139. Workplace physical activity program improves employees’ mental health
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A new study shows that physical activity programs at work may benefit employees’ mental health and well-being. In the study, published in the journal Current Psychology, researchers at Deakin University in Australia enrolled almost 3,000 workers in a 50-day online workplace wellness program which stressed walking and other physical activity during the work day. They calculated that participants had between 10 and 20 percent lower rates of anxiety, depression and stress at the end of the 50 days. A recent survey showed employee stress, worry, anger and sadness are at record high levels. These findings suggest employers could use physical activity programs to improve the mental health of their employees in less than two months.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
