Showing papers in "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2014"
TL;DR: A compilation of the evidence on workplace programs' effectiveness coupled with recommendations for critical review of outcome studies shows that well-designed and well-executed programs that are founded on evidence-based principles can achieve positive health and financial outcomes.
Abstract: Objective: To respond to the question, “Do workplace health promotion programs work?” Methods: A compilation of the evidence on workplace programs’ effectiveness coupled with recommendations for critical review of outcome studies. Also, reviewed are recent studies questioning the value of workplace programs. Results: Evidence accumulated over the past three decades shows that well-designed and well-executed programs that are founded on evidence-based principles can achieve positive health and financial outcomes. Conclusions: Employers seeking a program that “works” are urged to consider their goals and whether they have an organizational culture that can facilitate success. Employers who choose to adopt a health promotion program should use best and promising practices to maximize the likelihood of achieving positive results.
296 citations
TL;DR: This online mindfulness intervention seems to be both practical and effective in decreasing employee stress, while improving resiliency, vigor, and work engagement, thereby enhancing overall employee well-being.
Abstract: Objective:The objective of this study was to determine whether a mindfulness program, created for the workplace, was both practical and efficacious in decreasing employee stress while enhancing resiliency and well-being.Methods:Participants (89) recruited from The Dow Chemical Company were selected
285 citations
TL;DR: A pro-inflammatory diet was associated with elevated CRP and with the glucose intolerance component of MetSyn, which was more prevalent among officers in DII quartile 4 than among those in quartile 1.
Abstract: Objectives: To determine whether the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is associated with inflammatory or metabolic biomarkers and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) among police officers. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study were derived from saliva and fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, long-term shiftwork histories, and demographic, stress/depression, and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Metabolic syndrome was defined using standard criteria. Results: Officers in DII quartiles 2 to 4 were more likely to exceedathresholdof3.0mg/LforC-reactiveprotein(oddsratio[OR] =1.88; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.02 to 3.45; OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.19to 3.95;OR =1.57;95%CI =0.85to2.88,respectively) comparedwith quartile 1. The glucose intolerance component of MetSyn was more prevalent among officers in DII quartile 4 than among those in quartile 1 (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.08 to 3.82). Conclusions: A pro-inflammatory diet was associated with elevated CRP and with the glucose intolerance component of MetSyn.
261 citations
TL;DR: Those who are most sedentary at work do not compensate by increasing their PA or reducing their sedentary time outside work, and Occupational interventions should address workplace and leisure-time sedentary behavior.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine objectively determined sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) during and outside working hours in full-time office workers. METHODS: A total of 170 participants wore an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer for 7 days. Time spent sedentary (
236 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate acceptable construct validity of the IWPQ, providing researchers with a reliable and valid instrument to measure individual work performance comprehensively and generically, among workers from different occupational sectors, with and without health problems.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To examine the construct validity of the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). METHODS:: A total of 1424 Dutch workers from three occupational sectors (blue, pink, and white collar) participated in the study. First, IWPQ scores were correlated with related constructs (convergent validity). Second, differences between known groups were tested (discriminative validity). RESULTS:: First, IWPQ scores correlated weakly to moderately with absolute and relative presenteeism, and work engagement. Second, significant differences in IWPQ scores were observed for workers differing in job satisfaction, and workers differing in health. CONCLUSION:: Overall, the results indicate acceptable construct validity of the IWPQ. Researchers are provided with a reliable and valid instrument to measure individual work performance comprehensively and generically, among workers from different occupational sectors, with and without health problems. © 2014 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
155 citations
TL;DR: The two books address three overriding questions: first, they explain why climate change is a pressing issue for the international community; second, they discuss when environmental interventions should be pursued; third, they prescribe suggestions for what those interventionsShould be.
