Work AbilityNCT06723808
Physical Activity and Work Ability in University Staff
An observational study of Work Ability, run by University of Alcala at 2 sites in Spain.
Trial summary
The goal of this observational study is to explore the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and work ability in university staff, with a focus on occupational physical activity (OPA) and gender. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Work Ability
- What is being tested?
- Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupational Physical Activity
- How many people
- 876 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesSpain
- Study dates
- 15 Dec 2024to 31 Dec 2028
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study will include staff members from the University of Alcalá, specifically those belonging to the PDI (teaching and research staff) and PTGAS (administrative and service staff) categories. Participants will be selected from various departments within the university. The population will consist of employees who are able to understand Spanish and who meet the inclusion criteria for the study, focusing on those with a range of job roles and occupational demands. This diverse group allows for an examination of the relationship between physical activity, work ability, and other health-related variables across different occupational contexts within the university setting.
Who may be able to join
- University staff from different departments of the University of Alcalá who are able to understand Spanish.
Who cannot join
- Individuals with cognitive limitations that hinder their ability to comprehend information, respond to questionnaires, or consent to participation in the study.
- Individuals with neurological impairments or a diagnosis of severe mental illness.
- Individuals with uncontrolled cardiorespiratory diseases or diabetes.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Spain2 sites, 1 recruiting
- Active, not recruiting
University of Alcala
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28801
- Recruiting
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. University of Alcalá
Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871
María Torres Lacomba, Physical Therapist, +34918854828, maría.torres@uah.es
Beatriz Navarro Brazález, Physical Therapist, +34918854828, b.navarro@uah.es
About this study
Official title: Relationship Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Work Ability in University Staff With Different Occupational Demands: A Cross-Sectional Study With a Gender Perspective
The goal of this observational study is to explore the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and work ability in university staff, with a focus on occupational physical activity (OPA) and gender. The main question it aims to answer is:
How does leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) influence work ability in university staff, considering their occupational physical activity (OPA) and gender?
Participants from the University of Alcalá will complete an online survey, which includes sociodemographic data and validated questionnaires on LTPA, OPA, work ability, musculoskeletal disorders, health-related quality of life, and workload.
Read the detailed description
Introduction: 39.17% of the population in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CAM) does not meet the physical activity recommendations set by the World Health Organization, representing a significant public health issue and considerable socioeconomic costs. Sex, gender, and working conditions are key determinants of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). However, there are few studies aimed at understanding these sociocultural barriers.
Objective: To describe the association between LTPA and work ability, depending on occupational physical activity (OPA), among university staff in CAM, with a gender perspective. Secondly, to describe the relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders at work, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical and mental workload, functional capacity, and working conditions with the aforementioned association.
Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study. The study population will consist of a representative sample of 885 workers from the University of Alcalá (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid), selected by snowball non-probability sampling. Participants will complete an ad hoc form (Microsoft Forms) including sociodemographic data (working hours, type of service, main task, income, menopause, etc.) and validated questionnaires in Spanish. The variables collected through these questionnaires will include LTPA and OPA (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), work ability (Work Ability Index), prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders at work (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), HRQoL (SF-12), and physical and mental workload (NASA Task Load Index).
Discussion: Improving understanding of the social determinants of physical activity in this population could facilitate the design of culturally sensitive interventions, thus making them more effective in reducing the economic and health costs of sedentary behavior.
- Conditions
- Work Ability
- Being tested
- Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupational Physical Activity
- Keywords
- Physical Activity, Working Conditions, Recreational Activities, Sedentary Behavior, Gender Perspective
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity, Sedentary Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupational Physical ActivityOther
This study does not involve a specific intervention but explores the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA) in university staff, with a focus on work ability, musculoskeletal disorders, and quality of life.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| University staff in the Autonomous Community of Madrid | This cohort consists of university staff from the University of Alcalá, including both men and women, with varying occupational physical activity (OPA) levels. Receives: Other: Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupational Physical Activity |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA)
Leisure-time physical activity refers to any physical activity performed during free time, not related to work or mandatory responsibilities. This includes activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, sports, or any form of exercise done for enjoyment, health, or fitness outside of regular occupational or household duties. LTPA is measured through Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 2001) that assess the frequency, duration, and intensity of activities performed during leisure time. It is an important determinant of overall health and well-being, with potential impacts on physical fitness, mental health, and work ability.
Measured: At the same time as the recruitment
Occupational Physical Activity (OPA)
Occupational physical activity refers to the physical activity performed as part of an individual's job or work-related tasks. This includes movements such as walking, lifting, carrying, standing, or any other physical effort required by the nature of the work. OPA varies depending on the type of occupation, ranging from sedentary jobs with minimal physical exertion to physically demanding jobs that involve heavy lifting or manual labor. OPA is going to be assessed through Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 2001). It is an important factor influencing overall physical health, musculoskeletal health, and work ability. Understanding OPA can help identify how job-related physical activity influences worker well-being and performance.
