Physical activity, job demand–control, perceived stress–energy, and salivary cortisol in white-collar workers

It is found that physical activity during leisure time was associated with higher perceived energy, and for men also with lower perceived stress, and no association between job control–demand and the degree of physical activity was found.

Abstract

Physically active employees perceive less stress and more energy. The association between stress-energy and salivary cortisol was affected by vigorous physical activity. No association between job control-demand and the degree of physical activity was found. Based on the present data, we recommend office workers-exposed to high job strain and inactivity at the job-to perform physical activity, preferably of high intensity, in order to reduce stress and increase energy.