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Respiratory Function and Information Processing Speed in Coal Power Plant Workers: Moderating Effects of Physical
Pill Soo Kim1,2, Ting-Fu Lai2,3, Jong-Hwan Park4,5,6
1Department of Neurosurgery, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
|March 5, 2025
Summary
Reduced respiratory muscle strength is linked to slower information processing in active coal power plant workers. Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior may improve cognitive function and safety for this workforce.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Impaired respiratory function and cognitive performance pose risks to coal power plant workers.
- This study investigates the link between respiratory muscle strength and information processing speed.
- The moderating role of physical activity and sedentary behavior is explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between respiratory muscle strength (Maximal Inspiratory Pressure and Peak Expiratory Flow) and information processing speed in coal power plant workers.
- To determine if physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns moderate this association.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 171 coal power plant workers.
- Respiratory muscle strength assessed via Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF).
- Information processing speed measured using a tablet-based cognitive tool; physical activity and sedentary behavior assessed via IPAQ.
- Multiple linear regression analyses were used, stratified by physical activity and sedentary behavior.
Main Results:
- In active workers (≥150 min/week moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), lower MIP (<80%) and PEF (<80%) were significantly associated with lower information processing speed.
- In non-prolonged sedentary workers (<9 hours/day), lower MIP (<80%) was also linked to significantly lower information processing speed.
- No significant associations were found in inactive or prolonged sedentary groups.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns moderate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and information processing speed in coal power plant workers.
- Findings underscore the importance of occupational health interventions considering lifestyle factors.
- Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time may offer significant benefits for worker safety and productivity.
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