From U Sao Paulo: More on workplace fitness

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22289695

J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Jan 26. [Epub ahead of print]
Health and Fitness Benefits of a Resistance Training Intervention Performed in the Workplace.
Zavanela PM, Crewther BT, Lodo L, Florindo AA, Miyabara EH, Aoki MS.
Source
1School of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; 2Hamlyn Center, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom; 3School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; and 4Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract
Zavanela, PM, Crewther, BT, Lodo, L, Florindo, AA, Miyabara, EH, and Aoki, MS. Health and fitness benefits of a resistance training intervention performed in the workplace. J Strength Cond Res 26(X): 000-000, 2012-This study examined the effects of a workplace-based resistance training intervention on different health-, fitness-, and work-related measures in untrained men (bus drivers). The subjects were recruited from a bus company and divided into a training (n = 48) and control (n = 48) groups after initial prescreening. The training group performed a 24-week resistance training program, whereas the control group maintained their normal daily activities. Each group was assessed for body composition, blood pressure (BP), pain incidence, muscular endurance, and flexibility before and after the 24-week period. Work absenteeism was also recorded during this period and after a 12-week follow-up phase. In general, no body composition changes were identified in either group. In the training group, a significant reduction in BP and pain incidence, along with improvements in muscle endurance and flexibility were seen after 24 weeks (p < 0.05). There were no changes in these parameters in the control group, and the between-group differences were all significant (p < 0.05). A reduction in worker absenteeism rate was also noted in the training (vs. control) group during both the interventional and follow-up periods (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that a periodized resistance training intervention performed within the workplace improved different aspects of health and fitness in untrained men, thereby potentially providing other work-related benefits. Thus, both employers and employees may benefit from the setup, promotion, and support of a work-based physical activity program involving resistance training.