Effects of two controlled physical exercise programs on work ability, job satisfaction and anxiety in three sedentary companies: a pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To assess the effect of two supervised physical exercise interventions in the workplace on work capacity, job satisfaction and self-perceived anxiety. Methods: A pre-experimental study was conducted on workers with sedentary occupations from three different companies and sectors: (1) Renewable energy engineering; (2) Insurance and (3) Infrastructure and services. The participants of the first two were administered a supervised physical exercise program at their corporate headquarters in Madrid (PRODET®: n=12; mean age 43.21±7.04 and n=16; mean age 46.59±5.01, respectively). The third company carried out another physical exercise intervention in a single corporate headquarters in Madrid (HASAVI; n=18; mean age 39.25±9.83). A pre- and post-test intragroup analysis was performed on work capacity, job satisfaction and perception of anxiety. Results: The PRODET® program in the company (1) found a significant improvement in work capacity in relation to requirements (p=0.033; η2=0.24) and an increase in psychic vitality (p=0.037; η2= 0.23). In this company, a significant increase was found in the overall score of the work capacity index (p=0.045; η2=0.20). The program also improved the perception of satisfaction in relation to remuneration and benefits (p=0.016; η2= 0.19), the perception of satisfaction related to the quality of production (p=0.013; η2=0.21) and the total score of job satisfaction (p=0.016; η2=0.19). There was also a decrease in trait anxiety (p=0.039; η2=0.22). No statistically significant differences were observed in the change of values from pre to post in any other company and program (p>0.05). Conclusions: The PRODET® supervised physical exercise program could influence work capacity and job satisfaction in general.