Sedentary Work Research Articles

Effects of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Cardiovascular Health Factors and Heart Function in Sedentary Male Office Workers

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular aerobic exercise on cardiovascular health factors and heart function in sedentary male office workers.METHODS To achieve this aim, 20 individuals were selected as subjects: 10 in the exercise group (who have been regularly exercising for over 5 years, more than 4 times per week, for 1 hour or more per workout) and 10 in the control group (defines sedentary behavior more of moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes or longer, at least three days a week ). For data processing, the average and standard deviation were calculated using the SPSS 21.0 statistical program, and the difference in the mean value change between groups was verified by performing an independent t-test.RESULTS There were significant differences between groups in factors related to cardiovascular health, such as resting heart rate, maximum systolic blood pressure, maximum oxygen intake, and exercise duration. Regarding heart function, there were significant differences between both groups in peak velocities of early and atrial fillings, as well as in early and late diastolic annulus velocities.CONCLUSIONS Taken together, regular aerobic exercise appears to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health factors and heart function in sedentary male office workers.

Prevalence and Association of Hypertension among the Government Civil Employees of Bangladesh Armed Forces Attending BNS Patenga (Navy Hospital), Chattogram

Hypertension is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among the government civil employees of Bangladesh Armed Forces reported to BNS Patenga (Navy Hospital), Chattogram, Bangladesh, between January and June 2023. The study involved participants aged 25-60 years who are government civil employees working in Bangladesh Armed Forces in Chattogram area. This study was done using multi-stage random sampling. Data on age, gender, smoking habits, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, physical activity, diet, extra salt use, family history of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were collected using modified WHO-STEPS protocol. Hypertension was defined according to JNC-8 guidelines. Multiple logistic regressions models were used to identify risk factors associated with hypertension. Data were collected with semi-structured questionnaire and checklist by face-to-face interview and reviewing medical records respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 19.0. A total of 150 participated (128 male and 22 female). Among the study population, 17% had hyperlipidemia, 32% consume high caloric diet, 15% were overweight, 20% had smoking habit, 17% were working in stressful environment, 57% were sedentary worker, 19% having family history of hypertension. The overall age-adjusted prevalence hypertension among 150 participants was 27%, which was higher among males compared to females (25% in contrast to 2%). Bivariate analysis showed significant relationship of hypertension with age, BMI, no physical activity, tobacco use, extra salt intake, dyslipidaemia, stressful life, high calorie diet, diabetes, and family history of stroke/cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. In the multivariate model, factors significantly associated with hypertension were older age (33%), smoking (26%), extra salt intake (35%), and high waist circumference (36%). The prevalence of hypertension was high among our study participants. Population-based intervention programs and policies for increased awareness about the risk factors, and life-style modification are essential for prevention of hypertension. CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 17-21

P1136 Relationship between occupation and Inflammatory Bowel Disease’s activity in newly diagnosed patients

Abstract Background It is well known that occupational activity can affect health. The association between type of work and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) has been studied previously, but the studies on the topic are scarce and they do not have studied the relationship with clinical activity of the disease. The aim of this study is to elucidate if the type of work is a risk factor for the disease activity and severity in recently diagnosed IBD patients. Methods An observational prospective study including incident cases of patients with IBD diagnosed between June 2020 and September 2022 in the area of Santiago de Compostela was developed. Type of work, divided into white collar and blue-collar, sedentariness at work divided into high activity, moderate activity and sedentary activity according to the classification of occupational activity categories using accelerometry, and place of work divided into indoor and outdoor, time at work and contact with animals at work was recorded. All cases were followed-up through one year to assess the evolution of the disease. Endoscopic index at one year from the diagnosis, analytic parameters, hospitalizations related with the disease during the period, treatments administered, and number and severity of flares (measured by Partial Mayo Score and Harvey- Bradshaw) were collected. To analyze the results, a logistic regression was used. Results 136 patients were included and followed their activity for a year. 68 (50%) were females. 78 (57.4%) had ulcerative colitis, 52 (38.2%) Crohn’s disease and 6 (4.4%) unclassified colitis. 30 patients (22.1%) had at least one flare during this time (23 had 1 flare, 5 two and 2 three), and 4 patients were primary non responders. 7 patients (5.2%) were hospitalized. Neither the type of job (white or blue collar), time at work (working hours per week), physical activity at work (sedentary work, moderate activity or high activity), working outdoor vs. indoor nor contact with animals at work were associated with hospitalization (all p>0.05). When contact with chemicals, solvents and dusts were analyzed, no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05). Regarding the appearance of flares, high activity at work and working outside were protective factors of the appearance of a flare, with OR 0.1 (0.0 – 0.7) and 0.2 (0.1 – 0.8) respectively (Table 1).After stratifying results according to type of IBD, there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusion High activity jobs and working outside are protective factors for a flare appearance in patients with recent diagnosis of IBD. Type of job it is not related with risk of hospitalization.

