IMPROVED HEALTH AND COPING BY PHYSICAL EXERCISE OR COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL STRESS MANAGEMENT-TRAINING IN A WORK-ENVIRONMENT

The effects of two types of stress-reduction interventions on physically inactive employees in an insurance company have been studied. After balancing for sex, level of job stress, and anxiety, subjects were allocated at random to: (a) aerobic physical exercise, (b) stress management training, or (c) a control group (no treatment). A total of 76 subjects (96%) were tested after ten weeks of training and 72 (91%) were examined at six month follow up. Aerobic exercise resulted in significantly increased aerobic capacity, improved feelings of well-being and significantly decreased complaints of muscle pain. There were no changes in anxiety and job stress reports, but job satisfaction was significantly reduced. Stress management training resulted in improved coping ability, but no significant changes in somatic or psychological health. The immediate effects of the interventions, therefore, were rather-specific. No unspecific treatment effects were observed across groups. At six months follow up 56% of the participants in the physical exercise group were still active. About 40% of the subjects in the stress management group and half of the controls started physical training. Participation in the study, therefore, seemed to have a positive effect on life style and health behavior across groups. Five months additional physical exercise also increased the perception of being able to cope with the environment.