The Effects of Prolonged Sitting: A Health Intervention for Transport Workers

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Colson, Natalie J

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Wendt, Lauren

Kenway, Leanne C

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2023-09-11
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Introduction: Heavy vehicle operators possess a large number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including sedentarism due to prolonged sitting, a characteristic trait of this occupation thus increasing the risk of developing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This study was designed to characterise CVD risk factors within this sedentary population by assessing lower limb arterial flow, endothelial functionality, and the effects on the overall health profile with an intervention; a 4-week walking program. Methods: Twenty-three heavy vehicle operators (20 male; 3 female) aged 35-72 years were included in this study. Baseline measurements included general health and family history assessments, world health organisation 5 well-being index (WHO5 well-being index) questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, doppler ultrasound measures and Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). Participants participated in a 4-week walking intervention in which drivers were required to undertake 30 minutes of walking at least 4 times per week. Seventeen of the 23 drivers completed the intervention in its entirety, including post-intervention measurements: doppler ultrasound assessment, ABI, WHO5, anthropometric measures and a follow-up questionnaire. Results: Baseline measurements indicated that participants had a high prevalence of CVD and PAD risk factors. The peak velocity (PV), ABI and vessel diameter (VD) of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial artery (DPA and PTA) were assessed pre and post shift at pre and post intervention. There were nonsignificant changes measured across these parameters. All PV measures fell within the normal range (<200cm/s). Vessel diameter was below normal in the left PTA. Both systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p<0.04) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p<0.03) were significantly reduced pre vs. post intervention. All other measures did not significantly change. Conclusion: Overall, this study found that heavy vehicle operators possess an increased level of risk for the development of CVD. Measurements used to assess endothelial functional were not significantly altered pre vs post shift, however a 4-week walking intervention did significantly reduce resting blood pressure (BP) (systolic and diastolic).

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Thesis (Masters)

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Master of Medical Research (MMedRes)

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School of Pharmacy & Med Sci

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The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise.

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Subject

prolonged sitting

transport workers

doppler ultrasound

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