Sustaining work ability amongst female professional workers with long COVID.

Long COVID (LC) compromises work ability (WA). Female worker WA has been more adversely impacted than WA in men. Exploration of lived experiences could elucidate the WA support required. To explore the working conditions and circumstances experienced as affecting sustained WA amongst female workers with LC, to help mitigate worklessness risks. Online semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 female workers self-reporting or formally diagnosed with LC who had made some attempt to return to work (RTW). Interviews were analysed using template analysis to map themes informing WA enablers and obstacles onto a biopsychosocial model of rehabilitation. All participants were professionals working in an employed or self-employed capacity. Key themes reflecting circumstances that afforded sustained WA included the autonomy over where, when and how to work indicated as facilitated by a professional role, rapid health care access, predominantly sedentary work, competent colleagues able to cover for transient reduced WA, a strong interface between specialist health and management support, and accessible organizational policies that steer health management according to equity rather than equality. Highly flexible, iterative, co-produced RTW planning, tolerant of fluctuating symptom expression appears vital. In return for providing such flexibility, participants felt that employers' workforce diversity and competence would be protected and that workers would need to reciprocate flexibility. These qualitatively derived findings of workers' lived experiences add to existing guidance on supporting WA for people struggling with LC. Moreover, the same principles seem appropriate for tackling worklessness amongst working-age adults with complex long-term health conditions.

Risk Factors Of Ovarian Cancer Among The Postmenopausal Women

Background: Ovarian cancer ranks 5thin cancer deaths among women. A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 75. Cancer mainly develops in older women.
 Methods: The case control study was carried out among 154 respondents in medical oncology department, NIRCH, Dhaka from July 2016 to June 2017. Among the participants, 77 were cases who had ovarian cancer and another 77 were controls who had no ovarian cancer. Convenient sampling technique was used and data were collected by face-to-face interview using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered on to the template of SPSS and analysis was done.
 Results: The mean age of case and control group were 60.06±7.00 and 59.89±6.96 years respectively. Highest number of respondents were illiterate. Majority came from rural area and had no personal monthly income. Most of them were taken high fiber diet, 83.1% in case and 77.9% in control group. About 80.5% in case and 66.2% in control group had BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Sedentary workers 40.3% in case and 13.0% in control group; moderate workers were 31.2% in case and 20.8% in control group and hard workers were 28.5% and 66.2% in case and control group respectively. The mean age of menarche 12.02±1.19 years and 12.87±1.30 years in case and control group respectively and mean age of menopause in case and in control groups respectively 51.54±2.39 and 49.61±1.29 years. In case group 49.3% had early term pregnancy whereas in control group 9.5% had early term pregnancy; in case group 82.1% and in control group 86.5% had breast feeding history. Around 16.9% in case group and 27.3% in control group used to take OCP. Significantly more respondents 6.5% in case group had personal H/O breast cancer than control group. Positive family history of breast and ovarian cancer was found 16.9% in case group and 2.6% in control group. In binary logistic regression analysis for risk factors of OC was found that sedentary activity was associated with increased risk, increased BMI (≥25 kg/m2), early age of menarche (≤12 years), late age of menopause (>51 years), nullipara and early term pregnancy. Family H/O breast or ovarian cancer significantly associated with development of ovarian cancer.
 Conclusion: Ovarian cancer observed more in older age group (≥60 years) among sedentary worker with high body mass index (≥25 kg/m2). Early age of menarche (≤12 years), late menopause (>50 years), never having given birth to a child in life time, early term of pregnancy and family history of breast and ovarian cancer were significantly associated with ovarian cancer among post-menopausal women.
 JOPSOM 2021; 41(2):28-35

Effects of vibration-based biofeedback on multifidus muscle activity and pelvic tilt angle in subjects with hip flexion limitation.

