The Effectiveness of Worksite Physical Activity Programs on Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Health

Abstract

To increase the level of physical activity and to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, we support implementation of worksite physical activity programs. For the other outcome measures, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of such a program is still limited or inconclusive, which is mainly the result of the small number of high-quality trials. Therefore, we recommend performing more randomized, controlled trials of high methodological quality, taking into account criteria such as randomization, blinding, and compliance.

Does aerobic exercise improve or impair cardiorespiratory fitness and health among cleaners? A cluster randomized controlled trial

“…We consider this increase to be clinically relevant in this population because of their low baseline cardiorespiratory fitness [24.9 (SE 6.6) ml O 2 × min -1 × kg -1 ] and because their aerobic workload already exceeded recommended levels. Previous worksite interventions have found similar effect sizes on cardiorespiratory fitness in both sedentary and physically demanding jobs (20,21).…”

“…To our knowledge, a reduction of the relative aerobic workload by aerobic exercise has not yet been shown to be successful among blue-collar workers. High quality aerobic exercise interventions among workers with high levels of occupational physical activity are few and with conflicting findings (16)(17)(18)(19), especially regarding cardiovascular risk factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure (BP) (20,21).…”

Musculoskeletal neck and back pain in undergraduate dental students at a UK dental school — a cross-sectional study

“…29,31 Some studies suggest that ergonomic advice on improving physical activity should be offered before the individual begins his or her working career or during education. 32,33 A study from Peros et al 34 showed that the introduction of a physical fitness program into the dental curriculum, involving 90 minutes of cardiovascular activity per week, had a positive impact on lower back pain amongst final-year dental students in Croatia.…”

Influence of illness and unhealthy behavior on health‐related early retirement in Korea: Results from a longitudinal study in Korea

“…These chronic diseases reduce the sustainable working status in those with good health and contribute to early retirement. There is strong evidence from the Worksite Physical Activity Programs (WPAP) that an increase in workers' physical activity and general health is linked to a reduction in musculoskeletal disorders 29) . Because musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common problems in the workplace that contribute to a reduced sustainable working status, preventing these disorders could help workers to sustain their jobs 30) or find other jobs, hence sustaining their working status following involuntary retirement.…”