Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 10, Issue 1 , Pages 51-57, January 2006

The effectiveness of a pragmatic worksite physical activity program on maximal oxygen consumption and the physical activity level in healthy people

  • Håvard Østerås, PT, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Sør-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Health Education and Social Work, Department of Physical Therapy, Ranheimsv 10, N-7004 Trondheim, Norway
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +4773559305; fax: +4773559351.
    • ,
  • Sigbjørn Hammer, PT

      Affiliations

    • Rosenborg Sport Clinic, Lerkendal, N-7492 Trondheim, Norway

Received 18 November 2004; received in revised form 7 February 2005; accepted 8 February 2005.

Summary 

Background and purpose: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a workplace physical activity program on maximal oxygen consumption and the physical activity level in healthy people.

Subjects: One hundred and thirty-one subjects (80 men and 51 women) in a group of company employees were randomly assigned into the experimental group.

Methods: A prospective unblinded clinical trial. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was predicted from a cycle ergometer test. Physical activity level was conducted from a self-reporting questionnaire. The experimental group was given an individual pragmatic program to increase the everyday physical activity level based on motivation and opportunity.

Results: The VO2max increased significantly () with a significant () increase in the overall physical activity level. The body mass index (BMI) did not increase significantly.

Discussion and conclusion: A worksite physical activity program, with an individual pragmatic approach, may increase the physical activity level and hence VO2max in a group of company employees.

Keywords: Endurance training, Physical activity, Maximal oxygen uptake, Workplace

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PII: S1360-8592(05)00024-0

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2005.02.003

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 10, Issue 1 , Pages 51-57, January 2006

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