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Effects of 1-year worksite structured exercise intervention at different volumes and intensities on physiological markers of health status

2012; Elsevier BV; Volume: 15; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.574

1440-2440

Alfonso Jiménez, Òscar García, Fernando Naclerio, Silvano Zanuso,

Cardiovascular and exercise physiology

Introduction: Addressing diet, physical activity and exercise in the workplace environment has the potential to improve health status of workers; contribute to a positive and caring image of the company; improve staff morale; reduce staff turnover and absenteeism; enhance productivity; and reduce sick leave, health plan costs and workers' compensation and disability payments. Structured exercise interventions are particularly effective to improve musculoskeletal fitness levels and as a result health and quality of life, but evidences coming from long-term specific interventions delivered at the worksite are very limited.Purpose: To assess the effects of a 1-year structured exercise programme (SEP) (linear periodization) in physiological markers of health status in a group of employees trained at different intensities and volumes.Methods: a group of employees (n = 200) completed a 1-year SEP at the worksite organized with a linear periodization model, in 4 mesocycles of 12 weeks each one. Participants were randomized in one of the 4 different groups: control group (n = 46), 2-days per week (n = 51), 3-days per week (n = 49), and more than 3-days per week (n = 54). A comprehensive fitness test protocol was applied at the beginning, after 6 months of intervention and at the end of the year, after proper familiarization process before the initial testing. Testing included a complete health screening, fitness levels, lipids profile, fasting glucose, physical activity reported by IPAQ and directly measured by accelerometer (Mywellness key, Technogym, Forly, Italy), perceived wellbeing (SF-36), job performance and job satisfaction. The specific fitness testing included VO2 max test (modified Balke protocol), maximal strength (leg press, lat pull and bench press) and flexibility (sit and reach).Results: significant improvements in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness levels, cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels and wellbeing were identified in the active groups after the intervention, compared to the control group (p < 0,05). The analysis of the specific results between groups showed no significance between the 2-days and the 3-days per week group (p > 0,05), while the high frequency group (more than 3-days/week) achieved, as expected, higher levels of significant improvement (p < 0,05).Discussion: A strong commitment to integrate exercise into the lifestyle is mainly challenging for the most of the sedentary population, and despite the multiple benefits supported by evidences, the minimum dose to achieve the maximum results is a critical factor for engagement, especially at the beginning. Our study identified significant benefits just with two sessions per week, helping the participants to develop and active lifestyle at work. Introduction: Addressing diet, physical activity and exercise in the workplace environment has the potential to improve health status of workers; contribute to a positive and caring image of the company; improve staff morale; reduce staff turnover and absenteeism; enhance productivity; and reduce sick leave, health plan costs and workers' compensation and disability payments. Structured exercise interventions are particularly effective to improve musculoskeletal fitness levels and as a result health and quality of life, but evidences coming from long-term specific interventions delivered at the worksite are very limited. Purpose: To assess the effects of a 1-year structured exercise programme (SEP) (linear periodization) in physiological markers of health status in a group of employees trained at different intensities and volumes. Methods: a group of employees (n = 200) completed a 1-year SEP at the worksite organized with a linear periodization model, in 4 mesocycles of 12 weeks each one. Participants were randomized in one of the 4 different groups: control group (n = 46), 2-days per week (n = 51), 3-days per week (n = 49), and more than 3-days per week (n = 54). A comprehensive fitness test protocol was applied at the beginning, after 6 months of intervention and at the end of the year, after proper familiarization process before the initial testing. Testing included a complete health screening, fitness levels, lipids profile, fasting glucose, physical activity reported by IPAQ and directly measured by accelerometer (Mywellness key, Technogym, Forly, Italy), perceived wellbeing (SF-36), job performance and job satisfaction. The specific fitness testing included VO2 max test (modified Balke protocol), maximal strength (leg press, lat pull and bench press) and flexibility (sit and reach). Results: significant improvements in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness levels, cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels and wellbeing were identified in the active groups after the intervention, compared to the control group (p < 0,05). The analysis of the specific results between groups showed no significance between the 2-days and the 3-days per week group (p > 0,05), while the high frequency group (more than 3-days/week) achieved, as expected, higher levels of significant improvement (p < 0,05). Discussion: A strong commitment to integrate exercise into the lifestyle is mainly challenging for the most of the sedentary population, and despite the multiple benefits supported by evidences, the minimum dose to achieve the maximum results is a critical factor for engagement, especially at the beginning. Our study identified significant benefits just with two sessions per week, helping the participants to develop and active lifestyle at work.