Cardiovascular responses following sweeping in the recumbent and straight standing positions

Abstract

Background: Sweeping is an important cleaning practice that is done either in standing or in recumbent position, but no empirical data exists on the scale of cardiovascular responses in these sweeping positions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular responses and rated perceive exertion following sweeping in recumbent and standing positions. Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers (Mean age 25.07+2.24) performed sweeping in recumbent or standing positions at their self-selected pace using the natural fibre broom or plastic broom for a duration of five minutes each. Cardiovascular responses were monitored at rest and immediately after sweeping in each position. Results: This study showed significant increase in rated perceived exertion score following recumbent compared to standing and higher values of systolic blood pressure and heart rate following recumbent sweeping compared to the values in standing position. No significant difference in diastolic blood pressure at rest and following sweeping in recumbent and standing position was however observed. Conclusion: From ergonomic standpoint, sweeping in standing position could be preferable to sweeping in recumbent position.