2 

hours 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

Full-time 

Employee 

4% 

(124) 

2% 

(68) 

17% 

(545) 

14% 

(452) 

34% 

(1,09

7) 

3% 

(82) 

9% 

(284) 

1% 

(23) 

10% 

(336) 

7% 

(217) 

101%* 

(3,228) 

Part-time 

Employee 

2% 

(2) 

0% 

(0) 

19% 

(22) 

17% 

(20) 

31% 

(36) 

3% 

(3) 

9% 

(10) 

0% 

(0) 

6% 

(7) 

14% 

(16) 

101%* 

(116) 

Contractor 7% 

(7) 

2% 

(2) 

9% 

(10) 

18% 

(19) 

32% 

(34) 

5% 

(5) 

11% 

(12) 

0% 

(0) 

9% 

(9) 

8% 

(8) 

101%* 

(106) 

Federal 

Retiree 

2% 

(1) 

0% 

(0) 

7% 

(3) 

9% 

(4) 

20% 

(9) 

7% 

(3) 

13% 

(6) 

4% 

(2) 

20% 

(9) 

18% 

(8) 

100% 

(45) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employee 

0% 

(0) 

6% 

(3) 

17% 

(8) 

23% 

(11) 

13% 

(6) 

4% 

(2) 

11% 

(5) 

4% 

(2) 

11% 

(5) 

11% 

(5) 

100% 

(47) 

 (N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater than 100 are due to rounding. 

4. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do moderate physical activities like carrying 

light loads, bicycling at a regular pace, walking, or doubles tennis? 

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 

%t 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

All 

Respondents 

14% 

(677) 

8% 

(362) 

14% 

(684) 

16% 

(744) 

10% 

(481) 

15% 

(712) 

6% 

(287) 

17% 

(809) 

100% 

(4,756) 

Average number of total days 3.5 

21
Question 4 by Participant Group 

During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do moderate physical activities like carrying 

light loads, bicycling at a regular pace, walking, or doubles tennis?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

Full-time 

Employee 

14% 

(576) 

8% 

(330) 

15% 

(623) 

16% 

(681) 

10% 

(435) 

15% 

(651) 

6% 

(245) 

17% 

(727) 

101%* 

(4,268) 

Part-time 

Employee 

13% 

(18) 

8% 

(11) 

12% 

(16) 

15% 

(21) 

9% 

(0) 

15% 

(21) 

7% 

(10) 

20% 

(27) 

99%* 

(136) 

Contractor 11% 

(14) 

5% 

(7) 

18% 

(23) 

16% 

(20) 

12% 

(16) 

13% 

(17) 

9% 

(12) 

16% 

(20) 

100% 

(129) 

Federal 

Retiree 

12% 

(7) 

12% 

(7) 

16% 

(9) 

16% 

(9) 

9% 

(5) 

9% 

(5) 

14% 

(8) 

12% 

(7) 

100% 

(57) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employee 

14% 

(7) 

6% 

(3) 

12% 

(6) 

12% 

(6) 

15% 

(8) 

14% 

(7) 

8% 

(4) 

21% 

(11) 

102%* 

(52) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

5. How much time did you usually spend doing moderate physical activities on one of 

those days? (Responses recorded by respondent in hours/minutes.) 

0 

mins 

1–15 

mins 

16–

30 

mins 

31–

45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–

75 

mins 

76–

90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

106–

120 

 mins 

More 

than 2 

hours 

Moderate 

Activity 

2% 4% 29% 11% 29% 1% 4% 0.3% 11% 9% 

22
Question 5 by Participant Group 

How much time did you usually spend doing moderate physical activities on one of those days? 

