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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-04-2018 | Original Article

Different autonomic responses to occupational and leisure time physical activities among blue-collar workers

Authors: Tatiana O. Sato, David M. Hallman, Jesper Kristiansen, Jørgen H. Skotte, Andreas Holtermann

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The differential effect of occupational and leisure time physical activity on cardiovascular health is termed the physical activity health paradox. Cardiac autonomic modulation could bring insights about the underlying mechanism behind this differential effect. The aim was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) during different activities (sitting, standing and moving) at work and leisure among blue-collar workers.

Methods

One hundred thirty-eight workers from the NOMAD cohort were included. Data from physical activity and HRV were obtained for 3–4 days using tri-axial accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) and a heart rate monitor (Actiheart). HRV indices were determined during sitting, standing and moving both at work and leisure. Linear mixed-models with two fixed factors (activities and domains) were applied to investigate differences in HRV indices adjusting for individual and occupational factors.

Results

The results showed significant effects of domain (p < 0.01), physical activity type (p < 0.01) and interaction between domain and activity type (p < 0.01) on HRV indices. Mean heart rate (IBI) and parasympathetic measures of HRV (RMSSD and HF) were lower for sitting (p < 0.01) and higher for moving (p < 0.01) during work compared with leisure, while no difference between domains was found for standing (p > 0.05). Sympathovagal balance (LF/HF) was higher during work for sitting and moving (p < 0.01), but showed no difference for standing (p = 0.62).

Conclusions

Differences in cardiac autonomic modulation between work and leisure were found, indicating sympathetic predominance during work and parasympathetic predominance during leisure for sitting. Autonomic responses can be part of the mechanism that explains the differential effect of occupational and leisure time physical activity on health.

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Title: Different autonomic responses to occupational and leisure time physical activities among blue-collar workers
Authors: Tatiana O. Sato
David M. Hallman
Jesper Kristiansen
Jørgen H. Skotte
Andreas Holtermann
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-017-1279-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Different autonomic responses to occupational and leisure time physical activities among blue-collar workers

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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