The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a structured health intervention for truckers (The SHIFT Study)

ISRCTN	ISRCTN10483894
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10483894
Protocol serial number	NIHR PHR 15/190/42
Sponsor	Loughborough University
Funder	Public Health Research Programme

Submission date: 17/02/2017
Registration date: 01/03/2017
Last edited: 07/04/2025

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Long distance lorry drivers are more likely to be overweight or obese than those working in other occupations. This increases their risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disturbances. Due to the nature of their jobs, lorry drivers are faced with many barriers when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle. They spend long periods of time sitting, their opportunities to be physically active while at work are limited, the food available at rest stops tends to be unhealthy, and working shifts means they get less sleep. As a consequence of these working conditions and unhealthy lifestyle choices, lorry drivers have a lower life expectancy than the average working person. They are currently an ‘at-risk’ and underserved group in terms of health promotion efforts. Given the well-being of lorry drivers can directly affect the safety of other road users, strategies are needed to improve the health of this group. In partnership with lorry drivers and Health and Safety personnel from a UK transport company, the SHIFT programme was created in order to increase physical activity, improve diet and reduce sitting (during breaks and non-work time) in long distance lorry drivers. This programme involves a six hour interactive education session, provides drivers with a step counter to set goals to increase steps, provides equipment for drivers to do stretching exercises whilst in the lorry, sets individual and group based step count competitions, and gives access to free fruit. In a previous study, this programme was found to be effective in encouraging drivers to become more active and it is hoped that the same will be found in a larger group of lorry drivers. The aim of this study therefore is to see if the SHIFT programme leads to increases in physical activity, reductions in sitting time, and improvements in diet and markers of health (such as blood pressure and body weight) in a group of long distance lorry drivers, in comparison to a group continuing with their normal daily routine.

Who can participate?
Long distance lorry drivers between the ages of 18 to 65 years old.

What does the study involve?
After undergoing a health check and taking body measurements, all participants are given a small device to wear that records their daily step counts, time spent sitting, time spent standing and time being active. This is worn on the thigh for seven days. Participants are then randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group receive the six month SHIFT programme which includes education sessions that discuss the possible ways for the drivers to increase their activity, improve their diet and reduce their sitting time (when not driving) during working and non-working hours. Participants are invited to take part in step count challenges and are given equipment to do stretching exercises for them to do in their vehicles. Participants in the control group continue as normal. Participants are followed up at the end of the study to evaluate the health and the physical activity level of the participants.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may benefit from participating in this study as it could result in them marking positive changes to their physical activity levels and/or diet which could reduce their risk of heart disease or diabetes. Participants also receive three free health checks that includes detailed feedback. There are no notable risks with participating.

Where is the study run from?
The study is run from Loughborough University (UK) and takes place within 24 transport depots owned by DHL within the Midlands (UK).

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
February 2017 to August 2021

Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Stacy Clemes
s.a.clemes@lboro.ac.uk

Contact information

Dr Stacy Clemes
Scientific

School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Loughborough University
Loughborough
LE113TU
United Kingdom

ORCID ID	0000-0001-5612-5898

Mrs Alison Stanley
Public

School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Loughborough University
Loughborough
LE113TU
United Kingdom