Sedentary work may lead to low back pain. In particular, a slumped sitting position may exacerbate low back pain because of tissue damage caused by excessive lumbar flexion and posterior pelvic tilting. Subjects with low back pain may have excessive changes in the lumbopelvic posture and back muscle activity in the sitting position. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vibration-based biofeedback using a motion sensor belt and no biofeedback on multifidus (MF) muscle activity and pelvic tilt angle during typing. Thirty subjects with low back pain accompanied by hip flexion limitation (15 each in the biofeedback and non-biofeedback groups) were enrolled. Electromyography was used to investigate MF muscle activity before and after typing for 30 min. Pelvic tilt was measured after typing in a sitting position for 30 min. Independent t-tests were used to compare MF muscle activity, and pelvic and second sacrum tilt angles, between the biofeedback and non-biofeedback groups. After typing for 30 min, changes in MF muscle activity (11.45% and -7.19% for the biofeedback and nonbiofeedback groups, respectively) and pelvic and second sacrum tilt angles (3.15∘ and 4.12∘ for the biofeedback group and -11.05∘ and -18.16∘ for the non-biofeedback group, respectively) were significantly smaller in the biofeedback than non-biofeedback group (p< 0.05). Vibration-based biofeedback minimizes the reduction in MF muscle activity and changes in pelvic and second sacrum tilt angles during typing in individuals with low back pain accompanied by hip flexion limitation.

Clinical Presentation of Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke and Its Relation to Lipid Profile

Introduction: Stroke is a major health hazard in both developed and developing countries. Dyslipidaemia is one of the important risk factors for stroke. The purpose of the present study was to identify clinical presentations of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, and to find out correlation between stroke and lipid profile. Methods: The observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal from April to September 2013 for a period of 6 months. All the stroke patients over 20 years of age of both sexes were selected as study population. After admission at the hospital, history was taken from the patients or the attendants. The clinical presentation was recorded in a pre designed data collection sheet. Fasting lipid profile was measured in every stroke patient. Results: Total 100 stroke patients were enrolled for this study, of them 36 were haemorrhagic and 64 were ischaemic stroke patients. The mean ± SD of age were 63.945 ± 8.84 and 62.26 ± 14.40 in haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke patients respectively (p&gt;0.05). Among both haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke patients maximum 61.1% and 60.9% used to have sedentary work. Impaired level of consciousness was more common among the haemorrhagic stroke patients (91.7%) than ischaemic stroke patients (57.8%) group and the association is statistically significant (p=0.001). Limb weakness was the commonest presentation in both haemorrhagic (91.7%) and ischaemic (87.5%) stroke patients. The mean ± SD of total cholesterol was 173.47 ± 61.96 and 178.22 ± 54.79 in haemorrhagic stroke and ischaemic stroke patients respectively (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Older age, male sex, sedentary work and dyslipidaemia were susceptible to be affected in stroke. Among lipoproteins, elevated total cholesterols, triglycerides and LDL showed strong correlation with both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. J MEDICINE 2024; 25: 24-28

Sitting, Standing, and Physical Activity in Australian Passenger Rail Drivers: On the Right Track for Better Health?

Poor health in passenger rail drivers, resulting from perceived highly sedentary work and leisure time, has implications for public safety. To date, no studies have described the physical behaviors of passenger rail drivers. This study aimed to characterize the physical behaviors of passenger rail drivers by investigating the volume, pattern, variation, and composition of behaviors at and outside of work. A convenience sample of 31 rail drivers (77% male, median age 51.0 [12.5]y) in South Australia wore an activity monitor on their right thigh for 8 days and completed a work logbook. Physical behaviors (sitting, standing, light-intensity physical activity, moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity [MVPA], and steps) were recorded for workdays and nonworkdays, and work and nonwork time on workdays. The volume, bouts, between-participants variation, and 3-way composition were compared across the 4 time periods. Drivers sat for 10.6 (1.5)hours, did 76.3 (38.8)minutes of MVPA, and took 9727.3 (4088.4) steps daily. At work, drivers were sitting 369.3 (41.8)minutes (187.1 [54.2]min in prolonged bouts) and doing MVPA 31.7 (10.0)minutes. Between-participants variation in sitting time during work (11%) was lower than both nonwork on a workday (19%) and on a nonworkday (24%; P < .001). Compositions at work differed from nonwork on workdays (F = 27.7, P < .001), as did compositions on workdays compared with nonworkdays (F = 6.8, P = .002). Passenger rail drivers were highly sedentary, but also surprisingly active. At work, drivers were more sedentary and had lower variation in behaviors, suggesting work constraints play an important role. Therefore, work may be the most appropriate domain to intervene for promoting healthy physical behavior profiles among these passenger rail drivers.

