Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiometabolic Health in Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers: a Cross-Sectional Analysis

Katharina Ruettger* (Corresponding Author), Veronica Varela-Mato, Yu Ling Chen, Charlotte L. Edwardson, Amber Guest, Nicholas D. Gilson, Laura J. Gray, Nicola J. Paine, Aron P. Sherry, Mohsen Sayyah, Thomas Yates, James A. King, Stacy A. Clemes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective:Physical inactivity, prolonged sitting, and unhealthy dietary habits are common in Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers. These factors increase risk of long-term health conditions

Methods:329 HGV drivers across 25 UK depots completed a health assessment, including questionnaire completion, and objectively measured anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior.

Results:The sample demonstrated a high-risk cardiometabolic health profile. 88.1% were overweight or had obesity, and 11.9% had pre-diabetes or diabetes. 28.3% had hypertension, 83.6% had clinically elevated circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (>2mmol/l), and 66.6% had high total cholesterol levels (>4mmol/l). On workdays drivers accumulated 12 hours/day of sitting, 1.7 hours/day of light PA, and 9.8 mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Associations between light PA and cardiometabolic markers were observed.

Conclusion:This sample presents high levels of inactivity, overweight, and obesity, and unhealthy cardiometabolic health profiles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E217-E223
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume64
Issue number4
Early online date19 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2022

Keywords

  • chronic diseases
  • obesity
  • occupational health
  • physical activity
  • sitting
  • truck drivers

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