Abstract: William Nordhaus’s Climate Casino and Gernot Wagner and Martin L. Weitzman’s Climate Shock are two outstanding pieces of economic analysis that powerfully call for citizens and world leaders to take action on climate change. Both books address three overriding questions: first, they explain why climate change is a pressing issue for the international community; second, they discuss when environmental interventions should be pursued; third, they prescribe suggestions for what those interventions should be. The two works share a common perspective in their The Climate Casino: Risk, Uncertainty, and Economics for a Warming World William Nordhaus (Yale University Press, 392 pp., $20.00) Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a Hotter Planet Gernot Wagner & Martin L. Weitzman (Princeton University Press, 264 pp., $27.95)
149 citations
TL;DR: Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs seems to raise the risk of both congenital malformations and miscarriage and health care workers with long-term, low-level occupational exposure to these drugs also seem to have an increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes.
Abstract: Objectives: Antineoplastic drugs are known reproductive and developmental toxicants. Our objective was to review the existing literature of reproductive health risks to workers who handle antineoplastic drugs. Methods: As tructured literature review of 18 peer-reviewed, English language publications of occupational exposure and reproductive outcomes was performed. Results: Although effect sizes varied with study size and population, occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs seems to raise the risk of both congenital malformations and miscarriage. Studies of infertility and time to pregnancy also suggested an increased risk for subfertility.Conclusions: Antineoplastic drugs are highly toxic in patients receiving treatment, and adverse reproductive effects have been well documented in these patients. Health care workers with long-term, low-level occupational exposure to these drugs also seem to have an increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes. Additional precautions to prevent exposure should be considered.
130 citations
TL;DR: Coal mine dust remains a relevant occupational hazard and miners remain at risk for CMDLD, and prevention is critical.
Abstract: Objective:To provide an update on respiratory diseases caused by coal mine dust.Methods:This article presents the results of a literature review initially performed for an International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease held in summer 2013.Results:Coal mine dust causes a spec
122 citations
TL;DR: CO2 level, age at launch, time in-flight, and data source were significantly associated with headache, suggesting an increased susceptibility to physiological effects of CO2 in- flight.
Abstract: Objective:Because of anecdotal reports of CO2-related symptoms onboard the International Space Station (ISS), the relationship between CO2 and in-flight headaches was analyzed.Methods:Headache reports and CO2 measurements were obtained, and arithmetic means and single-point maxima were determined fo
113 citations
TL;DR: Higher quality research is needed to better understand why small businesses rarely adopt wellness programs and to demonstrate the value of such programs.
Abstract: Objective:To assess the evidence regarding the adoption and efficacy of worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs) in small businesses.Methods:Peer-reviewed research articles were identified from a database search. Included articles were published before July 2013, described a study that used an exp
107 citations
TL;DR: Workers in all occupational categories are appropriate targets for health promotion and intervention programs to reduce obesity, and obesity in relatively low-obesity (white-collar) occupations significantly increased between 2004−2007 and 2008−2011.
Abstract: often regular hours vs frequent overtime, non-stressful vs stressful), and there may be differences in prevalence of obesity by occupation type. Caban and colleagues, 10 for the first time, published prevalence of obesity by occupation among US workers during the periods of 1986−1995 and 1997−2002. Their analyses of data during the period of 1997−2002 showed that the occupations with the highest overall prevalence of obesity were motor vehicle operation (31.7%) and police and firefighting (29.8%) for male workers in 41 occupational categories. The highest overall prevalence of obesity for female workers was in the occupations of motor vehicle operation (31.0%) and other protective service (30.5%). The occupations having the lowest prevalence during the same period were health technologists/technicians (13.7%) and architects/surveyors (14.5%) for male workers, and construction/extractive trades (6.9%) and architects/survey (7.3%) for female workers. During the period of 1986−2002, the prevalence of obesity among US workers significantly increased regardless of race and gender. Nevertheless, the trend of prevalence of obesity after 2002 among US workers has not been reported. The aims of this study were (1) to estimate the prevalence of obesity by occupation among US workers over the 8-year period from 2004 through 2011 using the latest National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) public released data and (2) to compare the prevalence of obesity in both 23 major occupational groups and selected subgroups by race/ethnicity. We also compared the prevalence of obesity changes between 2004−2007 and 2008−20011 by occupations in each gender and racial/ethnic group.
