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.