A systematic review of physical activity-based interventions in shift workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Shift work is linked to increased chronic disease risk.
• Physical activity may reduce these health risks.
• Efficacy of physical activity interventions for shift workers is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the literature on the efficacy of physical activity promotion initiatives for shift workers.
• To understand the impact of physical activity on health-related outcomes in this occupational group.
• To identify gaps in research regarding physical activity behavior change in shift workers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2016-2017.
• Followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Included seven relevant studies focusing on health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Most studies prescribed walking or aerobic activity.
• Significant improvements were reported in at least one health outcome measure (e.g., body composition, fitness, sleep).
• No studies measured actual physical activity behavior change or intervention timing/setting.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity interventions show potential for mitigating non-communicable disease risk factors in shift workers.
• Current research offers limited insight into promoting physical activity behavior change in this population.
• Future research should focus on behavior change, determinants, reach, and uptake of interventions for shift workers.