Occupational Physical Activity Research Articles

Urban-rural differences in the association between occupational physical activity and mortality in Chinese working population: evidence from a nationwide cohort study

Despite emerging studies suggesting that occupational physical activity (OPA) might be harmful to health, the available evidence is not definitive. Most of these research studies were conducted in high-income Western countries or in urbanized setting. In China, where over one-third of the population resides in rural area, the impact of OPA on health is not well understood. The goal of this study is to investigate how the association between OPA and mortality vary by urban-rural settings. Baseline data on OPA was gathered using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire from 30,650 urban and 49,674 rural working adults as part of the 2013-2014 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance. Participants were followed for a median of 6.2 years, and death records were retrieved from the National Mortality Surveillance System until December 31, 2019. The multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine urban-rural differences in the association between OPA and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, socioeconomic status, leisure time, transportation, and non-occupational physical activity. During the study period, 1342 deaths were recorded, of which 426 were caused by CVD. In rural area, working adults engaging in occupational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for ≥40h per week, compared to those without any, had an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49-0.73) for all-cause mortality and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.37-0.83) for CVD mortality. However, no significant association was found in urban area (0.84 [0.61-1.15] for all-cause mortality, Pinteraction=0.036; and 0.94 [0.53-1.66] for CVD mortality, Pinteraction=0.098). The negative associations of occupational MVPA with mortality were more pronounced in women, non-smokers, and those with less non-occupational physical activities. Hypertension, heart rate, and diabetes were important contributors to the relationship between occupational MVPA and mortality. The findings from the current study did not support the notion that high levels of OPA would induce harm. On the contrary, in rural setting, higher levels of OPA were associated with lower mortality risks. Furthermore, the observed urban-rural differences in the association between OPA and mortality underscored the need for context-specific public health guidelines on physical activities. R&D Program of Beijing Municipal Education Commission (KM202210025026),National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFC2500201), and Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by BAST (BYESS2023385).

Joint associations of sedentary behavior and domain-specific physical activity on C-reactive protein in Korea

Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) exert opposing effects on inflammatory markers. This study examined the associations of a more subdivided combination of PA and SB with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Using the 2014–2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this cross-sectional study analyzed 20,541 adults. The independent variables were SB, defined as ≥10 h of sitting per day, and three domains of PA: occupational PA (OPA) during work, leisure-time PA (LPA) during leisure time, and transportation PA (TPA) or active commuting. The dependent variable was hs-CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/L. Besides exploring the individual association of SB and each PA with hs-CRP, the combined association of SB and each PA with hs-CRP was also examined using multiple logistic regression. The analyses indicated that concurrent exposure to SB and OPA (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.80) significantly raised the likelihood of increased hs-CRP, while SB without LPA (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.41) or TPA (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08–1.31) significantly increased risk of higher hs-CRP, compared to their respective reference. The absence of non-occupational PA such as LPA or TPA combined with SB was associated with the increased hs-CRP risk, whereas OPA increased the risk when present concurrently with SB. Reducing SB and OPA while increasing LPA and TPA, is necessary to reduce inflammatory conditions.

Association of Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Allostatic Load

IntroductionLeisure-time physical activity (LTPA) decreases allostatic load (AL), a measure of burden of chronic stress. However, the role of occupational PA (OPA) is unknown. This study examined associations of OPA and LTPA with AL among workers in the United States (US). MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 6944 US workers aged 20–64 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018). PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. AL was calculated using biomarkers of cardiovascular health, metabolic function and immune response. Associations of OPA and LTPA were examined with AL using negative binomial regressions. Analyses were conducted between August 2022 and March 2023. ResultsVigorous LTPA inversely associated with AL among all workers (count ratio = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.76) and in each sex- and age- stratified group (i.e., females aged 20–44 years, females aged 45–64 years, males aged 20–44 years, and males aged 45–64 years), as well as in each race/ethnicity- stratified group (i.e., Whites, Blacks, Hispanics). Vigorous OPA positively associated with AL only among females aged 20–44 years [1.38 (1.10–1.73)]. Inverse associations of vigorous LTPA with AL were similar in young females with high [0.61 (0.50–0.75)] or low [0.66 (0.60–0.74)] vigorous OPA. ConclusionsIncreasing vigorous LTPA is associated with a lower AL for all workers, while increasing vigorous OPA is associated with a higher AL only in young females. Promoting vigorous LTPA reduces AL among young females with either low or high vigorous OPA.

