Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Determining The Electromyographic Fatigue Threshold Following a Single Visit Exercise Test
Published on: July 27, 2015
The Effect of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training on Sickness Presenteeism and Absenteeism Among Office Workers
Just Bendix Justesen1, Karen Søgaard, Tina Dalager
1Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (Dr Justesen, Dr Søgaard, Dalager, Dr Christensen, Dr Sjøgaard); Denmark Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Dr Søgaard); and Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (Dr Christensen).
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of individually tailored intelligent physical exercise training (IPET) on presenteeism and absenteeism among office workers.
Methods:
In a 1-year randomized controlled trial (RCT), employees were allocated to a training group TG (N = 193) or control group CG (N = 194). TG received 1-hour high-intensity IPET once a week within working hours, and was recommended to perform 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) 6 days a week during leisure-time.
Results:
An intention-to-treat analysis showed no effect on absenteeism, but a significant 4% increase in workability and 9% increase in general health in TG compared with CG. A per-protocol analysis [adherence of ≥70% (N = 89)] in addition showed a significant 6% increase in productivity and a 29% reduction in absenteeism compared with CG.
Conclusion:
IPET combined with recommendations of leisure-time PA significantly improved presenteeism and decreased absenteeism if following the protocol.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...