Occupational and leisure-time physical activity and workload among construction workers - a randomized control study.
There is a lack of quantification of occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among construction workers.



To describe physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), physical workload, and the effect of a PA-intervention among construction workers.



Sixty-seven Construction workers self-reported their physical activity (PA), had PA assessed directly (PAEE), and observed OPA using the tool "Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling." The PA-intervention (Intervention; n = 29, Controls; n = 24) included 3x20-min training/week for 12 weeks.



Baseline median OPA was 5036 MET-min/week and LTPA 2842 MET-min/week, p < 0.01. OPA directly recorded was (mean ± SE): 56.6 ± 3.2 J/kg/min and LTPA was: 35.7 ± 2.2 J/kg/min (p < 0.001). Manual material handling was performed for ≥ 25% of working time by more than 50% of the participants. Post-intervention, the training group reduced overall PAEE compared to the control group but not specifically during work.



OPA was within the maximum recommended level of 1/3 proposed in consensus guidelines but did not decrease with PA-intervention.
a Institute of Regional Health Research/Centre Southwest Jutland, University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark.
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Gram
b Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , England, UK.
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Westgate
c National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark.
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Karstad
c National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark.
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Holtermann
d Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark.
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Søgaard
b Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , England, UK.
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Brage
d Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark.
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Sjøgaard
D060389:Construction Industry; D006804:Ergonomics; D015444:Exercise; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D011187:Posture; D057566:Self Report; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace
Occupational health; Physical fitness; Workplace physical activity program