Physical activity, musculoskeletal disorders, burnout, and work engagement: a cross-sectional study on Italian white-collar employees

• Main Authors: Stefano Amatori (Author), Erica Gobbi (Author), Davide Sisti (Author), Giorgia Pivato (Author), Germana Giombini (Author), Rosalba Rombaldoni (Author), Giorgio Calcagnini (Author), Marco B. L. Rocchi (Author), Fabrizio Perroni (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

IntroductionBoth mental and physical health of office workers had a positive relationship with their work engagement, with the latter relationship being driven by the association of a healthy diet and physical activity (PA). This observational study aimed to investigate the associations between PA levels, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), burnout, and work engagement, in a sample of white-collar employees.MethodsA total of 615 workers (age 42.2 ± 9.5 years) successfully completed an online questionnaire comprising work-related information and standardized questionnaires on PA, MSDs, burnout and work engagement.Results36.9% of the participants did not meet the PA guidelines, 19.0% adhered to them, and 44.1% exceeded them. A significant portion of participants reported suffering from MSDs, primarily neck/shoulder and/or low back/hip pain. Those exceeding PA guidelines had fewer MSDs compared to non-compliant participants and exhibited better mental health and work engagement. Compliance with PA guidelines was associated with a 38% reduced risk of emotional exhaustion, with an even greater reduction of 47% among those surpassing the guidelines.DiscussionPA could exert a positive effect on physical and mental health of employees, but only if performed above a certain amount. The study supports the need to identify workplaces as suitable for health-focused interventions and lifestyle changes.

Item Description

2296-2565
10.3389/fpubh.2024.1375817