The impact of physical activity on sickness absence

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine whether the volume and intensity of physical activity are associated with subsequent sickness absence spells of different lengths, and how much of these associations can be explained by socioeconomic position, body mass index (BMI) and physical health functioning. Baseline data were collected by questionnaire surveys in 2000-2002 among 40-60-year-old employees of Helsinki City (n=6465, 79% women). Sickness absence data were derived from the employer's registers (mean follow-up time 3.9 years). Associations of physical activity with shorter (< or =14 days) and longer (>14 days) sickness absence spells were examined, using Poisson's regression analysis. The volume of physical activity was weakly and somewhat inconsistently associated with sickness absence. However, men and women who were vigorously active systematically had reduced risk of sickness absence, whereas the same volume of moderately intensive physical activity did not reduce the risk of sickness absence. Adjusting for BMI and in particular physical health functioning attenuated these associations, after which the associations lost statistical significance. The results suggest that vigorous physical activity is associated with sickness absence and may contribute to better work ability.

Changes in leisure-time physical activity and subsequent sickness absence: A prospective cohort study among middle-aged employees

“…One study suggests that high leisure-time physical activity is associated with a lower risk of sickness absence, whereas high occupational activity increases the risk (Holtermann et al, 2012). Some studies suggest that vigorous physical activity is important in preventing sickness absence (Lahti et al, 2010b;Proper et al, 2006). Previous studies on various health outcomes also suggest that vigorous activity may provide additional health benefits to moderate intensity activity (Janssen and Ross, 2012;Lahti et al, 2010a, in press;Lee and Paffenbarger, 2000;Samitz et al, 2011).…”

“…walking/brisk walking) and 3. vigorously active (at least 14 MET-hours/week including vigorous physical activity i.e. jogging/running) (Lahti et al, 2010b). These three groups at the baseline and at the follow-up yielded nine groups describing changes over time in leisure-time physical activity from one group to another.…”

“…Previous studies on various health outcomes also suggest that vigorous activity may provide additional health benefits to moderate intensity activity (Janssen and Ross, 2012;Lahti et al, 2010a, in press;Lee and Paffenbarger, 2000;Samitz et al, 2011). Sufficient intensity of physical activity is important for fitness (American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand, 1998) and functioning (Lahti et al, 2010a) and may thereby contribute to reduced sickness absence (Lahti et al, 2010b).…”

Leisure-time physical activity and absenteeism

“…Previous studies have shown a relationship between leisure-time PA and absenteeism -it has been determined that vigorous PA significantly reduces absenteeism due to sickness (13). It has also been shown that musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases -diseases in which PA has a significant preventive role -are among the main causes of absenteeism, permanent disability, and early retirement (14).…”

The usefulness of descriptive statistics in the interpretation of data on occupational physical activity of Poles

“…Wyniki niektórych badań pokazują, że duże obciążenie fizyczne w miejscu pracy wcale nie oznacza poprawy zdolności funkcjonalnych i motorycznych (6), a wysoka zawodowa aktywność fizyczna może zwiększać ryzyko absencji w pracy (wyznacznik globalnego zdrowia) (11,13). Z kolei rosnący poziom aktywności fizycznej w czasie wolnym może to ryzyko zmniejszać (14).…”