Chinese Occupational Population Cohort of Lifestyle and Physical Fitness (LiFitChina)

Effects of Lifestyle and Physical Fitness on Cardiovascular Health: a Cohort Study in Chinese Occupational Population

The incidence and prevalence of metabolic risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, as well as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), are continuously rising among the occupational population in China, primarily comprising the middle-aged and young adults. Unhealthy lifestyles and declining physical fitness are independent risk factors affecting cardiovascular health. Additionally, the level of physical fitness is influenced by postnatal lifestyles. Lifestyle factors related to cardiovascular health in the occupational population encompass various aspects, including smoking, physical activity, diet, sleep, psychological stress, etc. These factors may interact or have a synergistic effect, necessitating a comprehensive assessment.

This project proposes a prospective cohort study design to establish a monitoring cohort for lifestyle and physical fitness among the occupational population. The study will track and follow individuals with or without any CVD metabolic risk factors, collecting information on general status, lifestyle, physical fitness, and health examination data. Exposure factors such as lifestyle and physical fitness will be measured annually, and the occurrence of CVD-related health outcomes will be observed. The aim is to develop a comprehensive evaluation index for cardiovascular health lifestyle, analyze the direct and indirect impacts of lifestyle and physical fitness on the occurrence and development of CVD, and explore potential mediating and moderating effects of physical fitness in the association between lifestyle and cardiovascular health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adults between 18-59 years of age
• occupational staff
• willing to accept long-term follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

• participants with previous CVD history such as myocardial infarction, stroke and severe aortic stenosis;
• with cancer;
• with congenital genetic diseases, or cannot cooperate with the investigation and follow-up due to acquired diseases, such as congenital heart disease, paralysis, deafness, dementia, mental abnormality, developmental retardation, etc.;
• with exercise contraindications;
• duration of pregnancy;
• refuse to sign the informed consent.