Differences in cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and pulmonary function across occupational groups and educational levels: a cross-sectional study.

Blue-collar workers reported higher self-reported weekly physical activity than white-collar workers overall.

• The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0003)
• When stratified by gender, this result remained significant for men (p = 0.0003)
• The study population consisted of 203 professionally active adults aged 40-70, with 39.41% being blue-collar workers
• Physical activity was assessed using the IPAQ-SF (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form)

White-collar workers had higher estimated VO2max than blue-collar workers overall.

• The difference in estimated VO2max was statistically significant (p = 0.0467)
• When stratified by gender, only female blue-collar workers had significantly lower VO2max values than female white-collar workers (p = 0.0142)
• No significant differences in estimated VO2max were found between male blue-collar and male white-collar workers
• VO2max was estimated using the Åstrand-Rhyming submaximal exercise test

Gender-specific differences existed between occupational groups in the relationship between self-reported physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.

• Among men, blue-collar workers reported higher self-reported weekly PA than white-collar workers, with no significant differences in estimated VO2max
• Among women, blue-collar workers did not report higher self-reported PA but had lower estimated VO2max than white-collar women (p = 0.0142)
• The study sample was 55.17% men
• The authors note these differences are small and should be interpreted cautiously

Among industries, the lowest self-reported weekly physical activity values were observed in male representatives of the professionals group, and the highest in agriculture and forestry workers.

• Industry-level comparisons were made across multiple occupational sectors
• Agriculture and forestry workers represented the highest PA group among men
• The professionals group represented the lowest PA group among men
• PA was self-reported using the IPAQ-SF questionnaire

The study population consisted of professionally active adults aged 40-70 with a mean age of 53.4 years.

• Total sample size was 203 professionally active adults
• 55.17% were men
• 39.41% were blue-collar workers
• Assessment included questionnaire-based PA survey, Åstrand-Rhyming submaximal exercise testing for VO2max estimation, and spirometry measuring FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio
• The survey also collected data on occupation, hours worked per week, night shift work, education, age, and gender