Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body mass index in relationship to work productivity and sickness absence in computer workers with preexisting neck and upper limb symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among three modifiable risk factors (ie, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body mass index), work productivity, and sickness absence in computer workers.
METHODS: All participants were computer workers with neck and upper limb symptoms in the preceding 6 months, the last 2 weeks, or both. Productivity and sickness absence were assessed with the Health and Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).
RESULTS: Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were not associated with work productivity or sickness absence. Obese male workers reported lower absolute productivity than lean workers. Lean and overweight workers reported similar productivity levels. Body mass index was not associated with sickness absence.
CONCLUSIONS: In a population of white-collar workers with neck and upper limb symptoms, obese male workers showed significantly lower productivity than did lean or overweight workers.