Effects of Physical Exercise Training in the Workplace on Physical Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Prieske, Olaf; Dalager, Tina; Herz, Michael; Hortobágyi, Tibor; Sjøgaard, Gisela; Søgaard, Karen; Granacher, Urs

doi:10.1007/s40279-019-01179-6

Cited by 26 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 67 publications

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“…However, both groups, CT and BW, showed some improvements (of 8.1% and 7.5%, respectively) in the cardiorespiratory fitness test, with a group × time effect ( Table 3). This is consistent with a recent meta-analysis that found improvements in this parameter with programs lasting 9-12 weeks [17]. Nonetheless, the same meta-analysis did not find any improvement when the programs were of 3 sessions/week, with each session lasting 16-30 min.…”

Section: Measurementssupporting

confidence: 90%

“…However, other studies found no clear evidence of any improvement in employees' mental health when the interventions applied were based on physical exercise programs [15]. In this sense, physical exercise programs have shown improvements in pain located in specific areas of the body, such as the lower back [16], and they have managed to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance [17]. Similarly, they have been shown to be effective in reducing the levels of depression [18], and anxiety [19].…”

Section: Ijomeh 2021;34(1)mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of 2 physical exercise programs (circuit training and brisk walk) carried out during working hours on multidimensional components of workers’ health: a pilot study

Saavedra¹,

Kristjánsdóttir²,

Gunnarsson³

et al. 2021

Int J Occup Med Environ Health

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The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 2 physical exercise programs carried out during working hours in an office work environment on health-related parameters of employees. Material and Methods: The participants included 47 healthy office worker volunteers (aged 45±11.95 years, 27% males) who formed 3 groups: circuit training (CT), brisk walk (BW), and control (C) groups. The interventions lasted 12 weeks with a weekly frequency of three 30-min sessions in the middle of the workday. All employees were evaluated with a multicomponent battery test which included: anthropometric and body composition measurements, a cardiorespiratory fitness test, lipid profile, blood pressure, and mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). Basic descriptive statistics were calculated. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to summarize changes in the variables studied after the application of the physical exercise programs. Results: Generally, both exercise programs (CT and BW) maintained the body weight and body mass index while reducing body fat mass (a group × time interaction; 4.864 ≤ F ≤ 6.524, 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.015), although the CT intervention also showed relevant (inter-group) reductions in the waist-hip ratio (F = 11.311, p = 0.007) and increased skeletal muscle mass (F = 15.062, p = 0.003). Both exercise programs (CT and BW) improved the cardiorespiratory fitness test scores (a group × time interaction; F = 18.054, p < 0.001). There were no changes in the lipid profile or blood pressure after the interventions, but there was an improvement in mental health (4.760 ≤ F ≤ 8.087, 0.008 ≤ p ≤ 0.037). Conclusions: The findings suggest that both types of programs could be implemented in the employees' daily routine in order to improve their overall health. Nevertheless, studies with larger samples are necessary before the conclusions can be generalized. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(1)

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Section: Measurementssupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Ijomeh 2021;34(1)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of 2 physical exercise programs (circuit training and brisk walk) carried out during working hours on multidimensional components of workers’ health: a pilot study

Saavedra¹,

Kristjánsdóttir²,

Gunnarsson³

et al. 2021

Int J Occup Med Environ Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…They usually have a short duration, with both preventive and therapeutic approaches, avoiding overloading or leading the employee to fatigue. It is a physical activity based on exercises to compensate repetitive movements, the absence of movement, or uncomfortable postures assumed during the working period [ 21 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of workplace upper extremity resistance exercises on function and symptoms of workers at a tertiary hospital: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Silva

