Protocol for the Work Engagement and Well-being Study (SWELL): a randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the effects of mindfulness versus light physical exercise at work.
Publication Date
2022-04-12Journal Title
BMJ Open
ISSN
2044-6055
Publisher
BMJ
Volume
12
Issue
4
Language
en
Type
Article
This Version
VoR
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Vainre, M., Galante, J., Watson, P., Dalgleish, T., & Hitchcock, C. (2022). Protocol for the Work Engagement and Well-being Study (SWELL): a randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the effects of mindfulness versus light physical exercise at work.. BMJ Open, 12 (4) https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050951
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mental ill health is a major cause of disability. Workplaces are attractive for preventative interventions since most adults work; meanwhile, employers are interested in improving employees' well-being and productivity. Mindfulness-based programmes are increasingly popular in occupational settings. However, there is inconsistent evidence whether mindfulness interventions improve work performance and how effective mindfulness-based programmes are, compared with other interventions, in preventing mental ill health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this online randomised controlled feasibility trial, an anticipated 240 employees will be randomised to either a 4-week light physical exercise course or a mindfulness course of the same duration (1:1 allocation). The primary outcome is work performance, measured using the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. We aim to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and procedural uncertainties of a randomised controlled trial in a workplace, calculate an effect size estimate to inform power calculations for a larger trial, and explore whether improved executive function and/or enhanced mental health could be potential mechanisms underlying the effect of mindfulness on work performance. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, postintervention and 12-week follow-up. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval has been obtained from Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee. (PRE.2020072). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. A lay summary will be disseminated to a wider audience including participating employers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04631302.
Keywords
Mental health, 1506, 1712, PUBLIC HEALTH, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, OCCUPATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (via University of Oxford) (107496/Z/15/Z?)
Identifiers
bmjopen-2021-050951
External DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050951
This record's URL: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/336172
Rights
Licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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