A comparison of exercise versus lifestyle change programs in an occupational setting

Abstract

Wellness programs for relieving job stress and for decreasing the incidence of physical and mental illness have been implemented in the workplace with increasing frequency over the past few years. These programs usually incorporate two types of interventions. These include active interventions such as exercise programs, and didactic interventions such as lifestyle change programs. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the impact of active versus didactic interventions on job stress, job satisfaction, and other health-related variables.

This study was conducted at AT&T Communications in Kansas City, Missouri from January to April, 1986. A total of 110 employees participated in the study. Measures included two self-report instruments, including the Job Tension Index, and the Job Description Index. A general self-report questionnaire regarding health-related behaviors was also used. Finally, blood pressure was taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer, and pulse was taken from the radial artery.

Data were analyzed using a variety of multivariate statistical techniques. The analyses revealed that the exercise program was associated with positive changes on some of the dependent measures, including estimates of fitness, satisfaction with people and supervision on the job, and satisfaction with the job in general. Neither the exercise nor the lifestyle change programs were associated with improvements on the remaining dependent measures. Despite the lack of support for the initial hypotheses delineated for this study, the finding that the exercise program was associated with positive changes in job satisfaction was an addition to research in this field. This study supports findings of previous research in that wellness programs show promise; however, further research is necessary to establish their effectiveness.