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

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 (P<0.001) with a significant (P<0.001) 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. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.