Research Plus

Worksite exercise

A cluster randomised controlled trial of a worksite strength-training programme demonstrated no benefit to participants in reported psychosocial factors or job satisfaction¹. The study was set up following the finding of a 2009 meta-analysis that increasing employees’ physical activity at work might lead to reduced job stress and increased job satisfaction². A total of 282 workers took part in a 20-week programme comprising three 20-minute sessions of high-intensity strength training for the neck and shoulder muscles three times a week. The control group comprised 255 workers encouraged to stay active and who were consulted once a week by a supervisor. Three psychosocial factors – influence at work, sense of community, and time pressure – as well as job satisfaction were measured by validated questionnaire. There were no significant differences in any of the four variables. 

1. Does work-site physical activity improve self-reported psychosocial workplace factors and job satisfaction? A randomized controlled intervention study. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 2013; 86(8): 861–864.
2. Meta-Analysis of Workplace Physical Activity Interventions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2009; 37(4): 330–339.

Tags evidence based practice health promotion physical activity stress

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2014 (vol. 10/6) pp19