Work form affects maximum oxygen uptake for one year in workers.

Our previous study suggested that the work form is related to the maximum oxygen uptake (VO(2)max). Therefore, we test the hypothesis by a longitudinal study that, besides these lifestyle-related factors, the work form increases VO(2)max among workers. Seven hundred and ninety nine males aged 37.1 ± 10.6 and 395 females aged 37.7 ± 10.5 (range: 20 to 59 yr old), who participated in The Total Health Promotion Plan (THP) at their respective workplaces twice in one year from 1997 to 1998, were selected. Data on VO(2)max were analyzed for age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), work form (sedentary, standing, and ambulatory), exercise, and smoking. Age and the baseline variables for BMI and for VO(2)max showed significant negative relationships with a change in VO(2)max in males and females. Further, a change in the BMI showed a significant negative relationship with a change of VO(2)max in males. However, exercise habit and an ambulatory work form showed significant positive relationships with a change of VO(2)max in males. It was suggested that after adjusting for other factors in males, an ambulatory work form may be associated with an increase in VO(2)max in one year.

Physical work load affects the maximum oxygen uptake.

PURPOSE: Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is known to be influenced by life-style factors, such as exercise and smoking. We aimed to further test the hypothesis that, besides these, work form also contributes to increase VO2max among workers. METHOD: Three thousand six hundred and forty eight male workers with age 38.3 +/- 12.1 and 1,575 female workers with age 35.6 +/- 11.1, ranging from 20-year old to 69-year old, who participated in Total Health Promotion Plan at workplaces in Fukui Prefecture in 1998 were selected. Data on VO2max were analyzed for age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), work form (sedentary, standing or ambulatory), exercise, and smoking. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed that work form ("standing", "ambulatory"), and exercise habits might increase VO2max while BMI, age, and SBP might decrease VO2max in male participants. Exercise habits were suggested to increase VO2max while BMI, SBP, and age might decrease VO2max in females. In females smoking, was suggested to increase VO2max. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for age, BMI, SBP, exercise, and smoking, it was suggested that the physical work load, represented by the work form, may contribute to increases in VO2max in males. Implications of smoking among females with respect to VO2max is discussed.

Factors affecting the estimated maximal oxygen uptake: a follow-up study of participants in the total health promotion plan.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the effects of risk factors for arteriosclerosis on estimated VO(2) max and obtain useful information to advise enterprise employees. SUBJECTS: One hundred and nineteen male and 87 female enterprise employees underwent exercise tests for health evaluation in the Total Health Promotion Plan at the Fukui Occupational Health Center between April 1990 and March 1993. METHODS: Multiple regression analysis was performed using estimated VO(2) max as the dependent variable, and percent body fat, blood pressure, blood tests, habitual physical activity, number of cigarettes smoked and alcohol consumption as independent variables in the first and second year, and for yearly changes in these variables. RESULTS: The significant variables selected were as follows: in the first year, systolic blood pressure and percent body fat in males, and age in females; in the second year, diastolic blood pressure and habitual physical activity in males and systolic blood pressure in females; for yearly changes in each variable, cigarettes in males and percent body fat in females were selected. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that guidance to reduce cigarettes in males, and to keep a proper percent body fat in females would be effective in maintaining the estimated VO(2) max.