Survey on Physical Activity Among Adolescents in Pune City

The main aim of the study was to assess the physical activity among adolescents of Pune City. For this study total 500 students were randomly selected from Pune city.  The subject’s age was ranged in between 13-17 years. For the purpose of collecting the data the researcher used and selected International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a widely used instrument for assessing physical activity levels in various populations by (Craig et al., 2003). The questionnaire is divided into four domains. These are Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Activities during discretionary time, such as sports, exercise, and recreational activities. Occupational Physical Activity: Activities related to work or employment. Transportation Physical Activity: Activities related to commuting, such as walking or cycling. Household and Garden Physical Activity: Activities related to household chores and gardening. Data were measured by IPAQ questionnaire which is used to calculate the total metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week. MET is a unit that represents the energy expenditure of an activity relative to resting metabolic rate. MET values are assigned to different levels of physical activity intensity (e.g., walking, moderate-intensity activities, vigorous-intensity activities), and the total MET minutes per week are calculated by multiplying the duration and frequency of each activity. Percentage was used as a statistical tool analyses the data. The result of the study revealed that students 57.6% (288) are less involved in physical activity, where as 23.4% (117) students are moderately involved in physical activity and 19% (95) students are highly involved in physical activity.

Identification of the Risk Factors Associated with Low Bone Density in Peri- and Early Postmenopausal Women

Evidence has shown that one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in postmenopausal women is osteoporosis. Despite the development of some medications, there are still safety and adherence concerns, and, thus, attention has been placed on understanding modifiable risk factors for bone loss. This study aimed to examine the differences in various sociodemographic and body composition factors, physical activity components, and nutrient and food group intake levels among peri- and early postmenopausal women with whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores greater than and less than zero. This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data obtained from 45 peri- and early postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years old who participated in a 6-month three-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of blackcurrant supplementation on bone metabolism. Anthropometric data, BMD values obtained via DXA scans, and self-reported demographic, health, dietary, and physical activity data were collected at baseline. Overall, participants with whole-body BMD Z-scores greater than zero had higher body mass indexes (BMIs), lean mass, fat mass, android fat percentages, ratios of trunk fat mass to limb fat mass, resting metabolic rates, relative skeletal muscle indexes, total and occupational physical activity, alcohol intakes, trans fatty acid intakes, and adequacy of potassium intake, but lower adequacy of vitamin E (p < 0.05). In addition, total calorie intake was positively correlated with added sugar, vitamin E, potassium, alcohol, trans fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D intakes (p < 0.05); whole-body BMD was positively correlated with added sugars (p < 0.05); vitamin D intake was positively correlated with vitamin E, potassium, trans fatty acid, and calcium intakes (p < 0.05); and calcium intake was positively correlated with added sugar, vitamin E, potassium, and trans fatty acid intakes (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that numerous body composition factors, components of physical activity, and dietary factors are related to bone health in adult women in the menopause transition.

Role of physical activity in the relationship between recovery from work and insomnia among early childhood education and care professionals: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between recovery from work and insomnia and the role of objectively measured leisure-time physical activity and occupational physical activity in this association.DesignCross-sectional.Setting and...

Occupational physical activity, all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality in 349,248 adults: Prospective and longitudinal analyses of the MJ Cohort

BackgroundEvidence on the health benefits of occupational physical activity (OPA) is inconclusive. We examined the associations of baseline OPA and OPA changes with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and survival times. MethodsThis study included prospective and longitudinal data from the MJ Cohort, comprising adults over 18 years recruited in 1998–2016. 349,248 adults (177,314 women) with baseline OPA, of whom 105,715 (52,503 women) had 2 OPA measures at 6.3 ± 4.2 (mean ± SD) years apart. Exposures were baseline OPA, OPA changes, and baseline leisure-time physical activity. ResultsOver a mean mortality follow-up of 16.2 ± 5.5 years for men and 16.4± 5.4 years for women, 11,696 deaths (2033 of CVD and 4631 of cancer causes) in men and 8980 deaths (1475 of CVD and 3689 of cancer causes) in women occurred. Combined moderately heavy/heavy baseline OPA was beneficially associated with all-cause mortality in men (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.93, 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0.89–0.98 compared to light OPA) and women (HR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.79–0.93). Over a mean mortality follow-up of 12.5 ± 4.6 years for men and 12.6 ± 4.6 years for women, OPA decreases in men were detrimentally associated (HR, 1.16; 95%CI, 1.01–1.33) with all-cause mortality, while OPA increases in women were beneficially (HR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.70–0.97) associated with the same. Baseline or changes in OPA showed no associations with CVD or cancer mortality. ConclusionHigher baseline OPA was beneficially associated with all-cause mortality risk in both men and women. Our longitudinal OPA analyses partly confirmed the prospective findings, with some discordance between sex groups.

