Anthropometric Profiles, Adiposity, and Physical Fitness in Long-Haul Truck Drivers: Implications for Chronic Disease Risk.

Abstract

Long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) face unique occupational challenges, including prolonged sedentary periods, irregular meal patterns, and limited access to physical activity, contributing to high levels of adiposity and elevated risks for chronic diseases. This study examined relationships between anthropometric measures, body composition, physical fitness, and occupational factors among Canadian LHTD and compared field-testing equipment for assessments of body composition. 197 LHTD underwent assessments of body anthropometry (body mass index, skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, segment circumference), grip strength, and completed a survey on physical activity and the work environment. Over a fifth (22%) reported not engaging in any moderate to vigorous activity in the past week. Grip strength was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (p<0.001), waist-to-height ratio (p<0.001), waist circumference (p=0.03), work- (p=0.021) and leisure-time (p=0.01) physical activity, and years worked in the industry (p=0.003). Increased waist circumference positively correlated with hours driven continuously (p=0.007) and years worked in the industry (p=0.004), while waist-to-height ratio was positively correlated with years as a LHTD (p<0.001). All body composition assessment methods exhibited large coefficients of variation, though the measurement error was generally low except for the Taylor Body Analyzer, and agreement between tools tended to decrease with higher levels of body fat. These findings highlight the high rates of adiposity and reduced physical fitness in long-haul truck drivers. Tailored interventions focusing on dietary improvements, physical activity, and strength training should be prioritized to mitigate chronic disease risk in this population.