Effect of Short Term Workplace Exercise Intervention on Lipid Profile, Depression, Work Ability and Selected Physical Parameters of University Employees in Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Background/Objectives: Work places are important settings for interventions to increase physical activity¹ and physical activity is one option to increase work ability². The aim of the study was to examine the effect of 12 week exercise programme on lipid profile, depression, work ability and selected physical parameters in university employees. Methods: Twenty-seven males with age ranging from (27–57 y) were randomized into intervention (n = 13) and control group (n = 14). Twelve weeks of non-supervised exercise programme was administered to intervention group. Exercise was performed twice a week consisting of 30 min of aerobic and resistance training. Results: After 12 weeks significant improvement was seen in depression (P = 0.035), total cholesterol (P = 0.027), low density lipoprotein (P = 0.016), body weight (P=.0003), fat percent (P= 0.001), body mass index (P=0.01) and resting heart rate (P= 0.036) in exercise group while no significant improvement was observed in work ability (P = 0.138), high density lipoprotein (P = 0.097) triglycerides (P = 0.582), very low density lipoprotein (P = 0.523), fasting blood sugar (P= 0.233), systolic pressure (P= 0.223) and diastolic pressure (P= 0.908). Application/improvement: Twelve weeks of non-supervised exercise programme was effective and enhanced improvement in physical parameters and lowered total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein in male employees of university.