scholarly journals Proof of concept and feasibility of the app-based ‘#SWPMoveMore Challenge’: Impacts on physical activity and well-being in a police population

Author(s):  
Helen Oliver ◽  
Owen Thomas ◽  
Robert James Copeland ◽  
Ian Hesketh ◽  
Matt Jukes ◽  
...  

An app-based physical activity intervention (#SWPMoveMore Challenge) was completed by 239 workers from one UK police force using a quasi-experimental design. Impacts were assessed against minutes of movement, individual difference and work-related stress variables using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The concept was feasible and translatable to a UK police population and the intervention significantly benefited direct measures of physical activity and perceptions of vitality, job stress, job satisfaction, negative coping strategy use and engagement at work. The intervention was also motivational in helping individuals take-up and maintain physical activity and positively impacted morale and comradery within the work-force.

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
Zenel Orhani ◽  
Marsela Shehu

Abstract Work related stress is thought to affect an individual’s psychological and physical health in different ways. The aim of the study is to identify the level of stress at work and the impact that the involvement in Physical Activity has for the overall psychological well-being and healthy lifestyle. The sample of the study includes 416 subjects aged 25 - 64 years old, 177 males and 239 females from different professions in Tirana. Instruments used are “Workplace Stress Survey” by The American Institute of Stress (AIS) and “Employee Physical Activity Survey” by EDB Sonoma County, California. The second questionnaire was modified and adapted by the authors for the purposes of this study. For statistical data processing and qualitative descriptions SPPS statistical software package, version 20, Microsoft Office Excel 2007 has been used. The data show that subjects are at a moderate level of stress at work (60.1%), thus stress is present. The dominant gender with work stress is represented by females (60.8%). Referring to the type of profession favoring PA, subjects claim that they cannot be involved in PA in the workplace (78.1%). The subjects are characterized by a low level of PA performance even in their free time; on average they spend 1 - 2 hours/week for 1 - 2 days. As a conclusion, we can say that involvement in PA for managing and reducing stress in the workplace and not only, it is considered as one of the most important factors, it mainly focuses on reducing anxiety and irritability, and increased concentration in individuals′ professional tasks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Saboga-Nunes ◽  
P Madaleno ◽  
T Ferreira ◽  
R Guerra ◽  
I Mata ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Stress health problems affect 47.8% of the work force in Portugal. It is predicted that, in the next decade, these problems will overcome musculoskeletal disorders, the first cause of employee’s withdrawal from work. Research indicates connections between stress and dimensions of the work place (like job satisfaction). Nevertheless the conceptual understanding of these relationships is sparse. In order to better understand these relationships, this research focus on the use of job–specific models of stress, associating them with health literacy (HL) - in the context of the European Health Literacy Survey framework (HLS-EU) - and physical exercise. Methods A total of 748 participants from the different offices of a company in the financial sector (Portugal, main land and autonomous territories) participated in a cross sectional survey (CAWI). Age ranged from 25 to 65 years and HL was measured using the HLS-EU instrument validated to Portuguese (HLS-EU-PT). Each participant was allocated to one of the groups, either of satisfactory HL (when scores ≥30) or insufficient HL (when scores <30). Results Out of the 748 participants (58.7% males, average age of 39 years), 80.4% sometimes and very often experience stress and tension in the workplace. Less than one in every two (44.4%) practice physical activity several times a week. Of the participants, 7.1% have inadequate, 39.0% problematic, 36.6% sufficient and 17.3% excellent HL (HLS-EU-PT). Employees that are more active are those who experience lower levels of stress. Conclusions The research of the effects of HL combined with physical exercise, as buffer variables to problems related to the effects of work stress, is a new area of research that may help understand patterns of adherence to activities that can help workers deal with everyday working conditions. More research is needed to integrate HL strategies in the work place.


Author(s):  
Alexis R. Stefaniak ◽  
Jessica M. Blaxton ◽  
C. S. Bergeman

The present study explores differences in daily stress across individuals of varying ages. Specifically, we explore whether age group (young adult, midlife, late midlife, later life) relates to differences in types of stress (family, friends, partner, health, finances, work), total stress exposure, and perceptions of daily stress intensity. Participants from the Notre Dame Study of Health & Well-being (NDHWB; N = 891) completed daily questionnaires assessing negative small life events and perceived stress for 8 weeks. Findings indicated that young adults reported a higher average number of family, spouse, finance, and work-related stress. Additionally, total daily stress was highest among young adults, and perceived stress was lowest among later life adults. Because daily stress relates to long-term mental and physical stress, gaining a better understanding of how individuals at different points in the life span uniquely experience stress can inform intervention and preventative care techniques aimed at promoting optimal well-being.


