Effects of a physical exercise intervention on subjective physical well‐being, psychosocial functioning and general well‐being among office workers: A cluster randomized‐controlled cross‐over design

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a workplace physical exercise intervention on subjective physical well‐being, psychosocial functioning and general well‐being.The study was a cluster randomized‐controlled trial with the department (n=4) as the unit of randomization. The subjects (n=90) were office workers [mean age 45.7 (SD 8.5) years]. Psychosocial functioning and well‐being variables were measured by descriptive visual rating scales. The cross‐over design consisted of one 15‐week intervention period of light resistance training and guidance and another 15‐week period of no training and no guidance. The statistical analysis was based on linear mixed models.The active component of the intervention, light resistance training, resulted in a slight, but statistically significant, increase in subjective physical well‐being (P=0.015). At the average training time of 5 min/working day (25 min/week) the average increase during the 15‐week period was 4 units (95% confidence interval (CI) 1–7) and 5% (95% CI 1–9). The physical exercise intervention had no effect on somatic symptoms, anxiety, self‐confidence, mood, mental stress at work, working atmosphere, life satisfaction or meaning of life.Daily light resistance training, conducted during the working day, had a positive direction on subjective physical well‐being among office workers.