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Effectiveness of a Goldilocks Work intervention in childcare workers - A cluster-randomized controlled trial

  • 0The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. kgs@nfa.dk.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health +

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March 4, 2024

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March 4, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Goldilocks Work intervention for childcare workers did not improve high-intensity physical activity. However, it did boost energy levels at work and reduce the need for recovery among participants.

Area Of Science

  • Occupational health
  • Workplace wellness interventions
  • Physical activity promotion

Background

  • Childcare workers often experience poor cardiorespiratory fitness and health.
  • Existing workplace interventions may not adequately address the need for high-intensity physical activity in this sector.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the `Goldilocks-games` intervention in increasing occupational high-intensity physical activity among childcare workers.
  • To assess the impact of the intervention on various work-related health outcomes.

Main Methods

  • A two-arm cluster randomized trial involving 16 childcare institutions and 142 workers.
  • An 8-week intervention focused on the `Goldilocks Work` principle, contrasted with a control group.
  • Primary outcome: occupational time in high-intensity physical activity; Secondary outcomes: active behaviors, sleep heart rate, pain, exhaustion, energy, productivity, and recovery needs.

Main Results

  • The intervention was successfully implemented and received by participants.
  • No significant increase in occupational high-intensity physical activity or most secondary health outcomes was observed.
  • A statistically significant increase in energy at work (0.65 points) and a decrease in the need for recovery (-0.32 points) were noted in the intervention group.

Conclusions

  • While the `Goldilocks-games` intervention was feasible, it did not enhance high-intensity physical activity in childcare workers.
  • The intervention showed potential benefits by improving energy levels and reducing recovery needs.
  • Further research is required to develop effective health-promoting workplace interventions for the childcare sector.