The Efficacy and Feasibility of a High Intensity Interval Training Program to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Truck Drivers

Abstract

Objective: This cluster-controlled pilot study assessed the efficacy and feasibility of "Fit 2 Drive," a depot-delivered, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program to improve the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of truck drivers. Methods: Companies of local delivery drivers (44 men; mean [SD] age = 50.5 [9.8] years; Brisbane, Australia) were assigned to "Fit 2 Drive" (4 clusters; 27 drivers; 1 Â 4 minutes supervised to self-managed HIIT, 3 times a week, 12 weeks) or a control (5 clusters; 17 drivers). Analyses assessed between group changes in CRF (VO 2peak ), HIIT session attendance, and delivery costs. Results: Driver clusters allocated to "Fit 2 Drive" significantly improved CRF compared to a control (mean difference of 3.6 mL•kg -1 •min -1 ; P < 0.019; 95% confidence interval = 0.7-6.5 mL•kg -1 •min -1 ). Drivers who completed the program attended 70% of sessions (25/36) with delivery costs averaging $710 AUD per driver. Conclusions: The findings support the efficacy and feasibility of Fit 2 Drive but also highlight challenges for in-person delivery at scale.