Occupational Health Assessment and Risks in Automotive and Wood Manufacturing Industries: A Retrospective Study

Objective: This study examines workers' health status and occupational risks in the automotive manufacturing and wood manufacturing sectors based on medical examinations conducted between January 2019 and January 2020. Materials and Methods: It involves 27 individuals with an average age of 36.26. Younger workers, especially those aged 20 to 35, show a higher propensity for workplace accidents due to their engagement in hazardous tasks and limited experience. The research emphasizes prevalent health issues such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases among these workers, influenced by sedentary work routines and inadequate physical activity. Workers employed for 1-10 years exhibit the highest incidence of workplace accidents, warranting careful monitoring in this demographic. Key factors observed include tobacco consumption, blood cell counts, hemoglobin, glucose, liver function indicators, and exposure to hazardous substances. The study highlights prevalent hearing impairment and lung abnormalities in these workers, aligning with global trends in occupational health. Results: It recommends regular health screenings, lung film examinations during initial employment, and periodic check-ups for early detection and treatment. While acknowledging limitations, such as study specificity and resource constraints, it underscores the role of such studies in shaping policies, guiding preventive measures, and enhancing worker health and safety in high-risk industries. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for proactive health monitoring and regular screenings to safeguard workers' health, even in industries where symptoms might not be evident.

Associations of endurance, muscle strength, and balanced exercise with subjective sleep quality in sedentary workers: A cross-sectional study.

The optimal exercise combination for improving sleep quality among sedentary workers is unclear. To reveal what combination of exercises contributes to good sleep quality. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 5,201 sedentary workers who underwent health examinations in 2019. Data on sleep quality, basic attributes, energy expenditure, and lifestyle aspects such as exercise and physical activity, supper time close to bedtime, and alcohol intake were obtained. The subjects reported their exercise habits by selecting up to three forms of exercise from a list of 182 options, which were classified into three types: endurance (e.g., jogging), muscle strength (e.g., bench pressing), and balanced types which combined both endurance and muscle strength characteristics. (e.g., walking). These forms were then categorized into eight combination patterns: endurance only; muscle strength only; balanced only; endurance and muscle strength; endurance and balanced; muscle strength and balanced; all types; and absence of any exercise habits. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the exercise combination patterns and sleep quality. Good sleep quality was significantly associated with "endurance" (OR = 1.419; 95% CI 1.110-1.814), "balanced only" (OR = 1.474; 95% CI 1.248-1.741), and "endurance and balance" (OR = 1.782; 95% CI 1.085-2.926) exercise patterns. No significant associations were found between the combinations that included muscle strength exercises and sleep quality. The endurance or balanced-type exercises, or a combination of both, may help to improve the sleep quality of sedentary workers as part of occupational health management.

Identification of prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and various risk factors in dentists

PurposeThe awkward and repetitive movements lead to tissue straining, potentially leading to painful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs in dentists result in work inefficiency and a reduction in work hours. A survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of MSDs amongst the dental population of interest. MethodsCustomized individual detail questionnaires, Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaires, and Level of Pain estimation using the Likert Scale were used to deduce the various responsible risk factors for the occurrence of MSDs in dentists. Inferential statistical analysis was done to identify the prevalence and severity of the MSDs. The Chi-Square test (95 % confidence interval) was used to identify and compare the association of risk factors involved in MSDs with the occurrence of the Effect of MSDs, the presence of MSDs, and the severity of the MSDs. ResultsThe results of the study deduced that the dentists followed the sedentary work practices. The dentists experienced maximum discomfort in the neck region, which was accompanied by the discomfort experienced in the lower back, hands and wrists, making the upper extremity being more susceptible to the MSDs. Gender risk factors the, the prevalence of MSDs in the dentist's upper back, and the severity of pain in the upper back region showed a significant association level. ConclusionThe wrist posture, the prevalence of MSDs and the severity of pain in the dentists' neck, shoulder and upper back showed a significant association level.