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Study design	Two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial
Secondary study design	Cluster randomised trial
Study type	Participant information sheet
Scientific title	A cluster randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a Structured Health Intervention For Truckers (The SHIFT Study)
Study acronym	SHIFT
Study objectives	Current study hypothesis as of 10/09/2021: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the SHIFT programme leads to increases in objectively measured physical activity (expressed as steps/day) compared to usual care at 6 months follow-up. It is hypothesised that participants randomised to the SHIFT intervention arm will exhibit increases in physical activity levels (expressed as steps/day), relative to those in the control arm at 6 months follow-up. Previous study hypothesis: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the SHIFT programme leads to increases in objectively measured physical activity (expressed as steps/day) compared to usual care at 12 months follow-up. It is hypothesised that participants randomised to the SHIFT intervention arm will exhibit increases in physical activity levels (expressed as steps/day), relative to those in the control arm at 12 months follow-up.
Ethics approval(s)	Loughborough University Ethics Approvals (Human Participants) Sub-Committee, 28/03/2017, ref: R17-P063
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Obesity and chronic disease prevention, specifically cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
Intervention	Current interventions as of 10/09/2021: This study involves two phases: an internal pilot and the full study. Participants are allocated to clusters which are randomised to receive either the six month "SHIFT programme" or the usual care (control). Clusters are randomised at the worksite level and takes place in two phases: The first six clusters (n=84) are involved in the internal pilot and the second phase of the study will begin a year after which consists of the remaining clusters (18 depots, n=252 drivers). In both study phases, randomisation takes place upon completion of baseline measurements. The internal pilot examines issues surrounding worksite and participant recruitment, randomisation, compliance to the primary outcome, and retention rates at 6-months following randomisation. After the completion of the internal pilot, the remaining depots start the study. In both phases participants undertake a baseline assessment. This takes two hours per driver. After the baseline assessments, participants are given two accelerometers to monitor their physical activity and sitting time levels for 24 hours over a seven day period. The depots involved in the internal pilot are then randomised to either the intervention or the control groups by the Leicester Clinical Trials Unit (CTU). Intervention group (SHIFT): The six month SHIFT intervention, grounded within the Social Cognitive Theory for behaviour change, consists of a group-based interactive six hour education session tailored for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, delivered by trained educators. This includes information about physical activity, diet, health factors associated to long periods of sitting, risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The educational component is derived from the award winning DESMOND programme, created by educators at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) and used throughout the National Health service (NHS). The education session is supported by specially developed resources for HGV drivers and participant support materials. The sessions include the discussion of feasible strategies for drivers to increase their physical activity, improve their diet and reduce their sitting time (when not driving) during working and non-working hours. During the education session, participants are provided with a wearable physical activity tracker and encouraged to use this to set goals (agreed at the session) to gradually increase their physical activity predominately through walking-based activity. The physical activity tracker provides drivers with information on their daily step counts and is used as a tool for self-monitoring and self-regulation. The education session adopts the promotion of the “small changes” philosophy using the Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) principle to encourage drivers to build-up their daily activity levels, within the confines of their occupation, to meet the current UK Physical Activity guidelines. For example, drivers are encouraged to establish their own action plan with SMART goals for the duration of the 6-month intervention. The structured education session is delivered by trained personnel from within DHL (the lorry company). These individuals are trained and mentored by educators from the LDC. The LDC Team successfully developed, evaluated and disseminated to the NHS the DESMOND programme for type 2 diabetes, and the Let’s Prevent Diabetes Programme. The educational component is derived from these programmes and tailored to HGV drivers. The educational session can be delivered in either one 6-hour session, or as two 3-hour sessions. The educational sessions take place within appropriate training rooms within DHL. Within the education session participants are not ‘taught’ in a formal way, but supported to work out knowledge and develop individual goals and plans to achieve over the six month intervention period. Within each intervention depot an employee is recruited to act as a local champion, shown to enhance the effectiveness of worksite physical activity interventions. They receive training on how to provide ongoing health coach support to intervention participants (during and after the six month intervention period) and are responsible for facilitating monthly step count challenges. Participants also are able to contact the trained educators within their company throughout the intervention for one-to-one support in person, or via the telephone. Step count challenges (1-week competitions between and within intervention depots) run on a monthly basis throughout the intervention and are facilitated by the local worksite champions. A “cab workout” is introduced and