WORKSHOP: The Physical Activity Health Paradox

Please note!

This workshop is part of two interrelated events covering The Physical Activity Health Paradox:

• ONLINE WEBINAR: 6th – 7th of September 2021
  (REGISTER HERE)

• ON-SITE WORKSHOP: 8th – 9th of September 2021

The online webinar is free of charge and open for all.

The on-site workshop is a natural continuation from the webinar with excellent opportunities for in-depth discussions and informal networking with other experts and specialists. The workshop has limited seats.

If you would like to attend the workshop, we recommend also attending the webinar.

About this course

While leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is considered among the best investments for good health, work ability and longevity, high levels of occupational physical activity (OPA) are shown to increase risks for poor health, work productivity loss and premature mortality. These opposing effects of physical activity constitute the physical activity health paradox (PA paradox).

Even though work is the main domain of physical activity worldwide, occupational physical activity is barely mentioned in the current physical activity guidelines. The guidelines recommend physical activity, but do not distinguish between LTPA and OPA. This lack of differentiation and communication regarding the benefits and risks of physical activity at work and leisure can be challenging for particularly workers and workplaces with manual work. The current physical activity recommendations and respective one-size-fits-all interventions might not be beneficial for prevention of ill health and sick leave, health promotion, work productivity, quality of life and longevity for millions of people worldwide

This course will:

• facilitate a better understanding of the PA paradox
• present the latest available evidence and potential mechanisms
• discuss the recent WHO guideline for physical activity and sedentary behavior and occupational health guidelines and recommendations
•  debate how we can “bridge the gap” between research, practice and guidelines on PA in Occupational health, Public health, clinical and preventive practice

There will be presentation and discussion of different types and strategies for preventive workplace interventions and presentation of examples of initiatives from workplaces and municipalities. We will have a dialog between researchers, practitioners and stakeholders on how to make better communication, recommendations and workplace interventions for better prevention and promotion among workers.

On-site workshop objectives

• Gain insight in the perspectives and reflections on the PA paradox from the Health Authority and Work Environment Inspection Authority
• Learn from examples, visions and perspectives by municipalities and companies on how to make better prevention among manual workers 
• Get knowledge about the ergonomists and occupational physicians view, considerations and use of the PA paradox  in practice
• Improved understanding of the different types and strategies for preventive workplace interventions related to the PA paradox.
• Facilitate dialog on how to make better communication, recommendations and workplace interventions for better prevention and promotion for the working population
• Strengthen networks and support collaboration between researchers and practitioners

For online webinar objectives, please see this site.

Target groups

• Occupational and public health researchers with expertise or interest in OPA and health
• Practitioners with interest and background in physical activity and health as well as health promotion at the workplace
• Early career and senior researchers
• Occupational consultants
• OHS specialists
• Ergonomists
• Physical therapists
• Exercise physiologists
• Others interested in new preventive initiatives related to occupational physical activity

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General course fee and cancellation information

The courses and workshops vary in price. Please note that the course fee does not cover meals or accommodation. The course fee and day-package fee are invoiced after the registration deadline.

Travel arrangements

Please refrain from booking any tickets until we have confirmed the course. The confirmation, which will be sent after the registration deadline, will include detailed information on the payment of the course fee and day-packages, as well as information on accommodation options and practical arrangements. Please note that you are not insured by NIVA.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received by 4th of August 2021: full refund
Cancellations received by 5th of August 2021 or later: no refund

The total price of the course will be invoiced after the registration deadline.

The price is subject to minor changes.

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Contact person

Course leader

Andreas Holtermann, Professor
National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark
email: aho@nfa.dk

In practical matters, please contact:

Project Manager

Morten Jakobsen
NIVA
mobile: +358 40 126 3336
email: morten.jakobsen@niva.org