Die invloed van deelname aan fisieke aktiwiteit tydens vryetyd op die koronêre risiko-, lewenstyl- en gesondheidstatus-indeks van werknemers by ʼn finansiële instelling

Abstract

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of hypokinetic diseases, which include risk factor development of coronary heart diseases, which can lead to ill health and reduced productivity. This study analysed the impact of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on indices of health status (HSI), lifestyle (LSI) and coronary risk (CRI) amongst employees in a financial institution. The sample included 475 employees (159 males; 316 females) with a mean age of 35.8 ± 8.6 and 35.1 ± 8.5 years respectively, divided into three age groups of ≤35, 36 – 45 and ≥46 years. Results indicated that men and women in the moderate- and high-active groups showed significantly better LSI in all the age groups compared to their counterparts in the low-active group. Only men aged ≥46 years present a significantly better CRI in the high-active group. The HSI showed no significant changes. The male high-active group tended to be better than the low-active group. The CRI of the women indicated no tendencies between the low- and high-active groups. The findings suggest the need for employers to implement wellness strategies including the enhancement of the physical activity status of the employee to ensure a healthier and more productive workforce. Further research in the field of corporate health and wellness is of paramount importance.

Keywords: Physical activity; Health status; Coronary risk factors; Lifestyle habits; Corporate sector; Hypokinetic disease.

Article text in Afrikaans