Estimated state of health and stress among truck drivers with regard to participating in recreational sport activities

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the frequency of truck drivers’ participation in recreational sport activities, and to find out whether there is a relationship between their own estimated state of health and stress with regard to participating in recreational sport activities. The study included 102 participants, professional truck drivers, of whom 92 (90%) were men and 10 (10%) women. The obtained data were processed with the SPSS computer programme. Research has shown that only 13.7% of the participants are engaged in a sports activity at least 2 or 3 times a week, 54% of the participants only once a month or more often they are not at all engaged in sport activities. Their free time is too passive, as supported by their smoking of cigarettes and drinking of alcohol. We also established a relationship between the truck drivers’ own estimated state of health and stress, and their participation in recreational sport activities. Professional truck drivers have difficulties arranging the schedule of regular sport activities, in particular because their schedule is largely variable and not predetermined. Employers and the designers of motorway rest areas can help them by arranging mini sports parks or mini fitness areas. Healthy and mentally sharp and rested drivers will be able to transport goods safely and quickly. In addition, they will be absent from work less due to sick leave and obtain forms of stress relief. Key words: Truck drivers, estimated state of health, estimated state of stress, sport activities.