Heart at Work Study

The current proposal uses a repeated-measures, within-subject design to address our aims. Twenty male participants will report to the laboratory to provide informed consent, complete baseline assessments, and receive ambulatory monitors. Following this session, each participant will wear physical activity and ambulatory cardiovascular monitors for 7 days, including at least one non-work day and one work day. Characterization of work activity will use physical activity data from self-reported time at work (Specific Aim I). The 24-hour cardiovascular load (HR and BP) and nocturnal HRV will be compared across work and non-work days (Specific Aim II). Lastly, whether fitness level or job strain modify the difference in cardiovascular strain between work vs. non-work days will be evaluated (Specific Aim III).

Inclusion criteria

• middle age (35-59 years)
• male
• self-report working full-time in the food service industry (≥30 hours/week)
• self-report predominantly completing light intensity activity job responsibilities (≥75% work time walking, light movement, or standing)

Exclusion criteria

• Resting blood pressure of ≥150 mmHg systolic and/or ≥95 mmHg diastolic
• currently taking medications that are known to affect blood pressure or heart rate (e.g. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, etc.)
• greater than low risk to participate in physical activity as determined by PAR-Q (answer of yes to any of the 7 physical activity readiness questionnaire questions)
• report working a second job in addition to their primary full-time job
• report working overnight shifts (10pm-6am)
• reported physical dysfunction (inability to walk 2 city blocks or climb 2 flights of stairs)
• inability to complete the sub-maximal exercise test to completion (80% age-predicted heart rate maximum)
• Currently being treated for a serious medical condition such as kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or heart disease.