Long Term Cardiovascular Health Effects of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training Among Office Workers—A 2 Year Follow up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to assess long-term effects of intelligent physical exercise training (IPET) on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and cardiometabolic measures. Methods Office workers were randomized to a control group (CG, n = 194) or a training group (TG, n = 193). The TG received 1-hour weekly IPET during paid working hours for 2 years and recommendations to perform 30-minute leisure time physical activity 6 d/wk (LPA). Results Training group compared with CG demonstrated a significantly larger increase in VO2max of 0.13 ± 0.06 L/min and improved cardiometabolic measures at 1-year follow-up that were maintained at 2-year follow-up, with larger increases in VO2max among high-adherence participants. Conclusions Intelligent physical exercise training and LPA showed the potential for long-term improved VO2max and cardiometabolic measures. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of integrating IPET during paid working hours, and the significance of adherence to training was underlined.