The main objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a 6-month workplace combined (exercise and nutrition) intervention in obese office workers, using a randomized controlled study. An additional objective of this study is to evaluate the individual responses per participant following the program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
36
The IG will participate in a supervised 6-month combined intervention program (exercise and nutrition), which will take place inside the workplace settings during working hours. In more detail, the IG will participate, every working day (5 days/week), in a 6-month supervised combined chair-based exercise program (120 training sessions; 25-40 min/day), including chair based seated and chair-assisted standing exercises to improve flexibility, balance, strength and aerobic capacity. Except exercise, the intervention program consisted of weekly counseling and educational activities in healthy diet and proper hydration using presentations, leaflets, individual and group sessions with nutritionist, use of applications for proper hydration, use of goal-setting cards for healthy options
Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Thessaly
Trikala, Greece, Greece
Body fat
Body fat (BF): BF% will be assessed using the bioelectrical impedance method (Maltron 900).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Body circumferences
The waist and hip circumferences will be measured using an ergonomic circumference measuring tape (Seca 201).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Blood pressure
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be measured, using an electronic upper arm blood pressure monitor (A\&D-UA-851).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Respiratory function
Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) will be measured, using a portable spirometer (Micro, Medical, Micro).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Lipidemic profile
A blood sample will be obtained after overnight fasting (12 h), as previously described \[37\]. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides will be determined using a biochemical analyzer (Clinical Chemistry Analyzer Z 1145; Zafiropoulos Diagnostica S.A., Koropi, Greece), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) will be calculated using the Friedewald equation.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Lower body flexibility:
The sit-and-reach test will be performed using a Flex-Tester box (Novel Products Inc., Rockton, IL, USA).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Static balance
The single-limb stance test (with eyes opened) was performed, as previously described by Rinne et al.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
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Dynamic balance:
The timed up-and-go test was performed, as previously described by Rikli and Jones.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Handgrip strength
Maximal isometric handgrip strength will be assessed using a portable hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar 5030J1, Horsham, USA).
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Aerobic capacity:
The YMCA 3 min step test was used, which will be performed following the metronome cadence (96 beats per minute; 4 steps per cycle). The participants' HR will be measured 1 min following the termination of the step test.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet
The adherence to the Mediterranean diet will be assessed before and after the 6-month period using the specific Mediterranean Diet Score (range of total score: 0-55) \[34-35\]. The MedDietScore measures the weekly consumption of the following 9 food groups: non-refined cereals (whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, etc), fruit, vegetables, legumes, potatoes, fish, red meat and products, poultry, full fat dairy products (like cheese, yoghurt, milk), as well as olive oil and alcohol intake \[35\].
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months