Workplace Physical Activity Program Research Articles

Impact of a physical activity program on the anxiety, depression, occupational stress and burnout syndrome of nursing professionals.

Objectiveto assess the effects of a workplace physical activity (WPA) program on levels of anxiety, depression, burnout, occupational stress and self-perception of health and work-related quality of life of a nursing team in a palliative care unit. Methodsthe WPA was conducted five days per week, lasting ten minutes, during three consecutive months. Twenty-one nursing professionals were evaluated before and after the intervention, with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Maslch Burnout Inventory, and the Job Stress Scale. The changes in self-perceived health and work-related quality of life were measured using a semi-structured questionnaire. Resultsthe WPA did not yield significant results on the levels of anxiety, depression, burnout or occupational stress. However, after the intervention, participants reported improved perceptions of bodily pain and feeling of fatigue at work. Conclusionthe WPA did not lead to beneficial effects on occupational stress and psychological variables, but it was well accepted by the nursing professionals, who reported improvement in perceptions of health and work-related quality of life.

Abstract 260: Pedometer-assessed Workplace Walking Program Improves Cardio-Metabolic Profile Among the University’s Workforce

Introduction- The cost of physical inactivity in the workplace setting is significant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between pedometer-assessed physical activity with cardio-metabolic outcomes such as, body weight, blood glucose levels, lipid profile among the University’s academic faculty and staff. Methods- Twenty nine (9M/20F, 50±6yrs; BMI 28.4±4.2 kg/m 2 ) apparently healthy participants who were sedentary, non-smoking, non-diabetic, free of cardiovascular disease, not on antihypertensive or cholesterol medications were recruited from the University workforce. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were analyzed using Cholestech LDX analyzer, before and after intervention. Pedometer settings were personalized and participants were instructed to maintain their regular diet during the study period. Participants completed a pedometer-based walking intervention (step-goal: 10,000-steps/day, 5-days/week, 4-weeks). Results- Baseline vs. post-intervention (Mean±SD) for total cholesterol (202.2±40.1 vs. 193.1±42.1 mg/dl; p≤0.05), blood glucose (101.2±8.7 vs. 97.8±8.9; g/dl; p=0.032), systolic blood pressure (BP; 120.7±11.1 vs. 115.1±11.1 mmHg; p=0.003) and diastolic BP (78.6±6.6 vs. 73.8±5.5 mmHg; p<0.0001) were statistically significant. Step-counts significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention (9057.7±3588.9 vs.10319.2±3177; p=0.021). Change in step-count (wk 1 to wk 4) were associated with changes in blood glucose (r=-0.39; p=0.048); diastolic BP (r=-0.43; p=0.029) and BMI (r=-0.45; p=0.022). Conclusion- Our preliminary study modestly increased workday walking by ~12% over four weeks, and significantly improved the cardio-metabolic outcomes among the University workforce. This suggests that, workplace physical activity programs could contribute to the achievement of 10,000 steps/day, which might maximize physical activity participation.

Change in Health-Related Quality of Life Amongst Participants in a 4-Month Pedometer-Based Workplace Health Program

Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced risk for chronic health conditions and improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Efforts to increase PA have included workplace health promotion. Currently, little is known about the effect of these programs on overall HRQoL. To evaluate whether participation in a pedometer-based PA program in the workplace was associated with changes in HRQoL. 487 voluntary employees enrolled in a health program completed the SF-12 Health Survey at baseline and 4 months. Change in Physical and Mental component summary scores (PCS; MCS) was assessed with multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for covariates. Participation in the program was associated with an increase of 1.5 MCS units (95% CI: 0.76, -2.09). Greater improvements in MCS were observed in those reporting an increased level of PA during the program [1.9 (CI: 0.78, 2.92) versus 0.9 (CI: -0.12, 2.03)] and a lower baseline MCS score [6.3 (CI: 4.80, 7.62) versus -1.5 (CI: -2.21, -0.80)]. No change in PCS was observed. Participation in this workplace PA program was associated with improvements in the mental component of HRQoL. We recommend the use of a broad perspective of health be used in both the implementation and evaluation of workplace PA programs.

A workplace physical activity program at a public university in Mexico can reduce medical costs associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension

To assess the impact of a workplace leisure physical activity program on healthcare expenditures for type 2 diabetes and hypertension treatment. We assessed a workplace program's potential to reduce costs by multiplying the annual healthcare costs of patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension by the population attributable risk fraction of non-recommended physical activity levels. Feasibility of a physical activity program was assessed among 425 employees of a public university in Mexico. If 400 sedentary employees engaged in a physical activity program to decrease their risk of diabetes and hypertension, the potential annual healthcare cost reduction would be 138 880 US dollars. Each dollar invested in physical activity could reduce treatment costs of both diseases by 5.3 dollars. This research meets the call to use health economics methods to re-appraise health priorities, and devise strategies for optimal allocation of financial resources in the health sector.

