The relationship between meeting of recommendations on physical activity for health and perceived work ability among white-collar workers

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meeting recommendations on physical activity for health in leisure-time and the ability to work among Polish white-collar workers. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 360 white-collar workers. Participants recorded 7-day physical activity logs, including form, duration and intensity of leisure-time physical activities. The results were compared to health recommendations. A standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used in assessing the ability to work. Results: Participants who met health recommendations achieved higher scores of the WAI (mean score = 41.93) in comparison to those who were not sufficiently physically active (mean score = 39.35) (p < .001). The results of binary logistic regression show that meeting health-related physical activity recommendations almost double the odds of reaching at least good work ability (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12–3.36). Conclusions: Meeting leisure-time physical activity recommendations (especially the criterion of vigorous physical activity) is significantly related to higher self-assessed ability to work among white-collar workers.

Keywords:

• Exercises
• guidelines
• health behaviours
• lifestyle
• occupational health
• Work Ability Index

Additional information

Funding

There were no sources of funding for this work.