0 

mins 

1–15 

mins 

16–30 

mins 

31–

45 

mins 

46–60 

mins 

61–

75 

mins 

76–

90 

mins 

91–

105 

mins 

 106-

120 

 

mins 

More 

than 2 

hours 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Full-time 

Employee 

2% 

(59) 

5% 

(166) 

29% 

(1,079) 

11% 

(412) 

29% 

(1,072) 

1% 

(31) 

4% 

(136) 

.3% 

(12) 

11% 

(396) 

8% 

(304) 

100% 

(3,667) 

Part-time 

Employee 

1% 

(1) 

3% 

(4) 

28% 

(33) 

11% 

(13) 

22% 

(26) 

0% 

(0) 

3% 

(4) 

0% 

(0) 

12% 

(14) 

19% 

(22) 

99%* 

(117) 

Contractor 1% 

(1) 

3% 

(3) 

27% 

(31) 

13% 

(15) 

33% 

(38) 

2% 

(2) 

6% 

(7) 

0% 

(0) 

10% 

(11) 

5% 

(6) 

100% 

(114) 

Federal 

Retiree 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(1) 

14% 

(7) 

8% 

(4) 

25% 

(12) 

8% 

(4) 

6% 

(3) 

2% 

(1) 

14% 

(7) 

20% 

(10) 

99%* 

(49) 

Family 

Member of 

Federal 

Employee 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(1) 

16% 

(7) 

21% 

(9) 

16% 

(7) 

2% 

(1) 

9% 

(4) 

0% 

(0) 

2% 

(1) 

30% 

(13) 

98%* 

(43) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

*Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

6. Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely 

to do the following? 

More likely About as likely Less likely 

Look for ways to fit physical activity into 

the day 

56% 43% 1% 

Feel motivated to be physically active 56% 43% 1% 

Be aware of the benefits of physical 

activity 

49% 51% .5% 

Enjoy being physically active 50% 49% 1% 

Try to eat a healthy diet* 50% 50% 1% 

Encourage or be encouraged by a coworker to be physically active* 43% 52% 6% 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

23
Question 6 Items by Participant Group 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to be 

aware of the benefits of physical activity? 

More 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

Less 

Likely 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All Respondents 49% 

(2,269) 

51% 

(2,350) 

.5% 

(22) 

100% 

(4,641) 

Full-time Employee 49% 

(2,048) 

51% 

(2,133) 

.5% 

(19) 

100% 

(4,200) 

Part-time Employee 43% 

(56) 

57% 

(75) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(131) 

Contractor 52% 

(66) 

48% 

(61) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(127) 

Federal Retiree 44% 

(25) 

56% 

(32) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(57) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 67% 

(35) 

29% 

(15) 

4% 

(2) 

100% 

(52) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to feel 

motivated to be physically active? 

More 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

Less 

Likely 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All Respondents 56% 

(2,600) 

43% 

(1,974) 

1% 

(55) 

100% 

(4,629) 

Full-time Employee 56% 

(2,341) 

43% 

(1,798) 

1% 

(50) 

100% 

(4,189) 

Part-time Employee 49% 

(63) 

50% 

(65) 

2% 

(2) 

101%* 

(130) 

Contractor 59% 

(74) 

41% 

(52) 

0% 

(0) 

10% 

(126) 

Federal Retiree 57% 

(32) 

43% 

(24) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(56) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 75% 

(39) 

23% 

(12) 

2% 

(1) 

100% 

(52) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

24
Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to look 

for ways to fit physical activity into my day? 

More 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

Less 

Likely 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All Respondents 56% 

(2,599) 

43% 

(1,966) 

1% 

(55) 

100% 

(4,620) 

Full-time Employee 56% 

(2,338) 

43% 

(1,792) 

1% 

(52) 

100% 

(4,182) 

Part-time Employee 57% 

(74) 

42% 

(55) 

1% 

(1) 

100% 

(130) 

Contractor 60% 

(76) 

39% 

(50) 

1% 

(1) 

100% 

(127) 

Federal Retiree 46% 

(26) 

54% 

(30) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(56) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 69% 

(35) 

29% 

(15) 

2% 

(1) 

100% 

(51) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to 

encourage or be encouraged by a coworker to be physically active? 

