Scand J Work Environ Health 2012;38(5):467-475 pdf
https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3260 | Published online: 04 Nov 2011, Issue date: 01 Sep 2012
Effect of individualized worksite exercise training on aerobic capacity and muscle strength among construction workers – a randomized controlled intervention study
Objectives The combination of high physical work demands and low physical capacity has been shown to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the physical capacity of construction workers and evaluate the effect of individually tailored exercise programs on their physical fitness and muscular capacity.
Method The study was a randomized controlled trial of male constructions workers allocated to either an exercise or control group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and the exercise group trained 3 x 20 minutes a week. The participants completed health checks before and after the intervention period. Data from the first health check were used to tailor the exercise in the interventions.
Results At baseline, participants had maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of 2.9 [standard deviation (SD) 0.7] l/min and body mass index (BMI) of 28.3 (SD 4.7). Compared to representative data on employees in Denmark (N=78), this study population (N=67) had significantly lower relative aerobic capacity [difference in z-score -1.13 , standard error (SE) 0.1, P<0.001] and higher BMI [difference in z-score 1.10, SE 0.2, P<0.001] at baseline. With respect to the intervention, group x time analyses showed a significant difference in estimated change in VO2max of 0.4 l/min for the exercise group and 0.0 l/min for the control group (P<0.001). Body mass and other general health measures remained unchanged.
Conclusion Training for 20 minutes, 3 times a week significantly increased VO2max with a clinically relevant magnitude regarding risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This study demonstrates a good effectiveness for integrating short exercise bouts into organizational routines among constructions workers.
Key terms aerobic capacity; cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular health; construction worker; exercise; fitness; intervention; leisure-time physical activity; muscle strength; occupational health; occupational physical activity; occupational setting; physical activity; physical fitness; physical heavy work demands; randomized controlled intervention; randomized controlled trial; worksite exercise
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