Abstract des Autors

The physical, physiological and perceived benefits of an executive fitness programme were evaluated at 12 different companies six months after these companies had implemented an on-site programme. Significant (p<0,05) improvements occurred in the PWC170 (2,2-2,6 watt/kg), systolic blood pressure (134-129 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (90-87 mm Hg), abdominal strength (28-35 situps/min), sit-and-reach flexibility (35-38,9 cm) and percentage body fat (13,9%-12,7%). Non-significant changes occurred in total body mass. Some perceived benefits that can have an influence on the company's productively and health care costs were also experienced by the participants. In this respect 41,6% indicated that their job performance and attitude towards their work improved while 72% and 44,6% felt that they had more stamina and could manage work pressure and stress better. Of the executives in this study 79,6% and 77,4% indicated that their personal health attitude and consciousness of the importance of a health life-style improved. Seventy-nine percent (79,4%) of the executives also felt that such a programme was cost effective for the company. Verf.-Referat