Does Aerobic Exercise Increase 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Among Workers With High Occupational Physical Activity?-A RCT.

ObjectiveHigh occupational physical activity (OPA) increases cardiovascular risk and aerobic exercise has been recommended for reducing this risk. This paper investigates the effects of an aerobic exercise intervention on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) among cleaners with high OPA.MethodsHundred and sixteen cleaners between 18 and 65 years were randomized. During the 4-month intervention period, the aerobic exercise group (AE) (n = 57) performed worksite aerobic exercise (2 × 30 minutes/week), while the reference group (REF) (n = 59) attended lectures. Between-group differences in 4-month ABP changes were evaluated by intention-to-treat analysis using a repeated-measure 2 × 2 multiadjusted mixed-models design.ResultsRelative to REF, 24-hour ABP significantly increased in AE: systolic 3.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-5.7) and diastolic 2.3 mm Hg (95% CI 0.9-3.8). Cleaners with high aerobic workload exhibited particularly high 24-hour ABP increases: systolic 6.0 mm Hg (95% CI 2.4-9.6), and diastolic 3.8 mm Hg (95% CI 1.3-6.4).ConclusionAerobic exercise increased 24-hour ABP among cleaners. This adverse effect raises questions about the safety and intended benefits of aerobic exercise, especially among workers with high OPA and a demanding aerobic workload. http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN86682076. Unique identifier ISRCTN86682076.Clinical trial registrationTrial Number ISRCTN86682076

Does a 40-week football and Zumba exercise intervention influence self-reported job satisfaction, work role functioning and sick leave among female hospital employees? A cluster-randomised controlled trial

This 40-week cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT) examines the effects of football and Zumba on self-perceived job satisfaction, work role functioning and sick leave among Norwegian female hospital employees. Hundred-and-seven employees, mainly consisting of nurses (80%), were allocated into three groups; Football (FG), Zumba (ZG) and Control (CG). The exercise groups were offered two to three and one to two 1-h weekly sessions during the first 12 and last 28 weeks, respectively, with an actual weekly exercise frequency of 2.4 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ± 0.2 in FG and 2.3 ± 0.3 and 0.8 ± 0.2 in ZG. Outcome variables were measured at baseline, 12 and 40 weeks. In comparison to CG (4.8 days 95% CI 3.2–6.4), ZG (1.9 days, 95% CI 0.4–3.5) had a significant lower overall mean days of sickness absence during last sick leave period (−2.9 days, 95% CI −5.1 to −0.7, p = .011) which corresponded to a moderate effect size (d = 0.60). Between baseline (88.5%, 95% CI 84.3–92.6) and 12 weeks (93.8%, 95% CI 89.4–98.2), ZG showed significant within-group improvement in total score of the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) (5.3%, 95% CI 0.6–10.1, p = .029), corresponding to a moderate effect size (d = 0.40). This study indicates that two to three 1-h weekly Zumba sessions can have a preventive effect on sick leave in female hospital employees. Highlights Participants in Zumba exercise organised by the workplace showed a significant lower number of sick leave days compared with the controls. Despite a correspondingly significant reduction in exercise adherence in both groups in the last 28 weeks, only FG showed tendencies for group improvement in job satisfaction and total WRFQ in this period. Workplace promotion of exercise and physical activity can thus be beneficial for both the workers and the organisation.publishedVersio

The Baltic Sea tracer release experiment : mixing processes in the Gotland Basin

Mixing processes in the deeper Gotland Basin were measured and analysed using the inert tracer CF3SF5, microstructure profiles as well as five permanent moorings yielding two years of in situ data. The tracer spreading showed that mixing rates in the deeper Gotland Basin are dominated by boundary mixing processes. The major mixing agent for the observed mixing rates is identified as sub-inertial topographic waves that are resonantly coupled to wind events

Aerobic exercise reduces biomarkers related to cardiovascular risk among cleaners:effects of a worksite intervention RCT

PURPOSE: Blue-collar workers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, elevated levels of biomarkers related to risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein, have been observed among blue-collar workers. The objective was to examine whether an aerobic exercise worksite intervention changes the level of inflammation biomarkers among cleaners. METHODS: The design was a cluster-randomized controlled trial with 4-month worksite intervention. Before the 116 cleaners aged 18–65 years were randomized, they signed an informed consent form. The reference group (n = 59) received lectures, and the aerobic exercise group (n = 57) performed worksite aerobic exercise (30 min twice a week). Levels of biomarkers (high-sensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride) were collected at baseline and after 4 months. A repeated-measure, multi-adjusted, mixed-model intention-to-treat analysis was applied to compare between-group differences. The study was registered as ISRCTN86682076. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.05) between-group reductions from baseline to follow-up were found for high-sensitive C-reactive protein (−0.54 ± 0.20 µg/ml; 95 % CI −0.94, −0.14), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.32 ± 0.11 mmol/L; 95 % CI −0.54, −0.10) and the ratios of LDL/HDL (−0.30 ± 0.08; 95 % CI −0.46, −0.14), and LDL/TC cholesterol (−0.04 ± 0.02; 95 % CI −0.07, −0.01). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that an aerobic exercise intervention among cleaners leads to reduced levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and an unaltered level of fibrinogen. The aerobic exercise seems to improve inflammatory levels and lipoprotein profile among cleaners, with no signs of cardiovascular overload

Long Term Effects on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease after 12-Months of Aerobic Exercise Intervention:A Worksite RCT among Cleaners

