¹University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
²Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

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Introduction: Physical exercise training at the workplace has been shown to improve health benefits including decreased neck pain [1]. We have previously demonstrated such positive effects following one year of training intervention in a randomized controlled study [2]. Data from the same study allowed to estimate Return on Investment (ROI) from the employer perspective. The economic aspects of such interventions have been reported scarcely but may encourage companies to implement a health promotion program if an economic profit is evidenced. The purpose of this study is to examine if the implementation of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) generates a positive Return on Investment (ROI) among office-workers in Denmark.

Methods: This study is a parallel one-year longitudinal randomized controlled trial, where IPET was individually recommended based on physical health checks [3]. Data is based on questionnaires on absenteeism, presenteeism, and productivity as well as on salaries for workers, instructors and health care personnel. Economic gain/loss is calculated based on direct cost = (hourly salary x 7,4 hours x number of sickdays last 12 month) + (training and testing hrs 12 month x salary per hr) and indirect cost = (12 months x monthly salary x difference in workability (%) + 12 months x monthly salary x difference in productivity (%)). Data is analyzed in STATA, p<0,05.

Results: No significant differences were seen between CG and TG at baseline. An intention-to-treat analysis showed a significant difference of the economic loss/gain between TG (N=160) and CG (N=161). A per-protocol analysis (adherence of ≥70% (N=78)) showed that the economic gain was primary created by this group accounting for 97% of the positive gain. In total a positive ROI on DKK 6 was obtained for each DKK invested (6:1).

Discussion: Workplace health interventions can yield a positive ROI. This study finds IPET cost-effective, supporting its role in reducing absenteeism and boosting productivity. Economic gain was mainly driven by employees with high adherence (≥70%). Ensuring engagement is key. Long-term follow-ups are needed to confirm sustained benefits.

Conclusion: IPET delivers a positive ROI (6:1), benefiting both health and economy. Success depends on high adherence.

Literatur

[1] Chen X, Coombes BK, Sjøgaard G, Jun D, O'Leary S, Johnston V. Workplace-Based Interventions for Neck Pain in Office Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2018 Jan 1;98(1):40-62. DOI 10.1093/ptj/pzx101
[2] Dalager T, Justesen JB, Sjøgaard G. Intelligent Physical Exercise Training in a Workplace Setting Improves Muscle Strength and Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:7914134. DOI: 10.1155/2017/7914134
[3] Sjøgaard G, Justesen JB, Murray M, Dalager T, Søgaard K. A conceptual model for worksite intelligent physical exercise training--IPET--intervention for decreasing life style health risk indicators among employees: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2014 Jun 26;14:652. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-652