TL;DR: At present, there are two main technological challenges for the process—to reduce energy consumption and to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and workers' health and safety have now become an integrated part of the aluminum business.
Abstract: Objective:The industrial aluminum production process is addressed. The purpose is to give a short but comprehensive description of the electrolysis cell technology, the raw materials used, and the health and safety relevance of the process.Methods:This article is based on a study of the extensive ch
TL;DR: The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's guidelines have been updated to develop more detailed guidance for treatment of acute, subacute, chronic, and postoperative pain with opioids, with a recommended morphine equivalent dose limit of no more than 50 mg/day.
Abstract: Description The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's guidelines have been updated to develop more detailed guidance for treatment of acute, subacute, chronic, and postoperative pain with opioids. Methods Literature searches were performed using PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Review, and Google Scholar without publication date limits. Of 264,617 articles' titles screened and abstracts reviewed, 263 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these, a total of 157 were of high and moderate quality addressing pain treatment. Comprehensive literature reviews were accomplished with article abstraction, critiquing, grading, evidence table compilation, and guideline finalization by a multidisciplinary expert panel to develop evidence-based guidance. Recommendations No quality evidence directly supports histories, physical examinations, and opioid treatment agreements, although they are thought to be important. No quality trials were identified showing superiority of opioids, compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and other medications for treatment of chronic, noncancer pain. The use of opioid-sparing treatments associated with lower doses of postoperative opioids is also associated with better long-term functional outcomes. Selective use of opioids is recommended for patients with acute and postoperative pain. Consensus recommendations also include consideration of carefully conducted trials of chronic opioid treatment for highly select patients with subacute and chronic pain and to maintenance opioid prescriptions only if documented objective functional gain(s) results. A strong and reproducible dose-response relationship identifies a recommended morphine equivalent dose limit of no more than 50 mg/day. Higher doses should be prescribed only with documented commensurately greater functional benefit(s), comprehensive monitoring for adverse effects, informed consent, and careful consideration of risk versus benefit of such treatment. Chronic opioid use should be accompanied by informed consent, a treatment agreement, tracking of functional benefits, drug screening, and attempts at tapering.
TL;DR: More proinflammatory diets observed amongshift workers may partially explain increased inflammation-related chronic disease risk observed in other studies among shift workers compared with their day-working counterparts.
Abstract: Objective
Shiftworkers are affected by diet- and inflammation-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. We examined a dietary inflammatory index (DII) in relation to shiftwork from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2005–2010).
TL;DR: Investigating whether work engagement influences self-perceived health, work ability, and sickness absence beyond health behaviors and work-related characteristics found that work engagement contributes to work ability beyond known health behaviors, work- related characteristics.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate whether work engagement influences self-perceived health, work ability, and sickness absence beyond health behaviors and work-related characteristics. Methods: Employees of two organizations participated in a 6-month longitudinal study (n = 733). Using questionnaires, information was collected on health behaviors, work-related characteristics, and work engagement at baseline, and self-perceived health, work ability, and sickness absence at 6-month follow-up. Associations between baseline and follow-up variables were studied using multivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses and changes in R were calculated. RESULTS:: Low work engagement was related with low work ability (odds ratio: 3.68; 95% confidence interval: 2.15 to 6.30) and long-term sickness absence (odds ratio: 1.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 3.27). Work engagement increased the explained variance in work ability and sickness absence with 4.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Work engagement contributes to work ability beyond known health behaviors and work-related characteristics.
TL;DR: Evaluation of stakeholders' perceptions of each other's and their own roles is important, especially concerning HR professionals, and clear role descriptions and implementation strategies, and aligning an intervention to organizational processes are crucial for efficient intervention management.
Abstract: Objective: To contrast line managers', senior managers', and (human resource) HR professionals' descriptions of their roles, tasks, and possibilities to perform them during the implementation of an ...
