Occupational and leisure-time physical activity and workload among construction workers - a randomized control study.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Exercise Physiology
• Workplace Wellness

Background:

• Quantification of occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is lacking among construction workers.
• Construction work involves significant physical demands, impacting worker health and safety.
• Understanding physical activity patterns is crucial for developing targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in construction workers.
• To assess physical workload during occupational tasks.
• To evaluate the effect of a physical activity intervention on PAEE and OPA.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-seven construction workers participated, with self-reported and directly assessed physical activity (PA).
• Occupational PA (OPA) was observed using the "Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling" tool.
• A 12-week PA intervention involved 3x20-minute training sessions per week for the intervention group.

Main Results:

• Baseline median OPA was 5036 MET-min/week and LTPA 2842 MET-min/week.
• Directly assessed OPA was 56.6 J/kg/min and LTPA was 35.7 J/kg/min.
• Manual material handling comprised ≥25% of working time for over 50% of participants. Post-intervention, the training group showed reduced overall PAEE compared to controls, but not specifically during work.

Conclusions:

• Occupational physical activity levels were within recommended guidelines but did not decrease following the PA intervention.
• The PA intervention did not specifically reduce occupational physical activity.
• Further research is needed to optimize interventions for reducing physical workload in construction.