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J Epidemiol Community Health 66:1071-1078 doi:10.1136/jech-2011-200626
  • General papers

A worksite vitality intervention to improve older workers' lifestyle and vitality-related outcomes: results of a randomised controlled trial

Open Access
  1. Willem van Mechelen1,2
  1. 1Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  2. 2Body@Work, Research Center Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  1. Correspondence to Professor Allard J van der Beek, Occupational Epidemiology, VU University Medical Center, Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO+ Institute, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands; a.vanderbeek{at}vumc.nl

  1. Contributors JES, KIP, AJvdB and WvM provided support in the design of the Vital@Work study. KIP wrote the initial research project proposal. JES coordinated the data collection, performed data analysis and drafted the manuscript. KIP, AJvdB and WvM contributed intellectual input and provided support for this study. All authors contributed to the further writing of the manuscript. All authors have read and corrected draft versions of the manuscript and approved the final manuscript.

  • Accepted 17 December 2011
  • Published Online First 20 January 2012

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a worksite vitality intervention on vigorous physical activity (VPA), fruit intake, aerobic capacity, mental health and need for recovery after work among older hospital workers (ie, 45 years and older).

Methods The 6-month intervention was evaluated using a randomised controlled trial design. Workers who were randomised to the intervention group (n=367; control: n=363) received the Vital@Work intervention containing (1) a Vitality Exercise Program (VEP) combined with (2) three visits to Personal Vitality Coach. The VEP consisted of a weekly yoga session, a weekly workout session and weekly unsupervised aerobic exercising. Free fruit was provided at the VEP. Data on the outcome measures were collected (ie, year 2009–2010) at baseline (n=730) and 6 months of follow-up after baseline (n=575) using questionnaires, accelerometers and 2 km walk tests. Effects were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle with complete cases (n=575) and imputed data (n=730) using linear regression analyses. Additional analyses were performed for high yoga and workout compliance (ie, >mean number of sessions).

Results Effects were found for sports activities (β=40.4 min/week, 95% CI 13.0 to 67.7) and fruit intake (β=2.7 pieces/week, 95% CI 0.07 to 4.7) and were stronger for workers with high compliance to yoga (sport: β=49.6 min/week, 95% CI 13.9 to 85.2; fruit: β=3.8 pieces/week, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.4) and workout sessions (sport: β=72.9 min/week, 95% CI 36.1 to 109.8; fruit: β=4.0 pieces/week, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.4). The intervention group lowered their need for recovery, when compared to controls (β=−3.5, 95% CI −6.4 to −0.54), with stronger effects for high workout compliance (β=−5.3, 95% CI −9.3 to −1.3). No effects were found on VPA, aerobic capacity or mental health.

Conclusions Implementation of worksite yoga and workout facilities and minimal fruit interventions should be considered by employers to promote transitions into healthier lifestyles and thereby health.

Footnotes

  • Funding The Vital@Work study is financially supported by the ‘Foundation Institute GAK’. The trial is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR) under trial registration number: NTR1240 (http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=1240).

  • Competing interests None.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Ethics approval The study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of VU University Medical Center.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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