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. 2022 Apr 1;64(4):e217-e223.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002484. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiometabolic Health in Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers

Katharina Ruettger  1 , 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
Affiliations

Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiometabolic Health in Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers

Katharina Ruettger et al. J Occup Environ Med. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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