Association between domain-specific physical activity and mental health status after embryo transfer in IVF-ET-assisted pregnancy patients

Physical activity has been shown to impact mental health in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients, but the relationship between domain-specific physical activity and mental health in this population remains unclear. In a cross-sectional observational study, 208 patients undergoing IVF-ET with long-term ovulation induction cycles were recruited from a reproductive center. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) were used to assess physical activity levels and mental health status, respectively. Analyses of variance and linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the relationship between physical activity and mental health. There were differences between different physical activity level in times of transfers, years of infertility, and times of abortions. Patients with high levels of physical activity had fewer symptoms than those with low levels of physical activity. Occupation, transport and household physical activity had significant negative correlations with the respective SCL-90 factor scores. Linear regression analysis revealed that occupation physical activity was associated with lower depression and anxiety, and transport physical activity and household physical activity were associated with lower obsessive–compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and psychoticism scores. The study indicates that increased engagement in physical activity, specifically activities related to occupation, transportation, and household, may be associated with improved mental health among IVF-ET patients.

The association between work-related activities and leisure-time physical activity among Latinos

ABSTRACT Objectives Latinos engage in high levels of occupational physical activity, yet low levels of leisure-time physical activity. Limited research has examined specific work-based activities that may contribute to leisure-time physical activity for meeting current physical activity recommendations among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with meeting the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines among Latinos and whether associations varied by nativity. Design We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey data on Latinos ≥18 years of age (n = 3162). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between the frequency of work-related activities with meeting the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, Latino subpopulation, shift work, and nativity. We also examined whether associations varied by nativity. Results In adjusted models, compared with those never engaging in exertion at work, participants always exerting themselves were significantly less likely to meet the aerobic activity guideline (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.51–0.87). Compared with those never standing/walking at work, participants seldom standing/walking were also less likely to meet the aerobic activity guideline (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.95). Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, Latino subpopulation, shift work, and nativity. When stratified by nativity, the patterns in the strength of the associations were similar, while differences were observed in the associations of work-related activities with meeting guidelines. Conclusion Our findings suggest that engaging in higher frequency of exertion and standing/walking at work are associated with being less likely to meet the aerobic physical activity guideline during leisure time among Latinos, with variation observed in meeting guidelines by nativity. Insight into physical activities performed at work could inform efforts aimed at promoting recommended levels of physical activity among Latinos.

The mediating effects of motivation on the relations between occupational stress and physical activity among underresourced afterschool program staff

ObjectiveGuided by Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to examine the potential mediating effects of autonomous and controlled motivations on physical activity (PA) experiences of afterschool program (ASP) staff with occupational stress.MethodA total of 58 ASP staff provided full data. Staff occupational stress and self-determination motivations for PA were assessed. Participants’ daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometer wear. A path analysis was used to address the research purpose.ResultsOccupational stress negatively and indirectly predicted daily MVPA which was mediated by controlled motivation (β = − 4.15, p <.05). Autonomous motivation directly and positively predicted daily MVPA across all types and levels of ASP staff occupational stress (β = 9.93, p =.01).ConclusionsAutonomous motivation is a powerful predictor of staff PA levels despite the degree to which they experience stress. In contrast, controlled motivations are more vulnerable to occupational stress, and can lead to lower MVPA.Trial registrationConnect Through PLAY: A Staff-based Physical Activity Intervention for Middle School Youth (Connect). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03732144. Registered 11/06/2018. Registration number: NCT03732144.

Significance of Physical Exercise in Pregnancy: Comparison of Short and Long Exercise Programs.

