The association between number of steps and the ambulatory blood pressure during leisure vs. work hours among cleaners

Purpose: The physical activity paradox states occupational physical activity (OPA) to be hazardous and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) to be beneficial for health. Yet, the acute effects of OPA and LTPA on cardiovascular risk factors are sparsely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) from steps/hour during work and leisure time among cleaners.

Methods: Data were obtained from a cluster randomized worksite intervention among 91 cleaners in Denmark and included a questionnaire, objective physical measurements, ABP (measured across 24 h), and steps/hour (measured during work and leisure time). A preliminary linear regression analysis was conducted as a mixed model including random intercept and slope, allowing for both within- and between-participant variability. We adjusted for sex, age, job seniority, medication use, smoking, self-reported fitness and BMI. Changes in ABP (mmHg) were estimated per 100 steps/hour.

Results: The number of steps taken was not associated with ABP during either work or leisure. Moreover, the ABP did not seem to differ between exposure to steps taken during work (systolic - 0.42 mmHg, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): - 1.10-0.25, diastolic - 0.03 mmHg, 95% CI, - 0.45-0.39) and leisure time (systolic -0.47 mmHg, 95% CI, - 1.66-0.72, diastolic 0.25 mmHg, 95% CI, - 0.46-0.97).

Conclusion: Our findings show no significant association between steps/hour and ABP and no contrasting effects between work and leisure time. These mechanisms fostering the divergent results need to be further investigated to improve the understanding of the physical activity paradox.