High-Intensity Training Reduces CVD Risk Factors among Rotating Shift Workers: An Eight-Week Intervention in Industry

• Main Authors: Asgeir Mamen, Reidun Øvstebø, Per Anton Sirnes, Pia Nielsen, Marit Skogstad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: shift work; cardiovascular; occupational health; physical activity
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/11/3943
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

Rotating shift work is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have studied the effect of 17 min high-intensity training three times a week over eight weeks on CVD risk factors among shift workers.<b><i> </i></b>Sixty-five shift workers from two plants were recruited. They were all deemed healthy at the initial health screening and in 100% work. From plant A, 42 workers, and plant B, 23 workers participated. After the intervention, 56 workers were retested. The intervention group consisted of 19 participants from plant A who had participated in at least 10 sessions. Twenty workers from plant B and 17 workers from plant A that not had taken part in the training were included in the control group. All workers reported physical activity (PA) by questionnaires before and after the training intervention. We measured blood pressure, heart rate, lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and arterial stiffness. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max) was assessed by bicycle ergometry. The intervention group favorably differed significantly from the control group in improvement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Short training sessions with 4 min of high-intensity PA, three times a week, for eight weeks among rotating shift workers reduced some CVD risk factors. PA interventions in occupational settings may thus decrease coronary heart disease and stroke incidences in this vulnerable group of workers.