Comportamentos relacionados à saúde entre participantes e não participantes da ginástica laboral. DOI: 10.5007/1980-0037.2011v13n2p131

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of health-related behaviors among workers participating or not in a workplace physical activity program (WPA) at Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Twenty sectors of the university campus participating in the WPA program were randomized. A total of 373 questionnaires were handed out and 334 (89.5%) completed questionnaires were returned. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used for data analysis. Participants in the program presented a lower prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time (49.3%) and alcohol abuse (17.2%) than non-participants (63.4% and 25.8%, respectively). The frequency of physical inactivity during leisure time, smoking and negative perception of stress was lower among male participants. However, the frequency of insufficient consumption of fruits (52.6% of non-participants versus 72.1% of participants) and vegetables (29.9% of non-participants versus 49.2% of participants) was lower among non-participants. Female participants reported less dissatisfaction with work colleagues (2.2% of participants versus 9.3% of non-participants.) The prevalence of physical inactivity and alcohol abuse was lower among WPA participants, but no significant differences were observed for the other variables. More comprehensive interventions should be implemented in order to reduce the prevalence of risk behaviors among workers.

Doing masculinity, not doing health? a qualitative study among dutch male employees about health beliefs and workplace physical activity

BackgroundBeing female is a strong predictor of health promoting behaviours. Workplaces show great potential for lifestyle interventions, but such interventions do not necessarily take the gendered background of lifestyle behaviours into account. A perspective analyzing how masculine gender norms affect health promoting behaviours is important. This study aims to explore men's health beliefs and attitudes towards health promotion; in particular, it explores workplace physical activity in relation to masculine ideals among male employees.MethodsIn the Fall of 2008, we interviewed 13 white Dutch male employees aged 23-56 years. The men worked in a wide range of professions and occupational sectors and all interviewees had been offered a workplace physical activity program. Interviews lasted approximately one to one-and-a-half hour and addressed beliefs about health and lifestyle behaviours including workplace physical activity, as well as normative beliefs about masculinity. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsTwo normative themes were found: first, the ideal man is equated with being a winner and real men are prepared to compete, and second, real men are not whiners and ideally, not vulnerable. Workplace physical activity is associated with a particular type of masculinity - young, occupied with looks, and interested in muscle building. Masculine norms are related to challenging health while taking care of health is feminine and, hence, something to avoid. Workplace physical activity is not framed as a health measure, and not mentioned as of importance to the work role.ConclusionsCompetitiveness and nonchalant attitudes towards health shape masculine ideals. In regards to workplace physical activity, some men resist what they perceive to be an emphasis on muscled looks, whereas for others it contributes to looking self-confident. In order to establish a greater reach among vulnerable employees such as ageing men, worksite health promotion programs including workplace physical activity may benefit from greater insight in the tensions between health behaviours and masculinity.

The association between participation in a 4-month pedometer-based workplace physical activity program and health-related quality of life (HRQOL)

adapted from a similar WHO tool and a set of best practice principles for community-based obesity prevention, aimed to determine the depth and breadth of projects. Full results from the survey will be presented. Preliminary results show wide variation in Australian community-based obesity prevention projects. These initiatives differ between the states of Australia in terms of number, location, funding, target group, strategies and evaluation. Consistency in community-based obesity prevention projects in Australia is of national and international importance in addressing the current obesity epidemic. There is potential for the tool developed in this study to be applied to other countries such that obesity prevention efforts can be compared and improved.

64 ‘Work It’ - The development of workplace physical activity programs throughout Australia

64 ‘Work It’ - The development of workplace physical activity programs throughout Australia

Development of an Ecological Assessment Tool for a Workplace Physical Activity Program Standard

This project was undertaken to develop a Workplace Physical Activity Assessment Tool to evaluate workplace physical activity programs based on a standard of best practices indicated in the literature and by key stakeholders. The development of the Assessment Tool was structured on an ecological model for health and physical activity promotion and an occupational health and safety audit instrument. The project included a review and synthesis of pertinent literature, expert and stakeholder reviews, interrater reliability appraisals, and workplace consultations over three distinct study phases. The Assessment Tool was received positively by the expert reviewers (i.e., academics, policy makers, and practitioners) and revealed generally high interrater reliability. The Workplace Physical Activity Assessment Tool can be used to plan, implement, and evaluate physical activity programs in the workplace. Recommendations for future research are identified.

The effectiveness of a pragmatic worksite physical activity program on maximal oxygen consumption and the physical activity level in healthy people

Summary Background and purpose: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a workplace physical activity program on maximal oxygen consumption and the physical activity level in healthy people. Subjects: One hundred and thirty-one subjects (80 men and 51 women) in a group of company employees were randomly assigned into the experimental group. Methods: A prospective unblinded clinical trial. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) was predicted from a cycle ergometer test. Physical activity level was conducted from a self-reporting questionnaire. The experimental group was given an individual pragmatic program to increase the everyday physical activity level based on motivation and opportunity. Results: The VO 2max increased significantly ( P 0.001 ) with a significant ( P 0.001 ) increase in the overall physical activity level. The body mass index (BMI) did not increase significantly. Discussion and conclusion: A worksite physical activity program, with an individual pragmatic approach, may increase the physical activity level and hence VO 2max in a group of company employees.