Ruettger JOEM.pdf (504.08 kB)
Download filePhysical activity, sedentary time and cardiometabolic health in heavy goods vehicle drivers: a cross-sectional analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2022-01-11, 12:19 authored by Katharina RuettgerKatharina Ruettger, Veronica Varela-MatoVeronica Varela-Mato, Yu-Ling Chen, Charlotte Edwardson, Amber Guest, Nicholas Gilson, Laura Gray, Nicola PaineNicola Paine, Aron SherryAron Sherry, Mohsen SayyahMohsen Sayyah, Thomas Yates, James KingJames King, Stacy ClemesStacy ClemesObjective: Physical inactivity, prolonged sitting, and unhealthy dietary habits are common in Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers. These factors increase risk of long-term health conditions.
Methods: 329 HGV drivers across 25 UK depots completed a health assessment, including questionnaire completion, and objectively measured anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour.
Results: The sample demonstrated a high-risk cardiometabolic health profile. 88.1% were overweight or had obesity, 11.9% had pre-diabetes or diabetes. 28.3% had hypertension, 83.6% had clinically elevated circulating LDL-cholesterol concentrations (>2mmol/l), and 66.6% had high total cholesterol levels (>4 mmol/l). On workdays drivers accumulated 12 hrs/day of sitting, 1.7 hrs/day of light PA (LPA) and 9.8 mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Associations between LPA and cardiometabolic markers were observed.
Conclusion: This sample presents high levels of inactivity, overweight and obesity, and unhealthy cardiometabolic health profiles.
Funding
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences