Effects of bench step exercise intervention on work ability in terms of cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Work ability is partly determined by physical and mental fitness. Bench step exercise can be practiced anywhere at any time. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a bench step exercise on work ability by examining cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress. Thirteen volunteers working in a warehousing industry comprised the bench step exercise group (n = 7) and the control group (n = 6). The participants in the step exercise group were encouraged to practice the step exercise at home for 16 weeks. The step exercise improved glucose metabolism and antioxidative capacity and increased work ability by reducing absences from work and improving the prognosis of work ability. The improvement in work ability was related to a reduction in oxidative stress. These results suggest that a bench step exercise may improve work ability by reducing cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress.

Keywords:

• work ability
• bench step exercise
• cardiovascular risk factors
• oxidative stress
• physical fitness

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the staff of Imamura Hospital for their excellent assistance.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This work was supported by a UOEH Research Grant for Promotion of Occupational Health (2011).