<div><p>Objectives</p><p>Occupational groups exposed to high occupational physical activity have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This may be explained by the high relative aerobic workload. Enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the relative aerobic workload. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the 12-months effects of worksite aerobic exercise on risk factors for CVD among cleaners.</p><p>Methods</p><p>One hundred and sixteen cleaners aged 18–65 years were randomized to a group performing aerobic exercise and a reference group receiving lectures. Outcomes were collected at baseline and after 12-months. A repeated measures 2×2 multi-adjusted mixed-model design was applied to compare the between-group differences using intention-to-treat analysis.</p><p>Results</p><p>Between-group differences (<i>p</i><0.05) were found favouring the aerobic exercise group: cardiorespiratory fitness 2.15 (SE 1.03) mlO₂/min/kg, aerobic workload -2.15 (SE 1.06) %HRR, resting HR -5.31 (SE 1.61) beats/min, high sensitive C-reactive protein -0.65 (SE 0.24) μg/ml. The blood pressure was unaltered. Stratified analyses on relative aerobic workload at baseline revealed that those with relative aerobic workloads ≥30% of HRR seems to impose a notable adverse effect on resting and ambulatory blood pressure.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>This long-term worksite aerobic exercise intervention among cleaners led to several beneficial effects, but also potential adverse effects among those with high relative aerobic workloads.</p><p>Trial Registration</p><p>Controlled-Trials.com <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN86682076" target="_blank">ISRCTN86682076</a></p></div

Dense bottom gravity currents and their impact on pelagic methanotrophy at oxic/anoxic transition zones

We show that inflows of oxygenated waters into sulfidic layers have a strong impact on biogeochemical transformation at oxic/anoxic transition zones. Taking the pelagic methane dynamics in the Gotland Basin as an example, we performed our studies when one of the largest inflows ever recorded entered the Baltic Sea in March 2015. An inflowing gravity current transported oxic waters into the sulfidic deep layers and freshly generated a near-bottom secondary redox interface. At the upper slope, where the inflowing water masses were vigorously turbulent and the main and secondary redox interfaces in close contact to each other, methane oxidation rates inside the transition zone were found to be higher compared to the weakly turbulent basin interior. At the main redox interface in the basin center, lateral intrusions of oxygenated waters into intermediate water depth may have stimulated the growth of the methanotrophic community and their activity

Self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness:prediction and classification of risk of cardiovascular disease mortality and longevity--a prospective investigation in the Copenhagen City Heart Study

BACKGROUND: The predictive value and improved risk classification of self‐reported cardiorespiratory fitness (SRCF), when added to traditional risk factors on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and longevity, are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 3843 males and 5093 females from the Copenhagen City Heart Study without CVD in 1991–1994 were analyzed using multivariate Cox hazards regression to assess the predictive value and survival benefit for CVD and all‐cause mortality from SRCF. The category‐free net reclassification improvement from SRCF was calculated at 15‐year follow‐up on CVD and all‐cause mortality. Overall, 1693 individuals died from CVD. In the fully adjusted Cox model, those reporting the same (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.32) and lower (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.62 to 2.24) SRCF than peers had an increased risk of CVD mortality, compared with individuals with higher SRCF. Compared with individuals with higher SRCF, those with the same and lower SRCF had 1.8 (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.5) and 5.1 (95% CI, 4.1 to 6.2) years lower life expectancy, respectively. Individuals with lower SRCF had a significantly increased risk of CVD mortality, compared with individuals with higher SRCF, within each strata of leisure time physical activity and self‐rated health, and SRCF significantly predicted CVD mortality independently of self‐rated health and walking pace. A net reclassification improvement of 30.5% (95% CI, 22.1% to 38.9%) for CVD mortality was found when adding SRCF to traditional risk factors. Comparable findings were found for all‐cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: SRCF has independent predictive value, is related to a considerable survival benefit, and improves risk classification when added to traditional risk factors of CVD and all‐cause mortality. SRCF might prove useful in improved risk stratification in primary prevention

Does occupational lifting affect the risk of hypertension? : cross-sectional and prospective associations in the Copenhagen City Heart Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate cross-sectional and prospective associations between heavy occupational lifting and hypertension. Methods: Data from the third, fourth and fifth examinations of the Copenhagen City Heart Study were included. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to adjust for sex, age, body mass index (HMI), smoking, education, self-rated cardiorespiratory fitness, vital exhaustion and baseline blood pressure, and were used to estimate (i) the cross-sectional association between heavy occupational lifting and hypertension, defined as using anti-hypertensives or having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) >= 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP)>= 90 mmHg, and (ii) the prospective association between heavy occupational lifting and risk of becoming a systolic blood pressure case, defined as an above median change (from baseline to follow-up) and/or a shift from no use of anti-hypertensives at baseline to use of anti-hypertensives at a ten-year follow-up. Results: Both cross-sectional [odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.20] and prospective (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92-1.31) analysis indicated no relations. Explorative prospective analyses suggested linear associations between heavy occupational lifting and systolic blood pressure among participants using anti-hypertensives. Exposure to heavy occupational lifting tended to increase the incidence of hypertension (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.97-1.73) among participants >= 50 years. Conclusions: No associations were seen among the general population. Positive associations were seen among users of anti-hypertensives and participants >= 50 years, indicating these groups as vulnerable to increases in blood pressure when exposed to occupational lifting