Abstract
BackgroundSufficient levels of physical activity provide cardio-protective benefit. However within developed society sedentary work and inflexible working hours promotes physical inactivity. Consequently to ensure a healthy workforce there is a requirement for exercise strategies adaptable to occupational time constraint. This study examined the effect of a 12 week aerobic exercise training intervention programme implemented during working hours on the cardiovascular profile of a sedentary hospital workforce.MethodsTwenty healthy, sedentary full-time staff members of the North West London Hospital Trust cytology unit were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 12; mean ± SD age 41 ± 8 years, body mass 69 ± 12 kg) or control (n = 8; mean ± SD age 42 ± 8 years, body mass 69 ± 12 kg) group. The exercise group was prescribed a progressive aerobic exercise-training programme to be performed 4 times a week for 8 weeks (initial intensity 65% peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak)) and to be conducted without further advice for another 4 weeks. The control was instructed to maintain their current physical activity level. Oxygen economy at 2 minutes (2minVO2), 4 minutes (4minVO2), VO2 peak, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), BMI, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined in both groups pre-intervention and at 4 week intervals. Both groups completed a weekly Leisure Time Questionnaire to quantify additional exercise load.ResultsThe exercise group demonstrated an increase from baseline for VO2 peak at week 4 (5.8 ± 6.3 %) and 8 (5.0 ± 8.7 %) (P < 0.05). 2minVO2 was reduced from baseline at week 4 (-10.2 ± 10.3 %), 8 (-16.8 ± 10.6 %) and 12 (-15.1 ± 8.7 %), and 4minVO2 at week 8 (-10.7 ± 7.9 %) and 12 (-6.8 ± 9.2) (P < 0.05). There was also a reduction from baseline in CRP at week 4 (-0.4 ± 0.6 mg·L-1) and 8 (-0.9 ± 0.8 mg·L-1) (P < 0.05). The control group showed no such improvements.ConclusionThis is the first objectively monitored RCT to show that moderate exercise can be successfully incorporated into working hours, to significantly improve physical capacity and cardiovascular health.
Highlights
IntroductionWithin developed society sedentary work and inflexible working hours promotes physical inactivity
Sufficient levels of physical activity provide cardio-protective benefit
In the exercise group VO2 peak (L·min-1) significantly increased between week 0 and week 4 (P = 0.012), while in the control group it significantly decreased between week 0 and week 4 (P = 0.026), week 0 and week 8 (P = 0.004) and week 0 and 12 (P = 0.001) respectively
Summary
Within developed society sedentary work and inflexible working hours promotes physical inactivity. This study examined the effect of a 12 week aerobic exercise training intervention programme implemented during working hours on the cardiovascular profile of a sedentary hospital workforce. Despite the positive impact of physical fitness on CVD, developed societies have become more sedentary in both occupation and leisure time. A recent observational study of 2595 civil servants in Northern Ireland reported that almost two thirds failed to engage in regular, moderate physical activity, with females twice as likely to abstain from exercise than men [17]. Since most adults will spend more than half their waking hours within the workplace, worksite health promotion programs that influence employee behaviour by promoting physical activity could prove fundamental in addressing the growing problem of sedentary habit and cardiovascular risk
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