TL;DR: The notion that job boredom can be harmful to employee health is supported and a clear association between job boredom and negative health- and work-related perceptions is found.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the correlates of job boredom in 87 Finnish workplaces (N = 11,468) and to examine the associations between job boredom, health outcomes, and job attitudes. METHODS:: We applied the Dutch Boredom Scale to measure job boredom. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis and odds ratio estimates were used for further examination of the variables. RESULTS:: Male, under-36-year-old employees and employees working in transportation, manufacturing, arts, recreation, and entertainment experienced the most job boredom. Job boredom increased the likelihood of employees' turnover and early retirement intentions, poor self-rated health, poor workability, and stress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:: Job boredom is a phenomenon that concerns a wide range of industries. We found a clear association between job boredom and negative health- and work-related perceptions. The results support the notion that job boredom can be harmful to employee health. Language: en
TL;DR: This study aims to help occupational health researchers conduct high-quality trial-based economic evaluations by discussing the theory and methodology that underlie them, and by providing recommendations for good practice regarding their design, analysis, and reporting.
Abstract: To allocate available resources as efficiently as possible, decision makers need information on the relative economic merits of occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions. Economic evaluations can provide this information by comparing the costs and consequences of alternatives. Nevertheless, only a few of the studies that consider the effectiveness of OHS interventions take the extra step of considering their resource implications. Moreover, the methodological quality of those that do is generally poor. Therefore, this study aims to help occupational health researchers conduct high-quality trial-based economic evaluations by discussing the theory and methodology that underlie them, and by providing recommendations for good practice regarding their design, analysis, and reporting. This study also helps consumers of this literature with understanding and critically appraising trial-based economic evaluations of OHS interventions. Copyright © 2014 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
TL;DR: Previous exposure to lead may be a risk factor for ALS, and the risk of developing ALS among individuals with a history of exposure toLead was almost doubled and the attributable risk of ALS was estimated to be 5%.
Abstract: Objective The association between occupational exposure to lead and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was examined through systematic review and meta-analyses of relevant epidemiological studies and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Methods Relevant studies were searched in multiple bibliographic databases through September 2013; additional articles were tracked through PubMed until submission. All records were screened in DistillerSR, and the data extracted from included articles were synthesized with meta-analysis. Results The risk of developing ALS among individuals with a history of exposure to lead was almost doubled (odds ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.39 to 2.36) on the basis of nine included case-control studies with specific lead exposure information, with no apparent heterogeneity across included studies (I = 14%). The attributable risk of ALS because of exposure to lead was estimated to be 5%. Conclusions Previous exposure to lead may be a risk factor for ALS.
TL;DR: The Aluminum Hypothesis, the idea that aluminum exposure is involved in the etiology of Alzheimer disease, dates back to a 1965 demonstration that aluminum causes neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of rabbits as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Aluminum Hypothesis, the idea that aluminum exposure is involved in the etiology of Alzheimer disease, dates back to a 1965 demonstration that aluminum causes neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of rabbits. Initially the focus of intensive research, the Aluminum Hypothesis has gradually been abandoned by most researchers. Yet, despite this current indifference, the Aluminum Hypothesis continues to attract the attention of a small group of scientists and aluminum continues to be viewed with concern by some of the public. This review article discusses reasons that mainstream science has largely abandoned the Aluminum Hypothesis and explores a possible reason for some in the general public continuing to view aluminum with mistrust.
TL;DR: Infrasound sound near wind turbines does not exceed audibility thresholds, and low-frequency sound do not present unique health risks, and annoyance seems more strongly related to individual characteristics than noise from turbines.