Analysis on smart seats intelligently correcting users' sitting posture

In contemporary times, an increasing number of individuals are encountering health-related issues stemming from extended periods of sitting, primarily attributable to improper sitting posture. Hence, the introduction of an intelligent seating solution into the market is imperative and holds significant potential for commercial success. Concerns regarding the health of children, namely their spinal development, as well as the need for sedentary workers to maintain a healthy sitting posture, have become significant issues for consumers. Currently, there are certain items in the market, such as backrests, which aim to partially correct sitting posture. However, these products have limitations in terms of requiring attachment or wearing, as well as lacking sufficient data support. Consequently, the user experience and scalability of these products are considerably inadequate. Based on the analysis of consumer big data by China Business News data (CBNData), there has been a notable surge in the markets appetite for premium corrective goods in recent years. There exists a market demand for products that are closely associated, specifically smart seats. Currently, researchers have conducted investigations on the recognition and reminder systems pertaining to sitting posture. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the fundamental prerequisites and advancements in intelligent seating systems by employing literature analysis and review methods.

Comprehensive assessment of the risks of sedentary work

Recent research shows that musculoskeletal disorders remain a major health and cost problem and their importance is growing. This is reflected in the fact that musculoskeletal disorders are one of the top three concerns for European companies. The Community strategy on health and safety at work highlights the importance of better adapting the workplace to individual needs and the effective application of key ergonomic principles in workplace design and work organisation. Despite continuous efforts, musculoskeletal disorders - back, neck and upper limb - remain a major health and cost burden. The work-body position has a similar perception, with relatively small outliers, but the proportion of working time spent on manual handling or repetitive hand or arm movements is steadily increasing. Recent European research also demonstrates that musculoskeletal disorders - back, neck and upper limb - remain a major health and cost problem and their importance is increasing. This is also indicated by the fact that musculoskeletal disorders are among the top three causes of concern for occupational health and safety in European companies. This is why we chose to focus our research on a comprehensive assessment of the potential risks associated with sedentary work and to investigate the risk analysis methods that can be applied, using a laboratory work example.

Factors Influencing the Degree of Employee Involvement in Preventive Nutrition and Physical Activity Web-Based Programs in Medium and Small Enterprises.

This cross-sectional study was part of a comprehensive workplace health promotion program (WHPP) implemented in the work environment of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Western Slovenia, which included web-based educational campaigns aimed at promoting positive lifestyle changes among workers, including healthy eating habits and physical activity. As part of this program, which included campaigns in the areas of stress management, ergonomics, sleep hygiene, communication, work climate, and absenteeism, we developed and examined the engagement frequency in web-based content on healthy eating and physical activity for the companies included in the WHPP. This part of the project lasted from 2020 to 2022. Prior to the educational campaign, participants voluntarily completed a screening questionnaire. We analyzed the patterns of 370 workers in terms of their job classification (predominantly sedentary, predominantly standing, or predominantly physical), body mass index (BMI), gender, age, and selected indicators of diet and physical activity. Of the 88 companies participating in the WHPP, 26 took part in our web-based educational campaigns on nutrition and physical activity. Through an empirical analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics and a linear regression, we found that, on average, the engagement frequency (i.e., proportion of educational personal e-mails read) was highest among men with sedentary work, with older employees participating more actively than expected. Moreover, workers with good dietary habits and a favorable BMI proved to be the most avid readers of the web-based campaigns. Despite the overall low participant engagement frequency, it is clear that web-based educational campaigns are more appealing to workers with sedentary jobs and good dietary habits. This study provides valuable information on the potential effectiveness of appropriate workplace health promotion campaigns for SMEs and public health practices.

Occupational characteristics and disability-free survival after retirement age: an exploratory analysis from the ASPREE study.