Several musculoskeletal changes occur in pregnancy, particularly in the abdominal region. The aim of this study was to search and compare the effects of long (LEP) and short exercise programs (SEP) in terms of the satisfaction of the needs of pregnant women. This study consisted of 2 groups: LEP (n=16) and SEP (n=16). Muscle thickness measurements determined by ultrasound, the 6 minute walk test, Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire were the study variables. Evaluations were done at the 16th (baseline), 24th, and 32nd gestational weeks. The LEP consisted of 20 and the SEP consisted of 9 exercises, which were applied for 16 weeks until the 32nd gestational week. Emotional role limitation and pain scores of quality of life, 6 minute walk test, and occupational physical activity were found to be better in the LEP group at the 24th gestational week (p=0.043, p=0.049, p=0.049, p=0.026). At the 32nd gestational week, the 6 minute walk test and occupational physical activity were found to be higher in the LEP group (p=0.006, p=0.017). Additionally, rectus abdominis and bilateral diaphragm muscle thicknesses, "moderate intensity and sports physical activity" and "vitality and emotional well-being" were increased over time with the LEP (p+<+0.05 for all). On the other hand, unilateral diaphragm muscle thickness, sports physical activity level, and vitality were improved with the SEP (p+<+0.05 for all). The SEP and LEP both have beneficial effects in pregnant women. However, the LEP increases physical activity level, functional capacity, and quality of life more than the SEP during the later stages of pregnancy.

Aspects of Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Adults with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT Background: Physical activity and sedentary behavior may differentially impact health-related quality of life in adults with cerebral palsy. Objective: The present investigation assessed the independent relationships between aspects of physical activity and sedentary behavior related to health related quality of life in adults with cerebral palsy. Methods: Through a cross-sectional online survey of 118 adults with cerebral palsy, participants self-reported the extent of their functional impairments using the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System; while mental and physical health-related quality of life were assessed using the RAND-36. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were quantified using the Physical Activity and Disability Survey—Revised and Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, respectively. Results: Accounting for potential confounding influences of impairments, neither exercise-related physical activity, leisure time- related physical activity, occupational physical activity, nor sedentary behavior was associated with any characterization of health-related quality of life. However, greater engagement in general lifestyle physical activity was related to superior mental health-related quality of life. Conclusion: These findings provide initial evidence to suggest that focusing public health and therapeutic recommendations for individuals with cerebral palsy on general physical activity engagement throughout the day might incur potential benefits for enhancing mental health- related quality of life in this population.

Prevalence, associated factors, and gene polymorphisms of obesity in Tibetan adults in Qinghai, China

ObjectivesTo explore the prevalence and associated factors of obesity in Tibetan adults in Qinghai, China, and to determine the association between the FTO (rs1121980 and rs17817449) and MC4R gene (rs17782313 and rs12970134) polymorphisms with obesity.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 in Qinghai to selected Tibetan adults aged 20 to 80 years. Prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI 24 ~ 27.9 kg/m2) were evaluated. Multivariable logistic models were used to determine the associated factors. Pair-matched subjects of obesity cases and normal-weight controls were selected for the gene polymorphism analyses. Conditional logistic models were used to assess the association between gene polymorphisms with obesity. Additive and multiplicative gene-environment interactions were tested.ResultsA total of 1741 Tibetan adults were enrolled. The age- and sex- standardized prevalence of obesity and overweight was 18.09% and 31.71%, respectively. Male sex, older age, heavy level of leisure-time exercise, current smoke, and heavy level of occupational physical activity were associated with both obesity and overweight. MC4R gene polymorphisms were associated with obesity in Tibetan adults. No significant gene-environment interaction was detected.ConclusionThe prevalence of obesity and overweight in Tibetan adults was high. Both environmental and genetic factors contributed to the obesity prevalent.

Association of physical activity with MAFLD/MASLD and LF among adults in NHANES, 2017-2020.