Abstract: Objective: This review examines the literature related to health effects of wind turbines. Methods: We reviewed literature related to sound measurements near turbines, epidemiological and experimental studies, and factors associated with annoyance. Results: (1) Infrasound sound near wind turbines does not exceed audibility thresholds. (2) Epidemiological studies have shown associations between living near wind turbines and annoyance. (3) Infrasound and low-frequency sound do not present unique health risks. (4) Annoyance seems more strongly related to individual characteristics than noise from turbines. Discussion: Further areas of inquiry include enhanced noise characterization, analysis of predicted noise values contrasted with measured levels postinstallation, longitudinal assessments of health pre- and postinstallation, experimental studies in which subjects are “blinded” to the presence or absence of infrasound, and enhanced measurement techniques to evaluate annoyance. T he development of renewable energy, including wind, solar, and biomass, has been accompanied by attention to potential environmental health risks. Some people who live in proximity of wind turbines have raised health-related concerns about noise from their operations. The issue of wind turbines and human health has also now been explored and considered in a number of policy, regulatory, and legal proceedings. This review is intended to assess the peer-reviewed literature regarding evaluations of potential health effects among people living in the vicinity of wind turbines. It will include analysis and commentary of the scientific evidence regarding potential links to health effects, such as stress, annoyance, and sleep disturbance, among others, that have been raised in association with living in proximity to wind turbines. Efforts will also be directed to specific compo
TL;DR: State-level estimates of obesity-attributable costs of absenteeism among working adults in the United States show obesity imposes a considerable financial burden on states, accounting for 6.5% to 12.6% of total absenteeism costs in the workplace.
Abstract: Objective:To provide state-level estimates of obesity-attributable costs of absenteeism among working adults in the United States.Methods:Nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1998 to 2008 and from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
TL;DR: Frequent self-labeled bullying predicts development of depression but a work environment with high proportion of employees witnessing bullying does not and there was no association between percentage witnessing bullying and newly onset depression.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We examined the prospective association between self-labeled and witness-reported bullying and the risk of newly onset of depression. METHODS: Employees were recruited from two cohorts of 3196 and 2002 employees, respectively. Participants received a questionnaire at baseline in 2006 to 2007 with follow-up in 2008 to 2009 and 2011. New cases of depression were diagnosed in the follow-up using Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry interviews and the Major Depression Inventory questionnaire. RESULTS: We identified 147 new cases of depression. The odds ratio for newly onset depression among participants reporting bullying occasionally was 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 4.23) and among frequently bullied 9.63 (95% CI: 3.42 to 27.1). There was no association between percentage witnessing bullying and newly onset depression. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent self-labeled bullying predicts development of depression but a work environment with high proportion of employees witnessing bullying does not. (Less)
TL;DR: The combined intervention showed a decrease in contextual performance and dedication and the social environmental intervention showed an improvement in task performance, and the physical environmental intervention revealed an improved in absorption.
Abstract: Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of a combined social and physical environmental intervention as well as the effectiveness of both separate interventions.Methods:In a 2 × 2 factorial design, 412 office employees were allocated to the combined social and physical environmental intervention,
TL;DR: Asbestos levels encountered at the lower end of the exposure distribution may be associated with an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To study the association between occupational asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer, specifically addressing risk associated with the lower end of the exposure distribution, risk of cancer subtypes, and the interaction between asbestos and smoking. METHODS:: Using the Netherlands Cohort Study (n = 58,279 men, aged 55 to 69 years), asbestos exposure was estimated by linkage to job-exposure matrices. After 17.3 years of follow-up, 132 pleural mesothelioma, 2324 lung cancer, and 166 laryngeal cancer cases were available. RESULTS:: The multivariable-adjusted model showed overall positive associations between all levels of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma and glottis cancer showed only a positive association after prolonged higher asbestos exposure (hazard ratio per 10 years increment, 1.43 [95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.93] and 1.95 [95% confidence interval, 1.36 to 2.80], respectively). There was no statistically significant interaction between asbestos and smoking. CONCLUSIONS:: Asbestos levels encountered at the lower end of the exposure distribution may be associated with an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer. © 2013 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
TL;DR: Adding to previous evidence on the health effects of SP, this study suggests that working while ill may also be a significant risk factor for the development of depression.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the prospective association between sickness presenteeism (SP), that is, working while ill, and the onset of depression.Methods:We carried out a two-wave (2006 to 2008) questionnaire-based study among 1271 employees from 60 Danish workplaces. Sickness presenteeism was assessed b
TL;DR: Urinary pyrethroids metabolites levels were significantly associated with an increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology and decrease in sperm concentration, the level of testosterone, and computer-aided semen analysis parameters.
