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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-07-2016 | Original Article

Implementing intelligent physical exercise training at the workplace: health effects among office workers—a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Tina Dalager, Just Bendix Justesen, Mike Murray, Eleanor Boyle, Gisela Sjøgaard

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 7/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The aim was to assess 1-year cardiovascular health effects of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training, IPET.

Methods

Office workers from six companies were randomized 1:1 to a training group, TG (N = 194) or a control group, CG (N = 195). TG received 1-h supervised high intensity IPET every week within working hours for 1 year, and was recommended to perform 30-min of moderate intensity physical activity 6 days a week during leisure. The training program was based on baseline health check measures of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body composition, blood pressure, blood profile, and musculoskeletal health.

Results

There were no baseline differences between groups. CRF assessed as VO_2max in absolute values and relative to body weight was (mean ± SD): 3.0 ± 0.8 l/min and 35.4 ± 10.9 ml/min/kg for females, 3.9 ± 1.0 l/min and 37.9 ± 11.79 ml/min/kg for males. Intention to treat analysis demonstrated a significant almost 5 % increase in VO_2max in TG compared with CG. A per protocol analysis of those with an adherence of ≥70 % demonstrated a significant increase in CRF of more than 10 % compared with CG, and a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (−5.3 ± 13.7 mm Hg) compared with CG.

Conclusion

High intensity IPET combined with the recommendations of moderate intensity physical activity demonstrated significant clinical relevant improvements in CRF and systolic blood pressure. This underlines the effectiveness of health promotion by implementing physical exercise training at the workplace.

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Title: Implementing intelligent physical exercise training at the workplace: health effects among office workers—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tina Dalager
Just Bendix Justesen
Mike Murray
Eleanor Boyle
Gisela Sjøgaard
Publication date: 01-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3397-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Implementing intelligent physical exercise training at the workplace: health effects among office workers—a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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