To investigate the correlations between physical activity (PA) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) within asubstantial population-based survey, and to examine the association between PA and liver fibrosis (LF). Data from the 2017-2020 NHANES cycle were utilized in this study. PA was divided into four types: leisure-time PA (LTPA), transportation-related PA (TPA), occupational PA (OPA) and total time PA (total PA, which is composed of OPA, TPA and LTPA). Weighted logistic regression models were performed to analyze the associations between PA and MAFLD/MASLD and LF. Mediation analysis was used to explore whether LTPA completely mediated the statistically significant relationship between total PA and MAFLD/MASLD or LF. The study encompassed asample size of 5897 participants aged 20years and above, among the total participants, 2568 individuals with MAFLD and 2588 individuals with MASLD. There was no statistically significant correlation observed between OPA/TPA and MAFLD/MASLD and LF; however, active LTPA demonstrated an inverse association with MAFLD/MASLD (OR: 0.548; 95% CI: 0.458, 0.656/OR: 0.543; 95% CI: 0.453, 0.650), as well as anegative correlation with significant/advanced LF (OR: 0.457; 95% CI: 0.334,0.625/OR: 0.427; 95% CI: 0.295,0.619). There was also asignificant inverse association between total PA and MAFLD/MASLD or LF, but this association was carried by the difference in LTPA. Participation in active LTPA is associated with areduced likelihood of MAFLD/MASLD and LF, while neither OPA nor TPA can replace these effects of LTPA.

Sex disparities in physical activity domains and hypertension prevalence

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the associations of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA) with the prevalence of hypertension, while exploring the sex disparities in these associations.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2014 and 2019 (n = 26,534). Hypertension was defined as the use of antihypertensive drugs or systolic and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg. Self-reported physical activity (PA), assessed by the global PA questionnaire, was categorized into three domains: total PA, LTPA and OPA. Each PA domain was classified based on METs-min/wk and intensity.ResultsIn a multivariable adjusted model, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the prevalence of hypertension in the active versus inactive group, based on METs, was 0.92 (95% CI 0.85–0.99) for total PA, 0.90 (95% CI 0.83–0.98) for LTPA and 1.21 (95% CI 1.05–1.38) for OPA. Compared to the inactive group, moderate to vigorous intensity was associated with a lower odds of hypertension for total PA and LTPA (total PA: OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89-1.00 and LTPA: OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.98), but a higher odd for OPA (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.30). Subgroup analyses showed significant evidence of effect modification by sex on the associations of total PA and LTPA (METs and intensity) with hypertension prevalence (p-values for interaction < 0.01); the associations were generally stronger for women. OPA was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension in women, but not in men (p-value for interaction > 0.05).ConclusionsHigher levels of total PA and LTPA were associated with lower prevalence of hypertension in both men and women, with slightly stronger associations for women. However, higher OPA was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension in women. These findings support the PA health paradox hypothesis and highlight the sex disparities in the association between OPA and hypertension prevalence.

Prevalence and Contributed Factors for Varicose Veins in Intensive Care Unit Nurses at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals

Background: Varicose vein (VV) is a common problem that mostly occurs in legs. This medical condition can influence the quality of life and working condition of nurses. Aim of the study: To estimate the prevalence of lower limbs varicosity and its associated risk factors among nurses. Methods: This a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 100 nurses working Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Surgical Specialties Hospital, and Al- Kidney Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq from January 1st to May 10th, 2022. The participants were recruited in the study using systematic random sampling. The Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaires were used for data gathering. Results: The prevalence of varicose veins was estimated to be (48%) of the sample. There are a significant association between (age, prolonged standing, body mass index and varicose vein. Conclusion: The prevalence of VV among the nurses working in Baghdad teaching hospitals was high, and many factors showed a significant relation with this problem. Nurses should be informed about preventive measures and treatments for this medical condition.

