People who commute by bicycle take fewer sick days off work,study finds. In a new study, a team from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health investigated whether walking or cycling to work was associated with a lower risk of sickness absence. The study relates to 28,485 municipal employees, spread over 4 major cities in Finland. the researchers followed this cohort over a full year. Beyond the bicycle, it is above all the impact of an “active” movement which is studied, in opposition to passive modes (car, public transport). The employees were classified into several categories according to the distances traveled each week in an “active” mode. For cyclists, 3 levels are retained: low (less than 16.5 km/week),moderate (between 16.5 and 35 km/SEM) and high (more than 35 km/SEM). The study retains that employees with an active mode of travel of more than 35 km/week have between 8 and 12 % risk in less to be absent one day due to illness. They even have 18 % risk in less to be absent on long periods of disease (≥ 10 days). Among these employees whose weekly route is the longest and who choose walking or cycling, it is those who roll on two wheels that are the least sick. The Finnish study thus confirms the conclusions of previous studies carried out especially in the Netherlands. this should encourage companies, on the one hand, to encourage their employees to move by bicycle as much as possible. The state,which seems to seek a means of limiting the cost of sick leave by all means,could also look at this study.
Cycling to Work Linked to Fewer Sick Days: A Comprehensive study
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In a recent study conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health,researchers found important health benefits for those who commute by bicycle to work. The study involved 28,485 municipal employees across four major cities in Finland, investigating the correlation between an active mode of transport and the incidence of sickness absence. The findings suggest that cyclists, especially those covering more than 35 km per week, enjoy a notably lower risk of taking sick days.
active Commuting vs. Passive Modes
John doe: How does active commuting,specifically cycling,differ from passive modes of transport like cars and public transportation in terms of health benefits?
Dr. Emma Carlson: Active commuting, such as cycling, engages our physical bodies in a way that passive modes like driving or taking a bus simply don’t. The physical activity involved can enhance cardiovascular fitness, build muscle strength, and improve overall wellbeing.These activities often result in lower stress levels and better mental health, ultimately reducing sickness absence.
Study Methodology
John Doe: How did the study classify and track the employees’ commuting habits, and what were the key metrics they followed?
Dr. Emma Carlson: The study classified employees based on the distances they traveled each week through active modes, specifically categorizing cyclists into three levels: low (less than 16.5 km/week),moderate (between 16.5 and 35 km/week), and high (more than 35 km/week). The researchers tracks these individuals over an entire year to gather comprehensive data on sickness absence.
Impact of Cycling on Sick Days
John Doe: What were the key findings of the study regarding the impact of cycling on the number of sick days taken?
Dr. Emma Carlson: The study found that employees who cycled over 35 km per week had an 8-12% lowered risk of being absent for a single day due to illness. Additionally,they showed an 18% reduced risk of extended sick leave periods of 10 days or more. this data clearly indicates that cycling significantly reduces sickness absence.
Images Speak louder
John Doe: Why was walking or cycling the preferred active mode over the other forms of exercise?
Dr. Emma Carlson: While both walking and cycling offer benefits, cycling, in particular, covers greater distances in the same amount of time. This consistent, low-impact exercise helps maintain a higher level of fitness and health over the long term. Among those with the longest commutes, cyclists showed the least sickness, reinforcing the advantages of active transport.
Implications for Companies and Governments
John Doe: What recommendations can be made to companies and governments based on this study?
Dr. Emma Carlson: Companies should promote and encourage cycling to work through incentives such as bike-to-work schemes and proudcented parking. Governments should invest in robust cycling infrastructure to make cycling safer and more accessible. These steps can collectively lead to a healthier workforce and substantial cost savings from reduced sick days.
Conclusion
John Doe: How do these findings compare to previous studies, especially those conducted in the Netherlands?
Dr. Emma Carlson: The findings of this Finnish study align with previous research conducted in the Netherlands, reinforcing the consistent health benefits of active commuting. This evidence should be taken seriously by policymakers and employers seeking to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs.
Final thoughts
John Doe: What is your final take on this study and its implications for the future of commuting?
Dr. Emma Carlson:The study clearly demonstrates the significant health benefits of active commuting, particularly cycling. With continued promotion and supportive infrastructure, we can expect to see improved public health outcomes and reduced illness-related absences.