Measured: At the same time as the recruitment
Work Ability
Work ability refers to an individual's capacity to perform their job tasks effectively, considering their physical and mental health, skills, and work demands. It reflects how well a person's health and functional capacity match the requirements of their work. Work ability is influenced by various factors, including physical fitness, mental well-being, work environment, and personal characteristics such as age and job experience. In this study, work ability will be measured using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a validated questionnaire developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The WAI assesses work ability through a series of questions related to perceived health, job demands, and the impact of health on work performance.
Measured: At the same time as the recruitment
Secondary outcomes (3)
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work-Related and Daily Activity Injuries
This variable refers to the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries related to work activities and daily life. MSDs are conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, often leading to pain and disability. These disorders can be caused or aggravated by repetitive movements, poor ergonomics, or physical strain in both occupational and non-occupational contexts. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) will be used to assess the prevalence of these disorders, as well as injuries related to work and daily activities. The NMQ is a widely used tool for identifying and evaluating musculoskeletal symptoms in different body regions. In this study, the questionnaire will be adapted to the Spanish population, following the methodology proposed by Gómez-Rodríguez et al. (2020).
Measured: At the same time as the recruitment
Physical and Mental Workload
Physical and mental workload refers to the level of physical and cognitive effort required to perform a task or job. Physical workload includes factors such as physical exertion, body movements, and posture, while mental workload relates to cognitive demands, stress, and mental concentration required by the job. Both components contribute to the overall strain experienced by workers and can affect job performance, health, and well-being. The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) will be used to assess the physical and mental workload in this study. The NASA-TLX is a validated method developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to evaluate workload across multiple dimensions, including mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration. This tool helps to quantify the subjective workload experienced by participants in various work scenarios.
Measured: At the same time as the recruitment
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)
Health-related quality of life refers to an individual's overall well-being in relation to their health, encompassing both physical and mental health components. It evaluates how health conditions, including physical ailments and mental health issues, affect daily functioning, social interactions, and overall life satisfaction. In this study, HRQoL will be measured using the SF-12 Health Survey, a short form of the widely used SF-36 questionnaire. The SF-12 assesses 12 questions related to physical and mental health, covering areas such as physical functioning, role limitations due to physical or emotional problems, social functioning, and general health perceptions. This tool has been validated in various populations, including Spanish-speaking communities (Alonso, 1996).
Measured: At the same time as the recruitment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Dec 2024
- Study start15 Dec 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Work AbilityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 876 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Alcala
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Laura Lorenzo Gallego, University of Alcala
- Investigators
- María Torres Lacomba, PhD, MSc, PT, Study director, University of Alcala. Phsyiotherapy in women's health research group.Beatriz Navarro Brazález, PhD, MSc, PT, Study director, University of Alcala. Phsyiotherapy in women's health research group.
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06723808
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CEID/2024/3/061
- Status last verified
- Nov 2024
- First submitted
- 4 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 25 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Lorenzo-Gallego L, Munoz-Pastor S, Menendez-Calvo MR, Navarro-Brazalez B, Torres-Lacomba M. Understanding the Link Between Physical Activity and Work Ability in University Staff: Protocol for a Gender-Sensitive Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Aug 28;14:e80298. doi: 10.2196/80298.
PubMed 40875988
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Relationship Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Work Ability in University Staff With Different Occupational Demands: A Cross-Sectional Study With a Gender Perspective
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06723808
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CEID/2024/3/061
- Conditions
- Work Ability
- Keywords
- Physical Activity, Working Conditions, Recreational Activities, Sedentary Behavior, Gender Perspective
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 876 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of AlcalaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this observational study is to explore the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and work ability in university staff, with a focus on occupational physical activity (OPA) and gender. The main question it aims to answer is:
How does leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) influence work ability in university staff, considering their occupational physical activity (OPA) and gender?
Participants from the University of Alcalá will complete an online survey, which includes sociodemographic data and validated questionnaires on LTPA, OPA, work ability, musculoskeletal disorders, health-related quality of life, and workload.
Detailed description
Introduction: 39.17% of the population in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CAM) does not meet the physical activity recommendations set by the World Health Organization, representing a significant public health issue and considerable socioeconomic costs. Sex, gender, and working conditions are key determinants of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). However, there are few studies aimed at understanding these sociocultural barriers.
Objective: To describe the association between LTPA and work ability, depending on occupational physical activity (OPA), among university staff in CAM, with a gender perspective. Secondly, to describe the relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders at work, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical and mental workload, functional capacity, and working conditions with the aforementioned association.
Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study. The study population will consist of a representative sample of 885 workers from the University of Alcalá (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid), selected by snowball non-probability sampling. Participants will complete an ad hoc form (Microsoft Forms) including sociodemographic data (working hours, type of service, main task, income, menopause, etc.) and validated questionnaires in Spanish. The variables collected through these questionnaires will include LTPA and OPA (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), work ability (Work Ability Index), prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders at work (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), HRQoL (SF-12), and physical and mental workload (NASA Task Load Index).
