Active jobs + or – active lifestyles.
We know that physical activity is important to help with a wide range of health conditions as well as having great physical and psychological benefits. There is however, a distinction between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA). Occupational physical activity occurs because of a certain job/workplace. Whether LTPA is activities that are not directly a part of our activities of daily living and are at the discretion of the person. LTPA provides great benefits for your cardiovascular health and reduces risk associated with conditions such as hypertension and coronary heart disease, OPA does not, in fact it has been shown to increase risk of these conditions if this is the only form of physical activity an individual is undertaking.
This is due to the following factors:
- OPA is at too low of an intensity and for too long of a period. Normally at 30-35% of our maximal aerobic capacity for 8-10 hours.
- OPA leads to an sustained elevated 24 hour heart rate and blood pressure. This is due to repetitive heavy lifting and prolonged static postures.
- Insufficient recovery times due to long shifts over consecutive days can lead to increased levels of inflammation.
- Limited worker control over stressors and the surrounding environment. These can be things such as access to rest breaks, environmental temperatures, and hydration.
Compare this to LTPA which:
- Is of a high enough intensity to improve cardiovascular fitness (>60-80% of maximal aerobic capacity) and for a shortened period of time.
- LTPA may also involve heavy lifting like OPA, however this is for shorter time periods, under controlled conditions with adequate recovery time during and in between sessions.
- LTPA is performed under self-regulated conditions.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that even those in active workplaces participate in some form of leisure time activity to improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk factors associated with OPA.