Certain occupational characteristics have been linked with poor health and reduced longevity. However, the association between occupational characteristics and survival free of disability in a post-retirement age group has not been investigated. We investigated outcomes in 12,215 healthy older Australian adults in the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) and ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study. The ISCO-88 major occupational groups, settings, and activity levels were assigned based on free-text job descriptions. The Finnish Job Exposure Matrix was used to assign occupational characteristics to the three longest-held jobs. The primary endpoint, disability-free survival, was defined as a composite measure of death, dementia, or persistent physical disability. The endpoint of all-cause mortality was analyzed separately. Because of multiple exploratory analyses, only those associations with a two-sided value of p less than 0.005 were considered statistically significant. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios. Having worked in an 'elementary' occupation was associated with a reduction in disability-free survival. A specific impact on disability-free survival was observed among those whose work had involved high accident risk and adverse social climate. No significant relationship was identified with those previously exposed to sedentary work, vigorous physical activity, work primarily outdoors, or a range of other occupational characteristics. All-cause mortality was not increased among any of the occupational groups. This exploratory study found a reduction in disability-free survival among people who worked in 'elementary' occupations, with specific risks associated with occupations involving high accident risks and adverse social climate.

The “Digital Disconnect” on the Back of Occupational Health and Safety

The importance of digital disconnection in the workplace cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in preserving the physical and mental well-being of employees. In today's hyper-connected world, the constant use of digital devices and online communication has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. This continuous connectivity can lead to a range of health issues. Physically, excessive screen time and sedentary work can result in eye strain, headaches, and musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, a lack of time for relaxation and exercise can contribute to a host of chronic health conditions. Mentally, the relentless notifications and information overload can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety. Continuous work-related communication, even after office hours, disrupts personal lives and makes it challenging for individuals to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones. Promoting digital disconnection by setting boundaries, encouraging regular breaks, and respecting off-hours can help employees maintain a healthier work-life balance. Ultimately, these practices enhance physical and mental health, leading to happier and more productive workers. Employers and employees must recognize the significance of this disconnect to create a sustainable and healthy work environment.

Abstract 13463: Effect of an Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior on Blood Pressure in Desk Workers: The RESET BP Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT)

Introduction: High sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk in cohort studies, yet definitive data from RCTs of SB reduction on CV risk factors is lacking. Hypothesis: A 3-month SB reduction intervention would decrease blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in sedentary adults. Methods: We recruited desk workers with systolic BP (SBP) 120-159 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) 80-99 mmHg, not on antihypertensives, and reporting low physical activity. Participants were randomized 1:1 to a 3-month SB reduction intervention or control. The intervention targeted replacing sitting with standing and stepping via health coaching, a wrist-worn activity prompter, and a height-adjustable workstation. All day and work-specific SB, standing, stepping, and steps were measured by a thigh-worn triaxial accelerometer. Protocolized office SBP (primary outcome), DBP, and HR were measured in duplicate on two occasions at each baseline and 3 months; 24-hr ambulatory BP and carotid-femoral PWV via tonometry were also measured. Changes in outcomes were compared across groups using analysis of covariance and mixed models. Results: Participants (n=271) had mean age 45 y and BP 129/83 mmHg; 60% were female and 82% were non-Hispanic White. Retention was 97%. Intervention participants reduced SB during work (-1.3 hr/day) and across all waking hours (-1.1 hr/day) compared to controls (both p&lt;0.001). Intervention participants increased work-specific standing (1.2 hr/day), stepping (5 min/day) and steps (398/day) and all day standing (1.0 hr/day), stepping (7 min/day) and steps (528/day) compared to control (all p&lt;0.05). Yet, the intervention did not yield a greater reduction in BP or PWV vs. controls (all p&gt;0.05). Differences in changes were office SBP -0.24 mmHg (p=0.793), DBP 0.08 mmHg (p=0.894), and heart rate -2.75 (p=0.190). Findings were similar for 24-hr, daytime, and nighttime ambulatory BP averages (all &lt;1.2 mmHg; p&gt;0.05). Differences in PWV were higher (opposite from the hypothesized direction) in intervention vs. control and approached significance (0.18 m/s, p=0.07). Conclusions: In sedentary desk workers with mild-moderate untreated BP, this 3-month intervention reduced daily SB by about one hour but did not improve BP or PWV.

