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Does work-site physical activity improve self-reported psychosocial workplace factors and job satisfaction? A randomized controlled intervention study

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate whether a work-site strength-training program has a positive effect on self-reported psychosocial workplace factors and job satisfaction.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial among laboratory technicians implementing neck and shoulder exercises for pain relief, with 199 participants in the training group and 228 in the control group. Influence at work, sense of community, time pressure, and job satisfaction were measured with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention after 20 weeks.

Results

There was no statistically significant change in any of the four variables in the training group from baseline to follow-up (all p ≥ 0.39). When we used MANOVA to test for between-group effects over time, we did not find any statistically significant result (all p > 0.14).

Conclusions

This study does not provide evidence for an effect of a work-site strength-training program on self-reported psychosocial workplace factors and job satisfaction.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants from the Danish Working Environment Research Fund [Grant number: 08-2007-03]. In addition, the workplaces contributed to the study by allowing employees to train for 1 h per week for 20 weeks during paid working time.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

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Correspondence to K. K. Roessler.

Additional information

Current Controlled Trials number: NCT01071980.

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Roessler, K.K., Rugulies, R., Bilberg, R. et al. Does work-site physical activity improve self-reported psychosocial workplace factors and job satisfaction? A randomized controlled intervention study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 86, 861–864 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0823-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0823-z

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