Ricci

Castro

et al. 2022

BMC Musculoskelet Disord

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Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are often caused by inadequate use of the musculoskeletal system during work. Evidence suggests that multimodal intervention through exercises, massage, education, and ergonomic guidelines reduces pain and symptoms in the neck and upper extremities and help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study will be to assess the additive effectiveness of a specific and individualized workplace strengthening exercise program to an ergonomic guidance in reducing fatigue, pain and discomfort in the upper extremities and neck perceived by workers. Methods This trial was designed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials - CONSORT guidelines. Participants will be employees of a tertiary hospital, with any complaints of pain or discomfort in the upper extremities during the past 12 months, without clinical musculoskeletal diagnosis. 166 participants will be randomized into parallels groups as control and workplace exercises. The primary outcomes will be Numerical Pain Scale, isokinetic muscle strength of abduction and isometric handgrip strength. Secondary outcomes on discomfort, fatigue, work capacity and dysfunction will be assessed by QuickDASH, Patient Specific Functional Scale, Neck Disability Index, Need for recovery, Work Ability Index self-report questionnaires and FIT-HANSA performance test. The Ergonomic Work Analysis will be done by Quick Expose Check, RULA, REBA, RARME, ROSA and HARM risk assessment ergonomic tools. We will analyze the difference between baseline and 12 weeks of intervention by T test of independent samples (95% confidence interval, p < 0.05). Clinical significance will be analyzed by the minimum clinically important difference and effect size by Cohen index. The association between the variables will be analyzed by construct validity with the hypothesis of correlations between pain and muscle strength, strength and functionality and strength and fatigue. Discussion Although studies have shown promise outcomes for workplace exercises as an available therapeutic resource used to minimize complaints of pain and discomfort related to work, the results of this study aim to bring evidence about the benefit of a specific resistance exercise as an effective modality to facilitate mechanisms of neuromuscular adaptations, with gradual and posterior hypertrophy in the later phases. Trial registration (NCT04047056, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04047056?term=NCT04047056&draw=2&rank=1) on Dec 03, 2020.

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“…The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) considers workplace wellness programs (WWP) important to both physiological and psychological health of employees while having both financial and productivity benefits to employers. Although WWP's have shown preliminary efficacy (Burn et al, 2019;Emerson et al, 2017;Prieske et al, 2019;Rezai et al, 2020), the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing orders required that some non-essential employees work from home (Guan et al, 2020). These orders presented a significant challenge to WWP's that have participants attend their sessions in fitness centers with their peers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary Efficacy and Acceptability of an Online Exercise and Nutrition Workplace Wellness Program: A Brief Report

SantaBarbara

Rezai

Terry

et al. 2021

Workplace Health Saf

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Background Workplace wellness programs (WWP) offer physiological and psychological benefits to employees and financial and productivity benefits to employers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented in-person sessions and has required WWP’s to transition to online platforms. The purpose of this brief report was to assess the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a mobile version of the Bruin Health Improvement Program (BHIP mobile) WWP. Methods Participants virtually attended (i.e., via Zoom) twice weekly physical activity sessions and a once weekly nutrition seminar for 10-weeks with the option of a 30-minute one-on-one consultation with a registered dietician. Demographics, anthropometric indices, stress, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness were assessed at baseline and follow-up. All analyses were conducted in SPSS v. 27. Results Twenty-seven participants (96% female) enrolled and 13 (100% female) completed the 10-week program. There were significant reductions in bodyweight ( p < .01) and body mass index ( p < .02) but not stress ( p > .05), and significant increases in muscular endurance ( p < .01) but not aerobic fitness ( p > .05). Overall, BHIP mobile appears to be acceptable to participants but logistical concerns such as inconsistent internet connection was noted as potential downfalls. Conclusions/Applications to Practice Improvements in health outcome among completers of a mobile WWP were promising. Completer feedback highlighted program strengths as the flexibility and comfort of attending exercise sessions and nutrition classes from home. Future versions of the program will allocate resources to improve completion and expand appeal for men and women.

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Effects of Physical Exercise Training in the Workplace on Physical Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Cited by 26 publications

References 67 publications

Effects of 2 physical exercise programs (circuit training and brisk walk) carried out during working hours on multidimensional components of workers’ health: a pilot study

Effects of 2 physical exercise programs (circuit training and brisk walk) carried out during working hours on multidimensional components of workers’ health: a pilot study

Effects of workplace upper extremity resistance exercises on function and symptoms of workers at a tertiary hospital: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Preliminary Efficacy and Acceptability of an Online Exercise and Nutrition Workplace Wellness Program: A Brief Report

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