The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supervised physical activity intervention on the health and functional capacity of unemployed men. The subjects were 76 unemployed construction workers between the ages of 22 and 54 years. They were randomized into two groups, a physical activity group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 36). Due to dropouts, there were 26 subjects in the physical activity group and 19 in the control group by the end of the trial. In the beginning of the study the men were given a medical muscular examination and asked about musculoskeletal symptoms and leisure-time physical activity. Their aerobic and musculoskeletal capacity was assessed by different tests. The physical activity program twice a week during 14 weeks included dynamic training, instruction and guidance on musculoskeletal function and leisure-time physical activity. The control group met twice and they received no physical activity guidance. The physical activity group improved statistically significant the amount of leisure-time physical activity, fitness of back, upper extremities and balance compared with the control group. The men considered the program to be a good group activity for periods of unemployment. The results indicate that regular supervised training and an increase in physical activity can affect functional capacity and health.

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