The Impact of a Novel Structured Health Intervention for Truckers (SHIFT) on Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Apr;60(4):368-376. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001128.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of implementing a lifestyle health behavior intervention on cardiovascular risk markers in a sample of lorry drivers.

Methods: Fifty-seven males participated in the pre-post evaluation of a multicomponent 12-week intervention.

Results: Favorable changes in several cardiovascular health indicators were observed, including fasting blood glucose (-0.6 mmol/L), LDL-Cholesterol (-0.7 mmol/L), total cholesterol (-0.7 mmol/L), waist-hip ratio (-0.10), and waist circumference (-2.5 cm) (P < 0.01). The proportion of participants with a more than 10% risk of a cardiovascular event in the next 10 years was reduced by 12% (P < 0.05). A 21%, 12%, and 7.5% reduction in drivers with pre-diabetes (P < 0.001), undiagnosed diabetes (P < 0.05), and the metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05), respectively, was observed.

Conclusion: This study highlights the feasibility of implementing a multicomponent health intervention within the transport setting and provides preliminary evidence of its beneficial effects on some markers of health.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Counseling
  • Diabetes Mellitus / prevention & control*
  • Diet
  • Exercise*
  • Health Education
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Vehicles*
  • Occupational Health
  • Prediabetic State / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • Sitting Position
  • Standing Position
  • Time Factors
  • Waist Circumference
  • Waist-Hip Ratio

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Cholesterol, LDL