Table 1 Summary of studies describing non-traditional physical activity (PA) programs at workplace
From: Advancing health-enhancing physical activity at workplace: Sport4Heath 2020 scientific forum
| Ref. | n | Duration | Exercise program | Measured variables | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [29] | 204 (M + F) | 16 weeks |
I - Progressive resistance exercise C - Bodyweight and elastic band exercises |
Musculoskeletal pain intensity Blood pressure 1-RM strength BMI |
I ↓; C ↓ I ↓; C ↓ I ↑; C ↑ I ↓; C ↓ |
| [30] | 350 (M + F) | 12 weeks |
I - Ergonomics and neck/shoulder strengthening exercises C - Ergonomics and health promotions | Work ability index | I →; C → |
| [27] | 8143 (M + F) | 72 weeks |
I - Wellness program including PA and nutrition C – No treatment |
Weight loss Engagement to exercise Health-related questioners Blood pressure Blood lipids Absentsism from work Job performance |
I ↓; C → I ↑; C → I →; C → I →; C → I →; C → I →; C → I →; C → |
| [31] | 142 (M + F) | 24 weeks |
I - Stretching exercise EG - Ergonomic modification group IE - Combined exercise and ergonomic modification group C - No treatment |
Neck pain Shoulders pain Lower back pain |
I ↓; IE ↓; EG ↓; C → I ↓; IE ↓; EG ↓; C → I ↓; IE ↓; EG ↓; C → |
| [27] | 35 (M + F) | 7 weeks |
I - Neck shoulders resistance exercise C - Stretching and postural exercise |
Pain intensity and disability Active ROM Muscular endurance SF-38 |
I ↓; C ↓ I ↑; C ↑ I ↑; C → I →; C → |
| [22] | 100 (M + F) | 6 weeks |
I - Pelvic control hamstring stretching E - General hamstring stretching C - No treatment |
Oswestry disability index Visual analog scale Work ability index Sit and reach test Straight leg raise |
I ↓; E ↓; C ↓ I ↓; E ↓; C → I ↑; E ↑; C → I ↑; E ↑; C → I ↑; E ↑; C → |
| [32] | 200 (F) | 10 weeks |
I - Strength training at work C - Strength training at home |
Vitality and mental health (SF-36) Psychosocial work environment Work- and leisure disability Pain Scale |
I ↑; C → I →; C → I →; C → I ↓; C → |
| [19] | 96 (M + F) | 24 weeks |
I - Supervised strength exercise for the back and core muscles while on duty C - No treatment | Back and core muscular endurance | I ↑; C → |
| [24] | 14 (M) | 12 weeks |
I – 60 min of specific (welding) strength training C - No treatment |
1RM strength Blood pressure RPE during workdays |
I ↑; C → I →; C → I →; C → |
| [23] | 537 (M + F) | 20 weeks |
I - High-intensity strength exercise for neck/shoulders C - Guidelines and no treatment |
Shoulders pain Neck pain |
I ↓; C → I ↓; C → |
| [33] | 20 (M + F) | 16 weeks |
I - Stretching exercises IC - Combined exercise and educational intervention EI - Educational intervention C - No treatment | Quality of life and health | I ↑; IC ↑; EI →; C → |
| [20] | 66 (M + F) | 10 weeks |
I - Strength exercise for the upper body C - Ergonomic training |
Work ability index Visual analog scale ( |
I ↑; C ↓ I ↓; C ↑ |
| [21] | 58 (F) | 12 weeks |
I - Hamstring stretching C – No treatment | ROM | I ↑; C: → |
| [25] | 67 (NR) | 12 weeks |
I - Combination of aerobic and strength exercise C - No-treatment |
Maximal oxygen uptake Isometric muscle strength Blood pressure Total cholesterol |
I ↑; C → I →; C → I →; C → I →; C → |
| [34] | 48 (M + F) | 6 weeks |
I - Yoga exercises C - No treatment |
Profile of Mood States Bipolar Inventory of Positive Psychological Attitudes |
I ↑; C → I ↑; C → |
| [35] | 53 (M + F) | 15 weeks |
I - Light resistant training C - Exercise guidelines and no-treatment | Low back pain | I ↓; C → |