Use of technologies for the creation of new hybrid services, based on physical exercise, to improve the health of workers: a case study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought teleworking into the spotlight due to the limitations for containing the spread of the virus, while compulsory confinement increased the proportion of sedentary or obese workers, and work-related stress or anxiety. To mitigate these effects, workers should, among other things, engage in physical exercise and take care of their nutrition, and it is the responsibility of companies to facilitate this to their employees. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact on physical health and well-being of a new hybrid pilot service (face-to-face-online) in a sports centre, evaluating its effectiveness. The methodology used was quantitative, using validated measurement tools such as the short IPAQ version, SF36, electrical bioimpedance, dynamometer, VO2 max, or abdominal waist. The sample . = 44 members who completed the programme, 45.5% were men and 54.5% women. Data were analysed using SPSS v28. The results show that the proposed hybrid programme works, as it optimised physical activity patterns and metabolic expenditure, as well as all physical and anthropometric variables, which experienced statistically significant improvements. The hybrid programme has been effective, achieving improvements in all the variables analysed and demonstrating the advantages it offers to clients, nutritionists, trainers and the company. These new hybrid programmes can improve revenues in sports companies after such a difficult period as the pandemic and post-pandemic. Moreover, such hybrid services can help to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of workers. In practical terms, the new hybrid service is an interesting service to be commercialised with a high chance of success.