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Addressing the Cardiometabolic Risk of Working in Physically Demanding Occupations

  • Physical Activity (DER Warburton, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Habitual physical activity participation is widely accepted to be a safe and effective method for managing cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors. However, engagement in physical activity has the potential to trigger cardiovascular events, especially when the activity is of vigorous intensity and the participant is unfit or has pre-existing cardiometabolic conditions. Occupational physical activity is a population-specific stressor, and there is a clustering of risk factors which predispose to cardiometabolic conditions amongst “blue-collar” workers. These factors centre on physical work demands relative to worker physical fitness, conditions of the working environment (shift work, temperature, noise pollution, air pollution and the nature of the activity) and socioeconomic status-related worker lifestyle. We conclude that the risk of cardiometabolic disease and associated cardiovascular events occurring in physically demanding occupations is dictated by the interaction of numerous factors, many of which are modifiable through habitual physical activity participation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiovascular Physiology & Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, University of British Columbia, Rm 209, Unit 1 Osborne Centre, 6108 Thunderbird Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada

    Jamie F. Burr

  2. Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto, Rm 2030, 55 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada

    Jack M. Goodman

  3. Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto, Rm 2081, 55 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada

    Scott G. Thomas

  4. Human Performance Laboratory & Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, York University, Rm 355, Bethune College, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada

    Veronica K. Jamnik

  5. Human Performance Laboratory & Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, York University, Rm 356, Bethune College, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada

    Norman Gledhill

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  1. Jamie F. Burr
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  2. Jack M. Goodman
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  3. Scott G. Thomas
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  4. Veronica K. Jamnik
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  5. Norman Gledhill
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Correspondence to Jamie F. Burr.

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Burr, J.F., Goodman, J.M., Thomas, S.G. et al. Addressing the Cardiometabolic Risk of Working in Physically Demanding Occupations. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 6, 347–354 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-012-0239-z

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