Relationship between cumulative exposure to occupational lifting throughout working life and risk of ischemic heart disease in men and women. The Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) causes mortality and morbidity. High levels of occupational physical activity (OPA) increases IHD risk, and occupational lifting (OL) is suggested as a detrimental OPA exposure. This study investigated the association between accumulated OL throughout working life, and risk for IHD, and potential sex and hypertension differences. Data from Copenhagen Ageing and Midlife Biobank linked to register-based information on incident IHD during 9 years follow-up in the Danish National Patient Registry were included. The outcome was the odds of IHD from baseline (2009-2011) to end of follow-up (2018), among participants without IHD at baseline. Accumulated OL was assessed by linking occupational codes to a Job Exposure Matrix, creating a measure in ton-years (lifting 1,000 kg/day/year). Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between level of accumulated OL and IHD, among the 6,606 included individuals (68% men). During follow-up, 7.3% men and 3.6% women were hospitalized with IHD. Among all participants, the odds for IHD were 47% (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05-2.06) higher among those with ≥5 to <10 ton-years, 39% (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.06-1.83) higher among those with ≥10 to <30 ton-years, and 62% (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.18-2.22) higher among those with ≥30 ton-years, compared to no accumulated OL. However, these increased odds were in the same direction in the fully-adjusted model but statistically insignificant, ≥5 to <10 ton-years OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.88-1.88; ≥10 to <30 ton-years OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.85-1.69; and ≥30 ton-years OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.81-1.84. No statistically significant interactions, nor any associations, between OL and sex, or hypertension were seen.

Occupational physical activity as a determinant of daytime activity patterns and pregnancy and infant health.

Though physical activity (PA) is recommended during pregnancy, it remains unclear how occupational physical activity (OPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) contribute to activity patterns and health during pregnancy. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine if OPA pattern is a determinant of all-day PA and evaluate associations with pregnancy/infant health outcomes. Data was from two prospective cohorts with study visits each trimester: MoM Health (Pittsburgh, PA; n = 120) and PRAMS (Iowa City, Iowa; n = 20). Using employment status/job hours (self-reported in demographic questionnaires) and OPA from the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, latent class analysis identified three groups: sitting (n = 61), part-time mixed (n = 9), and active (n = 29). A fourth group included non-working participants (n = 32). Device-based PA (ActiGraph GT3X), SB (activPAL3 micro), and blood pressure were measured each trimester. Glucose screening test, gestational age, gestational weight gain, adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth), and infant outcomes (length, weight, and sex) were abstracted from medical records. Associations between groups with APOs and pregnancy/infant health were calculated using linear/logistic regression with adjustment for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, education, and race. Self-reported participant characteristics were similar across groups, except education which was higher in the sitting versus other groups. All-day device-based PA differed across groups; for example, the sitting group had the highest SB across trimester (all p<0.01) while the active group had the highest steps per day across trimesters (all p<0.01). Pregnancy/infant health did not differ between groups (all p>0.09). Compared to the non-working group, the risk of any APO was non-significantly higher in the sitting (OR = 2.27, 95%CI = 0.63-8.18) and active groups (OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 0.66-9.75), though not the part-time mixed (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.08-9.1). OPA pattern is a determinant of all-day PA during pregnancy. Future studies with larger samples should examine associations between pregnancy OPA patterns and pregnancy/infant health.

Occupational Risk Factors, Job Types, and Physical Activity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Literature Review

Occupational Risk Factors, Job Types, and Physical Activity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Literature Review

Occupational physical activity, all-cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases: results from three Italian cohorts

PurposeTo examine the association of exposure to Occupational Physical Activity (OPA) with all-cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).MethodsThe study population was composed of three Italian cohorts: a national cohort of employees participating in the National Health Survey 2005, followed-up until 2014 (ILS 2005), and two urban cohorts of employees resident in Turin at 2001 and 2011 censuses (TLS 2001 and TLS 2011, respectively), both followed-up until 2018. Follow-up was conducted through individual record-linkage with death registries and hospital admissions archives. Exposure to OPA was assigned through an Italian job-exposure matrix (JEM). Relative Risks of both CVD incidence and overall mortality associated with OPA quartiles (IRR) were estimated using Poisson regression models adjusted for socio-demographics and health, and in the national cohort, also for leisure time physical activity, BMI, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.ResultsCompared to the lowest quartile, the highest OPA quartile was associated in both genders with significantly increased mortality in TLS 2001 (IRR = 1.11 among men, IRR = 1.20 among women) and in TLS 2011 (IRR = 1.27 among men and IRR = 1.73 among women), whereas in the ILS 2005 cohort no association was found. Among women, high OPA was also associated with CVD risk in TLS 2001 and 2011 (IRR = 1.39 and IRR = 1.16 for the highest quartile, respectively), while in the ILS cohort in both genders only the third quartile showed a significantly higher risk.ConclusionOur results indicate that OPA does not have a beneficial effect on CVD and mortality, but rather suggest that it may produce deleterious health effects.