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Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular health in the workplace: a case study
G Torres1, P J Gradidge1, D Constantinou1
1Centre for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Insights
A 12-week exercise program significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and reduced medical claims in a corporate employee. This highlights the importance of incorporating CRF into workplace wellness initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health and wellness
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a critical predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, often overlooked in corporate wellness programs.
- Employers lack awareness regarding the significant impact of CRF on employee health and associated healthcare costs.
- Existing chronic diseases pose a substantial burden, necessitating effective intervention strategies within the workplace.
Observation:
- A case study focused on a 12-week exercise intervention for a male corporate employee with pre-existing chronic conditions.
- The intervention aimed to assess changes in CRF, cardiovascular health markers, and medical health claims.
- This study provides a focused examination of individual response to a structured worksite wellness program.
Findings:
- Significant improvements were observed in health outcome measures post-intervention.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) demonstrated the most substantial improvement among all measured parameters.
- Medical health claims experienced a notable reduction in the three-month period following the exercise program.
Implications:
- Worksite wellness programs should integrate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as a key health outcome measure.
- Regular monitoring of CRF in employees is recommended to proactively manage health risks.
- Implementing evidence-based exercise interventions can lead to improved employee health and reduced healthcare expenditures.
Background:
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality, contributing a higher proportion of CV risk compared to other traditionally recognised risk factors. However, CRF is not included in usual workplace wellness protocols and, as such, employers are not aware of the importance of this factor.
Aim:
The aim of this case study was to explore the effect of a 12-week exercise intervention programme on CRF, CV health and medical health claims in a male participant who was employed by a corporate company with existing chronic diseases.
Findings:
Health outcome measures improved after the 12-week exercise intervention programme. CRF showed the greatest improvement and medical health claims were lowered during the three-month post-intervention period.
Implications:
CRF should be included as a health outcome measure in worksite wellness programmes and monitored.
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