Long term impact of a fitness programme--the Canada Life Study

Information gathered over twelve years operation of the Canada Life Assurance fitness programme is reviewed. Motives leading to programme initiation included sale of a health-related product, managerial interest, and government and university support. Participation is now a little under capacity, at about 13% of eligible staff. Except in a small minority of members, the impact upon physical condition and lipid profile has been marginal. The reported community exercise participation of employees has increased since initiation of the programme. An early reduction of employee turnover has been sustained in programme participants. A reduction of absenteeism is limited to enthusiastic participants, with a 0.13% payroll saving for the company as a whole. An early analysis suggested a substantial Hawthorne effect, but a 2.7% gain of productivity relative to a matched control company. Medical insurance claims were also lowered in the first year after introduction of the programme, probably because of gains in perceived health. The Canadian Health Hazard Appraisal instrument showed a two-year reduction of appraised age in male participants. The gymnasium area was developed at a cost of about $175,000, or $700/m2 1990 Canadian dollars, and the current operating budget is about $110,000/year. The 400 members each pay $55/year, and the company provides an operating subsidy of about $200/member. Overall findings suggest the programme remains cost-effective and cost-beneficial.