The physical activity level and aerobic capacity estimation (VO2max) among the administrative staff of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (Assaluyeh, Iran) with different BMIs.

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the level of physical activity (PA) and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) among office workers of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Iran with different body mass indexes (BMIs). Materials and methods This research was descriptive, and a correlation of variables was applied as its execution method. Administrative staff of two centers were randomly selected from 20 to 30 administrative centers of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Assaluyeh, Iran, and included 294 male employees who were willing to participate in this research and who met the inclusion criteria (being in the age range of 20-60 years, lacking specific diseases, and who had enough physical fitness to do PA) who were purposefully selected. Results The age-adjusted means for the PA score (7.93 ± 1.12) and VO2max (48.66 ± 6.95) mL/min/kg were calculated. After adjusting for other variables, significant difference was found between BMI and age (β = 0.20; p = 0.005), BMI and VO2max (β = 0.302; p = 0.001), as well as BMI and the total PA score (β = -0.304; p = 0.045). Conclusions The results of this study showed low levels of PA (work, exercise and leisure) and respiratory capacity in the administrative staff of the oil and gas industry, which is associated with overweight and obesity.