Impact of a physical fitness program in a blue-collar workforce.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of participation in the Wellness--Paths to Health Physical Fitness Program on selected physiological and personal health variables including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, trunk flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, abdominal strength, percent body fat and a cumulative fitness score. The subjects (N = 129) of this study were divided into four levels of adherence to this exercise-based health program. Data analysis examined relationships between adherence levels and changes in the selected physiological and personal health variables across two measures. In addition, data from high-risk participants were analyzed. The results of the study found statistical significant changes in the selected variables between repeated assessment measures. In addition, statistically significant relationships were found between levels of adherence to the program and six of the dependent variables.