Physical activity and relaxation during and after work are independently associated with need for recovery
Journal of Physical Activity and Health 2014
Van Sluijs EM, Boot C RL, Coffeng JK, Hendriksen IJM, van Mechelen W
URL : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24509946
Abstract
Background To study the associations between during and after work hours physical activity and relaxation and need for recovery (NFR) in office workers at a financial service provider. Methods Self-reported baseline data of 412 employees (mean age 41.3 years; 39.6% women) were used. Linear regression analyses were performed to test associations of physical activity, relaxation, detachment and breaks at work with NFR. Results A lower NFR was significantly positively associated with standing, stair climbing, active lunchbreak, relaxation, detachment at work, physical detachment at work, relaxation and detachment at home. In the multiple model, a lower NFR was independently positively associated with frequency of stair climbing, minutes spent in leisure activities, detachment at work, physical detachment at work, relaxation and detachment at home (p<0.05). Significant effect modification indicated that the positive association between relaxation at home and NFR was stronger with high job demands. Conclusion Although prospective evidence is necessary to confirm the causal relationships, our findings suggest that engaging in stair climbing, leisure activities, (physical) detachment at work, relaxation and detachment after work is associated with a lower NFR. For future worksite health promotion initiatives, interventions might be targeted at improving physical activity and relaxation.