The ‘Fit2Drive’ suite of studies completed between 2019-2023 were supported by a National Heart Foundation of Australia Vanguard grant (102268) and Workcover Queensland.
Working with nine transport companies across Queensland, we tested the efficacy and feasibility of a ‘stepped down’ (supervised to self-managed), depot delivered, 12-week high intensity interval training (HIIT) program for truck and bus drivers.
The main aim of the project was to assess potential benefits to cardio-respiratory fitness (or VO2peak).
A good level of cardio-respiratory fitness is a health and safety priority for all workers. However, truck and bus drivers are arguably amongst the highest priority groups based on the prevalence of cardiometabolic health issues well above population norms.
Main Project Outcomes
The main finding showed a +2.0 mL.kg-1.min-1 increase in VO2peak in drivers who completed Fit2Drive, compared to a control. This increase in cardio-respiratory fitness over three months has been associated with improved clinical outcomes in low fit populations (i.e., a 5% lower risk of time to cardiovascular all-cause mortality and hospitalisation).
The next stage of the project will involve implementation trials with larger more diverse groups of drivers. In these trials, we will work closely with drivers and companies to investigate the potential for translation of the program at scale.
Project Outputs
- Gilson ND, Mielke GI, Coombes J, Duncan M, Brown W. The efficacy and feasibility of a high intensity interval training program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in truck drivers: The Fit2Drive cluster-controlled pilot study. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2023; 65: 836-840.
- Gilson ND, Andersson D, Papinczak ZE, Rutherford Z, John J, Coombes JS, Brown WJ. High intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint interval training (SIT) and cognitive function in adults: A systematic review of evidence relative to work settings. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33(6):814-833.
- Gilson ND, Mielke GI, Coombes JS, Feter, Smith E, Duncan MJ, Wallis G, Brown WJ. VO2peak and 24-hour sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Australian truck drivers Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021 31(7):1574-1578.
