Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Occupational Groups—Trends over 20 Years and Future Forecasts

Abstract

Background: Reports have indicated a negative trend in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the general population. However, trends in relation to different occupational groups are missing. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the trends in CRF during the last 20 years, and to provide a prognosis of future trends in CRF, in different occupational groups of Swedish workers. Methods: Data from 516,122 health profile assessments performed between 2001 to 2020 were included. CRF was assessed as maximal oxygen consumption and was estimated from a submaximal cycling test. Analyses include CRF as a weighted average, standardized proportions with low CRF (<32 mL/min/kg), adjusted annual change in CRF, and forecasting of future trends in CRF. Results: There was a decrease in CRF over the study period, with the largest decrease in both absolute and relative CRF seen for individuals working in administrative and customer service (−10.1% and −9.4%) and mechanical manufacturing (−6.5% and −7.8%) occupations. The greatest annual decrease was seen in transport occupations (−1.62 mL/min/kg, 95% CI −0.190 to −0.134). Men and younger individuals had in generally a more pronounced decrease in CRF. The proportion with a low CRF increased, with the greatest increase noted for blue-collar and low-skilled occupations (range: +16% to +21% relative change). The forecast analyses predicted a continuing downward trend of CRF. Conclusion: CRF has declined in most occupational groups in Sweden over the last two decades, with a more pronounced decline in blue-collar and low-skilled occupational groups.

Relationships between psychosocial well-being and leisure time physical activity among 160.000 young Finnish men: a cross-sectional study during 2015–2021

“…This can be seen as a major public health concern considering the recommendations on PA by the World Health Organization [55]. A large-scale report by Väisänen et al [56] has indicated a negative trend in cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish population and similar trend has also been observed in Finland [57]. Besides being a global public health concern, the lack of vigorous PA is also a special concern in the military context as, on the individual level, it may negatively affect the occupational performance, increase musculoskeletal injury risk and thus compromise overall training outcomes during service [58].…”

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with sickness absence and work ability

“…According to Väisänen et al [ 30 ] over the last two decades cardiorespiratory, fitness has declined in most occupational groups, particularly in blue-collar and low-skilled occupations. Consequently, procedures that encourage employees to improve good cardiorespiratory fitness, e.g., through commuting by walking or biking, climbing the stairs rather than use the elevator whenever possible might be effective approaches for improving cardiorespiratory fitness.…”

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Behavior and Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Indicators of Work Ability

“…In addition to PA, physical fitness may also increase an individual’s capacities to cope with the demands of everyday life, including work [ 14 ]. A recent study showed that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has declined in most occupational groups over the last two decades, being the greatest in blue-collar and low-skilled occupational groups [ 15 ]. CRF, especially when assessed with walking-based methods, correlates with WA [ 16 , 17 ].…”