The effect of a 14-week employee fitness program on selected physiological and psychological parameters

A 14-week study was undertaken to determine the effects of a structured employee exercise program on blood lipid profiles and selected physiological and psychological parameters. Specific analyses dealt with the effects of exercise on total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoproteins, total triglycerides, trait anxiety, self-concept, oxygen uptake, weight, body fat percentage and resting heart rate and blood pressure. Subjects were 73 male and female employees of the Xerox Corporation joining a newly developed health fitness program. For the duration of the study they exercises as often as they chose using activities such as running and cycling to raise heart rates to a target level for 20-minute sessions. At the conclusion of the study, subjects were grouped by frequency of exercise to determine overall effects of the program and possible intergroup variations. Significant improvements overall were found in self-concept (physical, personal and social), trait anxiety, resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure, total triglycerides and total cholesterol. Significant improvements overall and differences among the attendance groups were found in absolute and relative predicted maximum oxygen uptake. These improvements related directly to frequency of exercise.