Discussion: Improving understanding of the social determinants of physical activity in this population could facilitate the design of culturally sensitive interventions, thus making them more effective in reducing the economic and health costs of sedentary behavior.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| University staff in the Autonomous Community of Madrid | – | Other: Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupational Physical ActivityThis cohort consists of university staff from the University of Alcalá, including both men and women, with varying occupational physical activity (OPA) levels. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study will include staff members from the University of Alcalá, specifically those belonging to the PDI (teaching and research staff) and PTGAS (administrative and service staff) categories. Participants will be selected from various departments within the university. The population will consist of employees who are able to understand Spanish and who meet the inclusion criteria for the study, focusing on those with a range of job roles and occupational demands. This diverse group allows for an examination of the relationship between physical activity, work ability, and other health-related variables across different occupational contexts within the university setting.
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- University staff from different departments of the University of Alcalá who are able to understand Spanish.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with cognitive limitations that hinder their ability to comprehend information, respond to questionnaires, or consent to participation in the study.
- Individuals with neurological impairments or a diagnosis of severe mental illness.
- Individuals with uncontrolled cardiorespiratory diseases or diabetes.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Occupational Physical ActivityThis study does not involve a specific intervention but explores the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA) in university staff, with a focus on work ability, musculoskeletal disorders, and quality of life. | Other | University staff in the Autonomous Community of Madrid |
Primary outcome
Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA)
Time frame: At the same time as the recruitment
Leisure-time physical activity refers to any physical activity performed during free time, not related to work or mandatory responsibilities. This includes activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, sports, or any form of exercise done for enjoyment, health, or fitness outside of regular occupational or household duties. LTPA is measured through Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 2001) that assess the frequency, duration, and intensity of activities performed during leisure time. It is an important determinant of overall health and well-being, with potential impacts on physical fitness, mental health, and work ability.
Occupational Physical Activity (OPA)
Time frame: At the same time as the recruitment
Occupational physical activity refers to the physical activity performed as part of an individual's job or work-related tasks. This includes movements such as walking, lifting, carrying, standing, or any other physical effort required by the nature of the work. OPA varies depending on the type of occupation, ranging from sedentary jobs with minimal physical exertion to physically demanding jobs that involve heavy lifting or manual labor. OPA is going to be assessed through Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (World Health Organization, 2001). It is an important factor influencing overall physical health, musculoskeletal health, and work ability. Understanding OPA can help identify how job-related physical activity influences worker well-being and performance.
Work Ability
Time frame: At the same time as the recruitment
Work ability refers to an individual's capacity to perform their job tasks effectively, considering their physical and mental health, skills, and work demands. It reflects how well a person's health and functional capacity match the requirements of their work. Work ability is influenced by various factors, including physical fitness, mental well-being, work environment, and personal characteristics such as age and job experience. In this study, work ability will be measured using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a validated questionnaire developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The WAI assesses work ability through a series of questions related to perceived health, job demands, and the impact of health on work performance.
3 secondary outcomes
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work-Related and Daily Activity Injuries
Time frame: At the same time as the recruitment
Physical and Mental Workload
Time frame: At the same time as the recruitment
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)
Time frame: At the same time as the recruitment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Mar 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40875988Lorenzo-Gallego L, Munoz-Pastor S, Menendez-Calvo MR, Navarro-Brazalez B, Torres-Lacomba M. Understanding the Link Between Physical Activity and Work Ability in University Staff: Protocol for a Gender-Sensitive Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Aug 28;14:e80298. doi: 10.2196/80298.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Work Ability
RecruitingObservational study
Study to Assess Real Life Effectiveness of Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa in Adult German Participants at Initial Stages of Advanced Parkinson's Disease (EARLY-FOS)
Parkinson's Disease
Active, not recruitingObservational study
The Dortmund Vital Study: Impact of Biological and Lifestyle Factors on Cognitive Performace and Work Ability
Age-related Cognitive Decline
Active, not recruitingPhase 1
A Research Study Looking Into How NNC0662-0419 Works With Birth Control Pills and Emptying of the Stomach in Women Not Able to Become Pregnant With Excess Body Weight
Overweight, Obesity
RecruitingPhase 1
A Research Study Looking Into How UBT251 Works With Birth Control Tablets and Emptying of the Stomach in Women With Excess Body Weight Not Able to Become Pregnant
Overweight, Obesity
RecruitingObservational study
Health and Work Ability Following Inpatient Treatment for Stress-related Disorders - Follow-up Study of the HARMODI Cohort
Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
María Torres Lacomba, PhD, MSc, PT study director
University of Alcala. Phsyiotherapy in women's health research group.
Beatriz Navarro Brazález, PhD, MSc, PT study director
University of Alcala. Phsyiotherapy in women's health research group.
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Work Ability, run by University of Alcala at 2 sites in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Laura Lorenzo Gallego, Physhiotherapist (+34 623 24 73 35, lauralorenzoga@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) (time frame: At the same time as the recruitment). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06723808, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Mar 2025.