More 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

Less 

Likely 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All Respondents 43% 

(1,956) 

52% 

(2,392) 

6% 

(253) 

101%* 

(4,601) 

Full-time Employee 43% 

(1,782) 

52% 

(2,176) 

5% 

(211) 

100% 

(4,169) 

Part-time Employee 45% 

(59) 

48% 

(63) 

7% 

(9) 

100% 

(131) 

Contractor 45% 

(57) 

54% 

(68) 

2% 

(2) 

101%* 

(127) 

Federal Retiree 25% 

(14) 

58% 

(33) 

18% 

(10) 

100% 

(57) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 29% 

(14) 

49% 

(24) 

22% 

(11) 

100% 

(49) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

25
Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to enjoy 

being physically active? 

More 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

Less 

Likely 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All Respondents 50% 

(2,311) 

49% 

(2,273) 

1% 

(39) 

100% 

(4,623) 

Full-time Employee 50% 

(2,082) 

49% 

(2,066) 

1% 

(35) 

100% 

(4,183) 

Part-time Employee 48% 

(63) 

51% 

(67) 

1% 

(1) 

100% 

(131) 

Contractor 53% 

(67) 

46% 

(58) 

1% 

(1) 

100% 

(126) 

Federal Retiree 40% 

(23) 

60% 

(34) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(57) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 69% 

(35) 

28% 

(14) 

4% 

(2) 

101%* 

(51) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

Since participating in the Challenge, are you more likely, about as likely, or less likely to try to 

eat healthy? 

More 

Likely 

About as 

Likely 

Less 

Likely 

Total 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

% 

(N) 

All Respondents 50% 

(2,281) 

50% 

(2,293) 

1% 

(35) 

101%* 

(4,609) 

Full-time Employee 49% 

(2,052) 

50% 

(2,088) 

1% 

(31) 

100% 

(4,171) 

Part-time Employee 46% 

(60) 

54% 

(70) 

22% 

(0) 

100% 

(130) 

Contractor 54% 

(69) 

46% 

(58) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(127) 

Federal Retiree 52% 

(29) 

48% 

(27) 

0% 

(0) 

100% 

(56) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 69% 

(35) 

29% 

(15) 

2% 

(1) 

100% 

(51) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

26
27

7. Compared to six months ago, how much physical 

activity are you engaged in now? 

More 40% 

The same amount 47% 

Less 13% 

Question 7 by Participant Group 

Compared to six months ago, how much physical activity are you engaged in now? 

More The Same 

Amount 

Less Total 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Percent 

(N) 

Full-time Employee 40% 

(1,681) 

47% 

(1,973) 

13% 

(544) 

100% 

(4,198) 

Part-time Employee 46% 

(60) 

44% 

(58) 

11% 

(14) 

101%* 

(132) 

Contractor 44% 

(56) 

42% 

(53) 

14% 

(17) 

100% 

(126) 

Federal Retiree 41% 

(23) 

50% 

(28) 

9% 

(5) 

100% 

(56) 

Family Member of Federal Employee 39% 

(20) 

54% 

(28) 

8% 

(4) 

101%* 

(52) 

(N) indicates number of respondents. 

* Percentage totals greater and less than 100 are due to rounding. 

8. What motivates you to maintain or increase your level of physical activity? 

Percent 

(N) 

A desire to improve overall health 87% 

(4056) 

A desire to improve my energy level and/or alleviate stress 75% 

(3490) 

A desire to lose weight 68% 

(3150) 

A desire to maintain or increase the physical activity level I’ve achieved through 

the Challenge 

27% 

(1258) 

Another program like the HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge 9% 

(437) 

Physician’s recommendation that I get more exercise 15% 

(693) 

None of the Above 3% 

(158) 

(N) indicates number of respondents.