PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR SAMK STAFF MEMBERS – FIRSTBEAT ASSESSMENT OF EFFICACY
Kampion, Alexander (2020)
Kampion, Alexander
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202101131223
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202101131223
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this thesis was to explore the health and well-being (particularly possible stress reduction) effects of an exercise program for 10 SAMK staff members. Using individual Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessments obtained with Bodyguard 2 heart rate and activity measuring devices as indicators of the program’s efficacy, results gathered at the onset of the program were analyzed and compared to those gathered after a 5-month period.
The participants met with the thesis author individually in January, 2020 and were briefed on the purpose of the thesis, Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device use, and heart rate and heart rate variability as indicators of stress and recovery. Each participant was given a Body-guard 2 device and emailed detailed instructions on its use, with example images and links to relevant Firstbeat information included. After measurement, the devices were re-turned and the data were extracted. After 5 months, the process was repeated.
The results of this study are inconclusive. The data gathered show little difference between baseline results and final results. One major variable that may have affected the results is the COVID-19 pandemic that came to Finland in spring 2020. COVID-19 caused major disruptions to the operations of schools, businesses, government services, group gatherings, etcetera. In mid March, most staff and students switched to remote working and distance learning, while the SAMK staff’s exercise program was interrupted and eventually switched to an online format. These changes may have created more stress for some of the participants, while for others it may have lightened the workload.
The results did, however, illuminate the pervasive overload, stress, and lack of recovery that many educators, as well as working-age adults, may experience. Most of the participating staff members exhibited high levels of measured stress with little or no recovery during waking hours, and inadequate recovery while sleeping or relaxing.
The participants met with the thesis author individually in January, 2020 and were briefed on the purpose of the thesis, Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 device use, and heart rate and heart rate variability as indicators of stress and recovery. Each participant was given a Body-guard 2 device and emailed detailed instructions on its use, with example images and links to relevant Firstbeat information included. After measurement, the devices were re-turned and the data were extracted. After 5 months, the process was repeated.
The results of this study are inconclusive. The data gathered show little difference between baseline results and final results. One major variable that may have affected the results is the COVID-19 pandemic that came to Finland in spring 2020. COVID-19 caused major disruptions to the operations of schools, businesses, government services, group gatherings, etcetera. In mid March, most staff and students switched to remote working and distance learning, while the SAMK staff’s exercise program was interrupted and eventually switched to an online format. These changes may have created more stress for some of the participants, while for others it may have lightened the workload.
The results did, however, illuminate the pervasive overload, stress, and lack of recovery that many educators, as well as working-age adults, may experience. Most of the participating staff members exhibited high levels of measured stress with little or no recovery during waking hours, and inadequate recovery while sleeping or relaxing.