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Workplace-Based Exercise Intervention Improves Work Ability in Office Workers: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

Author

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  • Joshua Zheng Rui Ting

    (School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

  • Xiaoqi Chen

    (School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

  • Venerina Johnston

    (RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia)

Abstract

Neck pain is a burden to employers and employees amenable to improvement with neck/shoulder strengthening exercises. However, the benefits of such interventions on office workers’ work ability remains unknown. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week combined ergonomics and neck/shoulder strengthening exercise intervention (EET, n = 177, mean age 41.7 years, 26% female), versus a 12-week combined ergonomics and health promotion intervention (EHP, n = 173, mean age 43 years, 29% female) on work ability among office workers. Work ability was measured by a single question. Differences in the work ability score were analyzed using the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (i.e., adherence ≥70%) analyses for between- and within-group differences at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 months. A sub-group analysis was performed for neck cases, defined as reporting neck pain as ≥3 (out of 10). No significant between-group differences for work ability were observed in the general population, and subgroup of neck cases. A significant group-by-time interaction effect at 12 weeks and the trend for significance at 12 months favored the EET group in the per-protocol analysis of the neck cases. EET was effective in increasing work ability post-intervention and potentially, in the long-term, in symptomatic participants with ≥70% adherence to the intervention. However, EET was not superior to EHP.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua Zheng Rui Ting & Xiaoqi Chen & Venerina Johnston, 2019. "Workplace-Based Exercise Intervention Improves Work Ability in Office Workers: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-10, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:15:p:2633-:d:251026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oili Kettunen & Timo Vuorimaa & Tommi Vasankari, 2014. "12-Mo Intervention of Physical Exercise Improved Work Ability, Especially in Subjects with Low Baseline Work Ability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Svein Barene & Peter Krustrup & Andreas Holtermann, 2014. "Effects of the Workplace Health Promotion Activities Soccer and Zumba on Muscle Pain, Work Ability and Perceived Physical Exertion among Female Hospital Employees," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(12), pages 1-14, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Billy C. L. So & Grace P. Y. Szeto & Rufina W. L. Lau & Jie Dai & Sharon M. H. Tsang, 2019. "Effects of Ergomotor Intervention on Improving Occupational Health in Workers with Work-Related Neck-Shoulder Pain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Alberto Villanueva & Juan Rabal-Pelay & César Berzosa & Héctor Gutiérrez & Cristina Cimarras-Otal & Belén Lacarcel-Tejero & A. Vanessa Bataller-Cervero, 2020. "Effect of a Long Exercise Program in the Reduction of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Office Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-10, December.

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