Abstract

HERNAN, Alfonso José et al. Beneficial effects of regular physical activity motivated at work on blood pressure and lipid status. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2015, vol.61, n.239, pp.162-171. ISSN 1989-7790.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0465-546X2015000200003.

Introduction: Physical inactivity is increasing considerably in the modern society and may lead to adverse health effects. Physical exercise motivated at work could be a health promotion and preventive intervention at work with short and long-term benefits. Therefore it is important to document its physiological effects. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study represents the first part of a prospective study where 121 road workers, maintenance and office (42 women and 79 men) participated in a motivational program for physical activity. Background data and level of physical activity were collected by a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI), Maximal oxygen uptake, blood pressure, and blood samples (lipids, C-reactive protein and glycosylated hemoglobin) were obtained. Linear regression analysis was performed to study associations between the study variables with the inclusion of confounding variables. Results: A more favorable lipid status, BMI values, and lower blood pressure were found among women. Regular physical activity more than twice a week was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol (p = 0,013 twice a week; p = 0,025 more than 4 times a week), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0,015 twice a week; p = 0,022 more than 4 times a week). Diastolic blood pressure (dBP) was lower in the group who reported regular physical activity at least four times a week (p = 0,026). The effect of regular physical activity on dBP was more evident in men than in women (p = 0,01). The intensity of self-reported physical activity was associated with the measured levels of maximal oxygen uptake. Conclusion: Exercise several times a week was associated with a more favorable lipid status and lower blood pressure compared to lower weekly activity. The intensity of self-reported physical activity was associated to the measured levels of maximal oxygen uptake.

Keywords : Work motivated physical activity; cardiovascular health maximal oxygen uptake; blood lipids; blood pressure; health promotion at work; work.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )