A new NIHR-funded study led by Loughborough University is helping truck drivers in the Midlands get healthy by encouraging higher levels of physical activity and a healthier diet that fits in with their work schedule.
Long distance lorry drivers are exposed to a multitude of health risks associated with their job, including long and variable working hours and long periods of sitting. Tight schedules and being on the road can contribute to psychological stress and sleep deprivation.
Their working environment provides limited opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. As a consequence, lorry drivers exhibit higher than average rates of obesity, obesity-related co-morbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and have a significantly reduced life expectancy in comparison to other occupational groups.
Researchers led by Dr Stacy Clemes at Loughborough University, in partnership with researchers from the University of Leicester and University of York, have teamed up with logistics company DHL to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the research team’s ‘Structured Health Intervention For Truckers’ (the SHIFT programme). The aim of the programme is to promote positive behavioural changes in terms of increased physical activity and a healthier diet.
The average age of HGV drivers is 53 and previous research by the same team indicates that 84 percent of HGV drivers were overweight or obese compared to 75 percent of men the same age nationally. In this study, drivers reported working an average of 48 hours each week.
Dr Clemes commented “There are currently very few resources available to tackle health inequalities in the transport sector and we’re excited to be trialling the new programme in the Midlands. If successful, the SHIFT programme could be utilised across the transport sector, both nationally and internationally. This could have a long-term impact on professional drivers’ health and wellbeing.”
Researchers will recruit over 300 HGV drivers to the SHIFT study and their depots will be allocated to either take part in the programme or continue their usual work routines. The programme will begin with a six hour educational session where drivers taking part in the trial will be given a physical activity tracker (Fitbit©) and equipment to help them safely keep active in the cab when they’re not driving. They’ll also be given specific advice relating to health issues associated with the job and additional materials detailing healthy living choices. A trained champion will be on hand throughout the trial to support people taking part.
Data including number of steps a day, amount of sleep, blood pressure and cholesterol will be measured at the start of the programme and at six and 12 months to see if the programme has helped drivers improve their health. Researchers will also consider the impact of the programme on mental health and quality of life.
Kevin Richardson Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT), Chief Executive, CILT UK said “Driver welfare and specifically health and wellbeing is a key issue for both existing drivers and the attractiveness of the profession for potential employees. CILT UK believe that the link between academic research and business engagement has the potential to create real impact within the transport sector. We support this important work into an area of knowledge that is increasingly becoming recognised as crucial by transport operators. We believe that the SHIFT programme can produce meaningful outputs that can improve standards within the profession.”
Phil Roe, Managing Director – Transport, DHL Supply Chain added: “We are pleased to be supporting the SHIFT programme and playing a role in this important initiative which aims to make commercial driving both healthier and more enjoyable.”
More information on the SHIFT programme is available on the NIHR Journals Library website.