[Physical activity program during working hours among industrial workers in Israel]

During 1984-1985, 540 employees of 2 pharmaceutical factories of the Teva concern participated in a physical activity program. To evaluate its effects on employees' health, the participants were randomly divided into 2 groups of equal size. The test group participated in regular physical exercise before lunch for 15 minutes, 5 days a week. The controls played social games for the same time periods while seated. The physical activity program included stretching, relaxing, and aerobic exercises. The program was carried out by employees who had been trained to be instructors by the researchers and were supervised by a professional teacher. During the 7 months of the study, adherence was about 90%. The results in test and control groups were determined by questionnaires. After 7 months, the test group clearly showed increased interest in sports activities, increased job satisfaction and work efficiency, and decreased fatigue during work.