Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in shift and non-shift workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Research examining the prevalence, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in shift workers show mixed results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare PA and SB in shift workers with non-shift workers following the PRISMA guidelines. Ebscohost megafile ultimate (CINHAL, E-journals, Academic search ultimate, health source consumer edition, SPORT Discus), PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases were searched up to April 2021. Cross-sectional and baseline data from longitudinal studies reporting PA and SB in full time workers were eligible. Data on participants characteristics and time spent in PA and SB and/or prevalence of workers meeting PA guidelines were extracted and pooled with random effects model. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) 10-item checklist was adapted and used. A total of 49 studies met inclusion criteria and 21 studies included for meta-analysis. The prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines (OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.03) and standardized mean difference (SMD) of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD −0.1, 95% CI: −0.4, 0.20) were similar in shift and non-shift workers. Time spent in sedentary behaviour was lower in shift workers than non-shift workers (SMD −0.2, 95% CI: 0.50, −0.001). While the differences in PA are not so evident between shift and non-shift workers, the prevalence of sufficient PA was low in both groups. These preliminary findings provide support for inclusion of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in health promotion interventions targeted at shift workers.

What do we know about the effect of night-shift work on cardiovascular risk factors? An umbrella review

“…Until September 2021, none of the 122 reviews addressed the relationship between shift work and sedentariness after applying the eligibility criteria ( Supplementary Figure A ). However, when updating to September 2022, two systematic reviews were retrieved: one with meta-analysis ( 36 ) and one without meta-analysis ( 37 ) ( Supplementary Table I ).…”

“…In the meta-analysis, Monnaatsie et al studied the prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines, time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and in sedentary behavior ( 36 ). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines and for the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among shift-workers compared to non-shift workers.…”

“…Monnaatsie et al reported similar levels of total physical activity among shift and day workers. They assumed that shift workers might report higher level of occupational physical activity and day workers higher level of leisure-time physical activity ( 36 ). Nevertheless, to clarify in particular the role of occupational physical activity, further research is needed.…”

Circadian Rhythms Disrupted by Light at Night and Mistimed Food Intake Alter Hormonal Rhythms and Metabolism

“…Studies have documented shift workers’ elevated risks for overall smoking [ 242 ], and are also more prone to smoke during their shifts, in order to stay awake, curb hunger and/or relieve stress [ 242 , 243 , 244 , 245 ]. Similarly, alcohol overconsumption has been documented in night or rotating shift nurses, potentially as a sleep aid [ 246 ], with decreased activity (exercise) [ 247 , 248 ]. These behaviors, together with pre-existing risk factors, such as elevated triglycerides [ 249 , 250 ], uncontrolled hypertension [ 236 , 239 ], and/or dyslipidemia [ 251 ], compounded by the physiological dysfunctions resulting from circadian disruption through shift work, may interact to promote a prediabetic state [ 233 ].…”

Daily moods, health routines and recovery among employees working in the retail and services sector: A diary study

“…Tammelin et al (2017) found on the basis of the same cross-national data that working nonstandard schedules was associated with increased time-based work-family conflict, but only among Finnish and British parents. Likewise, Murtorinne-Lahtinen et al (2016) found using qualitative interviews with Finnish mothers working nonstandard hours that unpredictable work schedules made it challenging to maintain daily routines in meals and coordinate daily activities in the family.…”