Interventions to promote work ability by increasing sedentary workers' physical activity at workplaces - A scoping review

Abstract

Although worksite interventions increase physical activity, little is known about their effects on work ability. The objective of this scoping review was to examine the extent, range and nature of interventions to promote work ability by increasing the physical activity or decreasing the sedentary time of sedentary workers in order to identify implications for health promotion at workplaces. We searched Medline, Cochrane Central, and Scopus and identified 29 intervention studies. Using an iterative method, we provided an overview of the study elements and extracted details on study sample, design, intervention content, outcomes, and beneficial effects. Most of the studies (N = 25) were RCTs. Thirteen studies reported beneficial effects on work ability. Tailored and group-based interventions and interventions including environmental actions were often beneficial (9/13). We identified features of feasible and effective interventions for promoting work ability by increasing the physical activity or decreasing the sedentary time of sedentary workers. However, more studies are needed on the sustainability of these effects, and versatile interventions tailored to workers and work demands.

Keywords: Physical activity; Sedentary work; Work ability.