Author(s):  
Paul Cullen ◽  
Joan Cahill ◽  
Keith Gaynor

Abstract. Increasing evidence suggests that commercial airline pilots can experience physical, mental, and social health difficulties. Qualitative interviews with commercial airline pilots explored the relationship between work-related stress and well-being. Participatory workshops involving pilots were conducted. The methodology of this action-based research involved a blend of person-centered design approaches; specifically, “stakeholder evaluation” and “participatory design.” The findings further support the hypothesis that pilot well-being is being negatively affected by the nature of their work. The biopsychosocial model of the lived experience of a pilot, as presented in this paper, provides a useful structure to examine pilot well-being, and to identify and scope potential coping strategies to self-manage health and well-being issues associated with the job of being a pilot.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 822-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Mailey ◽  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Brandon C. Irwin

Background:The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based intervention to promote physical activity and self-worth among working mothers.Methods:Participants (N = 69) were randomly assigned to receive a standard web-based intervention or an enhanced intervention that included group dynamics strategies to promote engagement. The 8-week intervention was guided by self-determination theory. Each week, participants were instructed to complete 3 tasks: listen to a podcast related to well-being, complete a workbook assignment, and communicate with other participants on a discussion board. Participants in the enhanced condition received an additional weekly task to enhance group cohesion. Data were collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16.Results:Physical activity (P < .001, η2 = 0.35) and self-worth (P < .001, η2 = 0.39) increased significantly in both groups following the intervention, and introjected (P < .001, η2 = 0.30) and external motivation (P = .04, η2 = 0.10) decreased. Website use declined across the 8-week intervention in both groups (P < .001, η2 = 0.48); however, discussion board use was higher in the enhanced condition (P = .04, η2 = 0.21).Conclusions:These findings suggest web-based interventions can improve physical activity and self-worth among working mothers. Group dynamics strategies only minimally enhanced user engagement, and future studies are needed to optimize web-based intervention designs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Di Romano Benini

The months of a gradual exit from the pandemic show some significant data and phenomena regarding the phenomenon of accidents at work and occupational diseases. The Italian figure highlights a recovery in injuries and illnesses, but also in the impact of new risk factors deriving from the digitalization of work, which grew with smart working during the pandemic. At the same time, the new organizational models highlight the increased risk of work-related stress diseases. The Italian situation makes clear the need to intervene on the issue of organizational well-being and welfare, to limit the negative impact of risk factors associated with this economic system on society and the health system through a new work culture.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Philippe Lachance ◽  
Marc Corbiere ◽  
Gabriel Hains-Monfette ◽  
Paquito Bernard

Background. Work is reported as one of the main sources of psychological stress. Because of its role in the onset of burnout and impact on economic and health systems, work-related stress (WS) has become an issue of much concern. Among modifiable factors capable of reducing WS, two categories of physical activity (PA), namely leisure-time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LTPA and MVPA), show promising evidence. Previous findings suggest that LTPA and MVPA allow adults to experience psychological detachment from job demands and restore their depleted resources at work. However, the optimal independent doses of LTPA and MVPA associated with a lower WS level has not yet been established. Methods. The aim of this study was therefore to address this gap using a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of 4 200 Canadian workers. MVPA was measured through accelerometry and a self-reported assessment was conducted to collect data on WS and LTPA. Results. Generalized additive models indicated that one hour a day on average spent doing a LTPA of 8.5 METs-hour was associated with the highest benefits on WS (p < 0.001, Adjusted R2 = 0.04) while the optimal average daily dose of MVPA was around 90 minutes (p < 0.001, Adjusted R2 = 0.04). Noteworthy, first signs of WS reduction appear long before optimum is reached (e.g. 30 minutes of MVPA), stressing the relevance of merely doing an LTPA/MVPA regardless of the dose. Conclusion. Findings offer practical recommendations for public health policies on the optimal doses of MVPA/LTPA associated with decreased WS.


Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M Newell

Abstract The cumulative effects of chronic work-related stress pervasively and persistently affect the well-being of the human services workforce. As a preventive measure, the ongoing commitment to self-care strategies and resources is essential in maintaining a healthy and resilient professional quality of life. This article describes a holistic approach to cultivating professional resilience through the ongoing practice of self-care. A model for self-care using an ecological systems framework with activities across the biological, interpersonal, organizational, familial, peer-related, spiritual, and recreational aspects of the biopsychosocial self is proposed. Within this model, emphasis is placed on the role of compassion satisfaction and vicarious resilience as key components to fostering meaningful and rewarding careers for social workers.


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