Cardiovascular load and physical capacity in older workers engaged in physically demanding occupations

To measure and determine the occupational cardiovascular workload and cardiovascular fitness among older employees (50 +) in four physically demanding occupational groups.

Health investigations, including aerobic capacity, were performed on 120 construction and kitchen workers, cleaners, and assistant nurses. Cardiovascular load was assessed over three working days using heart rate (HR) measurements. Data was processed for average loads (HR and Relative HR reserve (%HRR)) and measures describing variations in loads, such as time spent in different heart rate intensities.

Participants' mean age was 57 (SD 4.1) years, and 63% of the participants were female. The mean %HRR over occupational groups was 24.9% (SD 6.8). Of the participants, 43% had an average cardiovascular load above 24.5%HRR and 11% over 33%HRR. Depending on the work sector, 22-37% of the worktime was spent in intensities over 30%HRR, and 2-4% was spent in cardiovascular intensities over 50%HRR. The average VO₂max was 33.2 (SD 8.2) ml/kg/min for all, for men 39.0 (SD 7.0), and for women 29.8 (SD 6.9).

We found a high mean cardiovascular load at work among the senior workers in all four work sectors, but low proportions of the worktime were spent in high intensity levels. Despite a high mean cardiovascular load at work, a high proportion of the workers had low cardiovascular fitness. Given the possible negative effects of occupational physical activity and to meet future demographic challenges, future interventions should aim to reduce physical loads and increase physical fitness in the workforce.