Assessment of Workplace Characteristics and Physical Activity Preferences as Integral Part of Physical Activity Promotion Strategies for Middle-aged Employees

There is growing scientific evidence of physical activity (PA) benefits, not only at individual level, but also social and economic benefits. Therefore, PA benefits have been recognized in developed countries and promotion strategies for PA activities have been developed and implemented. This study presents some basic procedures for the development of PA promotion strategies for middle-aged employees (40 to 65 years old) in Croatia. Research has been carried out on a representative sample of middle-aged employees in Croatia (n=766). Data were gathered by structured one-to-one interviews. On the basis of physical, mental strain and workplace characteristics and by means of cluster analysis, we identified 5 clusters in male and 4 clusters in female participants: a) male and female employees who predominantly sit during work time b) male and female employees who predominantly walk during work time c) male and female employees who predominantly stand during work time d) male and female employees who predominantly sit during work time and are highly mentally strained and stressed out during work time e) male employees who predominantly carry load during work time Finally, we created guidelines for the development of health-oriented PA programs for each group of employees.