The Work Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise Program for Preventing Functional Decline in Employees over 55 years: Development and Initial Evaluation

Abstract

Background: The global increase in older employees requires target-group-specific approaches for health promotion. Traditional occupational health interventions (OHI) are rarely taken up due to a lack of time or motivation. LiFE (Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise) integrates neuromotor and strength exercises into everyday life. This study aimed to (1) iteratively adapt the LiFE program for employees ≥ 55 years in a work setting (i.e., wLiFE), and (2) pilot the initial wLiFE version to measure feasibility and pre-post-changes in neuromotor function, strength and physical activity (PA).Methods: For aim 1, a standardised 5-point approach (community assessment, expert and stakeholder consultation, development, modify LiFE to wLiFE), was used. For aim 2, feasibility was tested through a 4-week pre-post intervention study administered by personal trainers. Questionnaires on adherence, exercise frequency, adverse events, and acceptance, were used. Neuromotor function was measured with the 12-Level Balance Scale (12-LBS) and Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CBM), strength with the 60-sec chair test, and PA with a one week sensor-based monitoring. For statistical analysis, mean and standard deviation, and for pre-post changes Wilcoxon signed-rank test with effect size (r) were calculated.Results: The participant manual from the previous LiFE program was adapted based on iterative wLiFE development. In the pilot study, 15 employees (mean age 59, range 55-65 years, 8 female) implemented 9 out of 12 wLiFE activities with 100% intervention adherence. Exercise frequency ranged from 32%-73% days/week and 0.5-2 times/day. No adverse events occurred, and acceptance was high (school grade: 1.6; 92% recommend it). Greatest effects were found for sedentary behaviour-related PA variables (i.e., sedentary bouts > 30min, r = .736, p = .017; sedentary time, r = .516, p = .110) and neuromotor function (CBM, r = -.667, p = .030; 12-LBS, r = -.600, p = .095). Medium effects were found for strength (60-sec chair test, r = -.462) and specific PA variables (number of steps, r = -.363) although not significant (p = .169 - .273). Participants with low baseline function showed higher pre-to-post increases in neuromotor function, strength, and PA (r = .214-1.000).Conclusion: wLiFE development was successful, and pilot testing revealed a positive participants’ feedback, indicating feasibility of LiFE in a work setting with older employees. Changes observed in CBM and sedentary-related variables are promising and justify future studies in this field. The next steps are program adjustments based on study findings and subsequently evaluating wLiFE in a randomised controlled trial.