Psychosocial effects of workplace exercise - a systematic review

Objectives Workplace exercise interventions are known to reduce musculoskeletal complaints and are widely offered to promote employee's health. The psychosocial effects of such interventions are not clear. This review evaluates the effects of workplace exercise interventions on the psychosocial work environment and mental health. Methods A systematic review was performed by screening four scientific databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Database, PsycINFO and Web of Science) for published randomized controlled trials in English from 1998-2018. The review followed the PRISMA statement guidelines using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias and the GRADE approach for assessment of quality. Two researchers independently performed database search, study screening, and evaluation. Results Twenty two randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Substantial heterogenicity in the studies included was found in study populations, types of intervention, and outcome measures performed. Quality assessment revealed a generally low level of quality in the studies included. This was partly the result of the limited possibilities for blinding and the self-reported outcome measures. Conclusion Workplace exercise interventions seem to have limited effects on mental health and the psychosocial work environment. Future studies should incorporate blinding and independent outcome measures.