A cognitive and physical stress reducing programme on psychological complaints
Author(s): Willem Van Rhenen, Roland W. B. Blonk, Jac J. L. van der Klink, Frank J.H. van Dijk, & Wilmar B. Schaufeli Country: Netherlands
Is the intervention sector specific?	No
Is the intervention usable with different enterprise sizes?	Yes
Is the intervention equally applicable to both genders?	Yes
Is the intervention based on theory?	Yes
Can the intervention approach be adapted/ tailored?	Yes
Does the intervention promote CSR and how?	The intervention was not explicitly linked to responsible business practices although it does promote employee well-being
Does the intervention promote social dialogue and how?	Social dialogue is not a key component of this intervention
Overview (including risk assessment and law – legal requirements etc.): A newly developed intervention combining physical exercise and relaxation techniques was developed by van Rhenen and colleagues with the overall objective of reducing health complaints resulting from individuals experiencing high levels of work-related stress. This is a brief and concise intervention to help those suffering with stress-related illness to manage and cope more effectively. The aim of this intervention is to provide awareness and the introduction of physical exercise in daily work activities.
Implementation: The intervention is based on four sessions taking place during working hours. The exercise programmes utilized during the intervention were designed and conducted by an authorised physical therapist. Prior to commencing the exercise programme, a consultation, takes place to modify the level and intensity of exercise programmes on an individual basis. Each training session lasted one hour and was delivered over the course of 8 weeks: the intervals between sessions were 2 weeks, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Every session consisted of four main components: (1) an introduction; (2) warming up and physical exercise; (3) relaxation exercise; (4) an assignment. • Session 1: During this introductory session the term ‘stress’ and its associated effects on physical, psychological and behavioural aspects of health were outlined. Additionally, the use of physical activities as a key coping strategy was emphasised. Next, participants began with warming up and keep fit exercises followed by teaching and practicing a relaxation exercise. At the end of the session the participants were given homework; namely, they were asked to practice the learned relaxation technique during experienced stressful situations. • Session 2: This session began with a review of the past 2 weeks: including a discussion of participants’ homework. A warm up session, exercise, and muscle stretching followed. During this session a concentrated focus on the relationship between heart rate and strain was emphasised. Participants were encouraged to utilize the knowledge acquired during this, and the pervious, session as homework. • Session 3: The third session started with an assessment and a keep-fit exercise. Subsequently, participants were asked to plan their daily exercises; and evaluate their progress. • Session: 4: In this final session, the different physical exercises & relaxation techniques were reviewed. The session ended with advice on prevention relapse
Practical applications: The intervention has a developed protocol facilitating its easier applicability at a practical level. The exercise programme was conducted by a trained physical therapist; thus, the implementation of this intervention requires a trained professional. The current intervention has been applied in the private sector, a large-scale organisation. Albeit the author(s) emphasise their belief of its applicability and adaptability to a larger variety of occupational sectors; and various sizes of enterprises.
Innovative aspects: The current intervention is a purposefully designed brief intervention underpinned by multi-component design: combining physical activity and teaching relaxation techniques, thereby training and teaching individuals affected by stress, and its associated negative effects on health, with a repertoire of skills to manage and cope more effectively.
Evaluation (including process issues, outcomes and sustainability): Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) the newly developed combined intervention of physical exercise and relaxation; or (b) a standard cognitive therapy intervention. Participants were assessed pre-intervention, directly following the intervention and 6 months following. The outcome measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention consisted of three self-reported questionnaires on psychological complaints (i.e., measurements of depression, anxiety, distress, and somatisation).
Benefits (including cost effectiveness): The evaluation of the combined intervention found that a demonstrated positive impact on psychological complaints, burnout and fatigue and that these effects were maintained at the 6 months’ follow up. This suggests that this newly developed physical exercise and relaxation programme is an effective method of reducing stress and increasing workers well-being.
References: Van Rhenen, W., Blonk., R.W.B., van der Klink, J.J.L., van Dijk, F.J.H., & Schaufeli, W.B. (2005). The effect of a cognitive and physical stress-reducing programme on psychological complaints. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 78(2), 139-148.
Comments: The intervention target group was individuals with above average stress levels; this was determined by conducting a health survey prior to commencing the intervention. Additionally, in the comparative evaluation of the interventions no significant differential effects between the two conditions were observed.