Pain reduction, physical performance, and psychological status compared between Hatha yoga and stretching exercise to treat sedentary office workers with mild/moderate neck/shoulder pain: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

ObjectiveTo investigate pain reduction, physical performance, and psychological status compared between Hatha yoga and stretching exercises. DesignRandomized controlled non-inferiority trial Subjects150 sedentary office workers with mild/moderate neck/shoulder pain. InterventionsParticipants received group Hatha yoga or stretching exercise once a week (30 min for 4 weeks), and were asked to practice at home. Subjects were followed up at 4 and 8 weeks. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was a numeric rating scale (NRS) score. The secondary outcomes were a sit-and-reach test, Functional Reach Test, Neck Disability Index, pain pressure threshold, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, and the EuroQoL. ResultsOf the 150 subjects, 59 and 71 participants in the Hatha yoga and stretching groups were analyzed. At baseline, no significant differences between groups were found. After 4 weeks, the mean difference in the NRS score was statistically significant between groups (p < 0.001), including a 95% confidence level of < 1 score, but there was no significant difference between groups for any other outcome. Most participants reported being satisfied with their assigned treatment (98.3–100%), and rated themselves as improved or much improved (91.8–98.3%) (both p > 0.05 between groups). The most common adverse events were musculoskeletal pain and muscle tension. Repeated measures analysis of variance that compared among weeks 0, 4, and 8 revealed no significant difference between groups. ConclusionHatha yoga was tentatively found to be non-inferior to stretching exercise relative to safety, for decreasing pain, anxiety, and depression, and for improving flexibility, neck functions, and quality of life.

Correlation of Lateral Pinch Strength with Hand Span in Bead Embroiderers

Background: Lateral pinch strength is a commonly employed indices of strength used in hand evaluations. For all handicrafts professionals, grip and pinch strength is an important criterion to be successful in their profession. The bead embroiderers are one of the major handicrafts worker groups of Bangladesh. Objectives: The study was planned to compare and correlate hand span and lateral pinch strength of the hand in bead embroiderers to establish baseline data of our own for further studies. Materials and Methods: There was a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted on 150 bead embroiderers in group B and 50 sedentary workers in group A, carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka between July 2016 and July 2017. The lateral pinch was measured by using a Pinch Gauge Dynamometer. The hand span was taken by using a ruler and unpaired student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were done to compare and correlate.Results: Lateral pinch strength showed a significant positive correlation with hand span in group B (r = +0.234, P&lt;0.01) and non-significant positive correlation with hand span in group A (r = +0.275, P=0.053).Conclusion: The study findings may contribute significantly to current knowledge for designing machines and handheld devices.KYAMC Journal Vol. 14, No. 02, July 2023: 92-95.

Measuring the Economic Burden of Health Conditions among White-Collar Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study from Delhi-NCR.

In the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in healthcare expenditure due to the prevalence of health issues across the globe. This is primarily seen among white-collar employees due to the sedentary nature of their jobs, which affects their current earnings (Purchasing Power) directly due to the reallocation of their real income towards healthcare expenditure (Economic Burden) and indirectly by impacting work productivity through sick leaves. To measure the economic burden of disease(s) among white-collar employees, and to study the same across different socio-demographic variables. A cross-sectional study has been conducted in the region of Delhi-NCR among 357 white-collar employees. A random sampling method was adopted using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information regarding the direct and indirect costs of health conditions with a recall period of one month. The cumulative score of these monthly costs was converted to annual data to estimate the economic burden of the health conditions among the employees over a year. As compared to Communicable diseases (16.24%), Non-communicable diseases (27.17%) were more prevalent among the respondents. Compared to other diseases, the employees suffering from Heart diseases (INR 7,62,237.50), Spinal health issues (INR 1,73,625.00), and Diabetes (INR 1,64,535.71) incurred more economic burden. At a 5% significance level, no significant difference was observed in economic burden for Gender and BMI. However, the economic burden was significantly different across the categories of Age and Monthly income. A positive association can be observed in economic burden with the increasing categories of age and monthly income. With the nature of sedentary work (desk jobs), white-collar employees are at a greater risk of exposure to various NCDs than CDs and incur a significant amount of out-of-pocket expenditure to manage their health status.