The effects of a graduated aerobic exercise programme on cardiovascular disease risk factors in the NHS workplace: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundSufficient levels of physical activity provide cardio-protective benefit. However within developed society sedentary work and inflexible working hours promotes physical inactivity. Consequently to ensure a healthy workforce there is a requirement for exercise strategies adaptable to occupational time constraint. This study examined the effect of a 12 week aerobic exercise training intervention programme implemented during working hours on the cardiovascular profile of a sedentary hospital workforce.MethodsTwenty healthy, sedentary full-time staff members of the North West London Hospital Trust cytology unit were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 12; mean ± SD age 41 ± 8 years, body mass 69 ± 12 kg) or control (n = 8; mean ± SD age 42 ± 8 years, body mass 69 ± 12 kg) group. The exercise group was prescribed a progressive aerobic exercise-training programme to be performed 4 times a week for 8 weeks (initial intensity 65% peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak)) and to be conducted without further advice for another 4 weeks. The control was instructed to maintain their current physical activity level. Oxygen economy at 2 minutes (2minVO2), 4 minutes (4minVO2), VO2 peak, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), BMI, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined in both groups pre-intervention and at 4 week intervals. Both groups completed a weekly Leisure Time Questionnaire to quantify additional exercise load.ResultsThe exercise group demonstrated an increase from baseline for VO2 peak at week 4 (5.8 ± 6.3 %) and 8 (5.0 ± 8.7 %) (P < 0.05). 2minVO2 was reduced from baseline at week 4 (-10.2 ± 10.3 %), 8 (-16.8 ± 10.6 %) and 12 (-15.1 ± 8.7 %), and 4minVO2 at week 8 (-10.7 ± 7.9 %) and 12 (-6.8 ± 9.2) (P < 0.05). There was also a reduction from baseline in CRP at week 4 (-0.4 ± 0.6 mg·L-1) and 8 (-0.9 ± 0.8 mg·L-1) (P < 0.05). The control group showed no such improvements.ConclusionThis is the first objectively monitored RCT to show that moderate exercise can be successfully incorporated into working hours, to significantly improve physical capacity and cardiovascular health.

Exercise lowers blood pressure in university professors during subsequent teaching and sleeping hours

“…In the longer term, this cardiovascular benefit would prevent the development of diseases such as systemic hypertension and perhaps target organ damage,3,34 which is prevalent in individuals who are constantly subjected to psychological stress during working activities 1–9. The chronic mental stress faced by university professors may lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration,5,10,11 which may be associated with increased sympathetic tone and BP elevation 8,9.…”

Impact of Endovascular Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

“…The usefulness of the d-ROM test for evaluating the correlation between increased levels of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress has been reported in previous clinical studies. 37,38 As compared to other conceptually similar tests for assessing oxidative status in plasma samples, d-ROM test values correlate directly and significantly with plasma 8-isoprostane levels in healthy subjects. 39 A highly significant positive correlation has also been found between the d-ROM…”

Kardiovaskuläre Vorsorge im Breitensport, ambitionierten Freizeitsport und Wettkampfsport über das 35. Lebensjahr hinaus

“…Bei Breitensportlern und Patienten mit metabolischem Syndrom wird die Spiroergometrie angewendet, um den Leistungszustand zu überprüfen und eine aerobe Trainingsgestaltung zu planen [59]. Hier liegt der Schwerpunkt auf der Fettverbrennung und schonenden Aktivitätsplanung im aeroben Bereich [30].…”

“…Die Diagnostik mittels Spiroergometrie ist extrem wichtig bei der Trainingsplanung und der Leistungsbeurteilung bei aktiven Sportlern [39] sowie bei der Aktivitätsplanung der betroffenen Patienten [30]. Nur die Spiroergometrie liefert in der Gesamtheit der Daten eine optimale Beurteilung des Sportlers/des Patienten bezüglich der Fettverbrennung, der Trainingsbereiche und der Leistungseinschätzung.…”