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

Mette Korshøj, Marie Højbjerg Ravn, Andreas Holtermann, Åse Marie Hansen, Peter Krustrup

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

14 Citationer (Scopus)
391 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

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.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Vol/bind89
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)239-249
Antal sider11
ISSN0340-0131
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2016

Bibliografisk note

CURIS 2016 NEXS 034

Citationsformater