Abstract: Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine whether the environmental exposure to pyrethroids affects semen quality and the level of reproductive hormones in men.Methods:The study population consisted of 334 men who attended the infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes and who had normal sem
TL;DR: Employers should consider programs and services to support regular aerobic exercise to address the growing prevalence and costs of MetS in the workforce.
Abstract: Objective:To examine employees' self-reported physical activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risks and their association with health-related workplace outcomes.Methods:Employees participated in a health risk appraisal in 2010. Generalized Linear Modeling was used to test the association between Met
TL;DR: A workplace e-health intervention designed to reduce prolonged occupational sitting was effective in decreasing MAP in desk-based employees.
Abstract: Prevalent in Australia are a range of workplace health and wellness interventions designed to reduce or eliminate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by advocating an increase in physical activity. The inclusion of increased physical activity is largely in response to evidence of an inverse relationship between habitual physical activity and blood pressure (BP).1 Yet, recently, prolonged sitting has been identified as being independent of cardiovascular fitness levels.2–4 Thus, regardless of voluntary exercise levels, desk-based workers who sit for more than 6 hours per day at work5,6 might still be exposed to CVD risk.7,8 In response, there has been an increased effort to regularly break occupational sitting periods9,10 by integrating regular short bursts of non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) throughout the workday.11 There is evidence that increasing NEPA results in positive change to some physiological functions,12 yet there are no data of the effect on BP. Thus, the aim of the researchers in this study was to assess the effect of NEPA on BP within a workplace setting.
Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is widely regarded as a method to reduce hypertension.13,14 The evidence indicates that dynamic physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous) results in BP changes in individuals who are hypertensive. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that lower-intensity physical activity can also reduce BP in borderline hypertensive individuals. Ishikawa-Takata et al15 reported that one session of 30 to 60 minutes per week of physical activity resulted in significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic BP at rest. Similarly, Ross and McGuire12 reported that incidental NEPA accrued sporadically throughout the day was associated with increased levels of cardio-respiratory fitness in inactive, abdominally obese men. Given the difficulties associated with adherence rates in voluntary aerobic exercise programs that use traditional guidelines16 and the lack of data that cardiovascular fitness levels might not reduce CVD,17 the use of NEPA has become an attractive proposition for workplace health and wellness interventions.
On the basis of this, we subjected desk-based employees to a protocol of regular short bursts of NEPA to interfere with prolonged sitting habits to ascertain any effect such activity might have on employees’ BP. Rather than analyze systolic and diastolic BP variables, it was determined that mean arterial pressure (MAP) would be a better measure because it provides a better representation of the average pressure throughout one cardiac cycle.18,19 Among the few studies that have addressed the effect of MAP on CVD, Dyer et al20 and Mitchell et al21 found that MAP was strongly associated with CVD risk and increases in myocardial infarction. Measurements for MAP that are greater than 110 mmHg in adults are considered too high and can impact negatively on individual health.22 We hypothesized that desk-based employee's exposed to regular short bursts of NEPA would significantly reduce their MAP, whereas control participants who were not prompted to perform NEPA during the workday would not.
TL;DR: Police work is primarily a sedentary occupation, and officers tend to be more active on their off-duty days than during their work hours, and the effects of stress on physical activity seemed moderated by sex.
Abstract: Objective Police officers have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease Reductions in occupational physical activity may contribute to the risk, yet there have been few efforts to characterize the physical demands of police work beyond self-report Purpose To compare measured physical activity between work and off-duty hours and assess the effects of stress on physical activity Methods Officers (n = 119) from six departments wore a pattern recognition monitor for 96 hours to measure total energy expenditure (kilocalorie per hour) (1k/cal = 4184 joules), activity intensity, and step count per hour Results Participants were more active on their off-duty days than at work; the effects of stress on physical activity seemed moderated by sex Conclusions Police work is primarily a sedentary occupation, and officers tend to be more active on their off-duty days than during their work hours