practised at the education session and drivers are provided with resistance bands and balls, and grip strength dynamometers to take away. Drivers are encouraged to undertake the cab workout during breaks when not permitted to leave their vehicle. Drivers are able to keep the intervention tools and encouraged to continue with their use beyond the six month intervention period. Control group: Depots assigned to the usual practice control arm are asked to continue with their usual care conditions. Participants in the control depots receive an educational leaflet at the outset detailing the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviours (i.e., undertaking regular physical activity, breaking up periods of prolonged sitting, and consuming a healthy diet) for the promotion of health and well-being. Control participants are requested to complete the same study measurements as those in the intervention worksites, at the same time points. Upon completion of the study, control depots are provided with all of the educational material provided to the intervention participants as part of the SHIFT programme. In both study phases, the impact of the intervention is assessed immediately following the intervention delivery (six months after randomisation). Measurements take place at the same time for participants in each of the intervention arms. Previous interventions: This study involves two phases: an internal pilot and the full study. Participants are allocated to clusters which are randomised to receive either the six month "SHIFT programme" or the usual care (control). Clusters are randomised at the worksite level and takes place in two phases: The first six clusters (n=84) are involved in the internal pilot and the second phase of the study will begin a year after which consists of the remaining clusters (18 depots, n=252 drivers). In both study phases, randomisation takes place upon completion of baseline measurements. The internal pilot examines issues surrounding worksite and participant recruitment, randomisation, compliance to the primary outcome, and retention rates at 6-months following randomisation. After the completion of the internal pilot, the remaining depots start the study. In both phases participants undertake a baseline assessment. This takes two hours per driver. After the baseline assessments, participants are given two accelerometers to monitor their physical activity and sitting time levels for 24 hours over a seven day period. The depots involved in the internal pilot are then randomised to either the intervention or the control groups by the Leicester Clinical Trials Unit (CTU). Intervention group (SHIFT): The six month SHIFT intervention, grounded within the Social Cognitive Theory for behaviour change, consists of a group-based interactive six hour education session tailored for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, delivered by trained educators. This includes information about physical activity, diet, health factors associated to long periods of sitting, risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The educational component is derived from the award winning DESMOND programme, created by educators at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) and used throughout the National Health service (NHS). The education session is supported by specially developed resources for HGV drivers and participant support materials. The sessions include the discussion of feasible strategies for drivers to increase their physical activity, improve their diet and reduce their sitting time (when not driving) during working and non-working hours. During the education session, participants are provided with a wearable physical activity tracker and encouraged to use this to set goals (agreed at the session) to gradually increase their physical activity predominately through walking-based activity. The physical activity tracker provides drivers with information on their daily step counts and is used as a tool for self-monitoring and self-regulation. The education session adopts the promotion of the “small changes” philosophy using the Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) principle to encourage drivers to build-up their daily activity levels, within the confines of their occupation, to meet the current UK Physical Activity guidelines. For example, drivers are encouraged to establish their own action plan with SMART goals for the duration of the 6-month intervention. The structured education session is delivered by trained personnel from within DHL (the lorry company). These individuals are trained and mentored by educators from the LDC. The LDC Team successfully developed, evaluated and disseminated to the NHS the DESMOND programme for type 2 diabetes, and the Let’s Prevent Diabetes Programme. The educational component is derived from these programmes and tailored to HGV drivers. The educational session can be delivered in either a one 6-hour session, or as two 3-hour sessions. The educational sessions take place within appropriate training rooms within DHL. Within the education session participants are not ‘taught’ in a formal way, but supported to work out knowledge and develop individual goals and plans to achieve over the six month intervention period. Within each intervention depot an employee is recruited to act as a local champion, shown to enhance the effectiveness of worksite physical activity interventions. They receive training on how to provide ongoing health coach support to intervention participants (during and after the six month intervention period) and are responsible for facilitating monthly step count challenges. Participants also are able to contact the trained educators within their company throughout the intervention for one-to-one support in person, or via the telephone. Step count challenges (1-week competitions between and within intervention depots) run on a monthly basis throughout the intervention and are facilitated by the local worksite champions. A “cab workout” is introduced and practised at the education session and drivers are provided with resistance bands and balls, and grip strength dynamometers to take away. Drivers are encouraged to undertake the cab workout during breaks when not permitted to leave their vehicle. Drivers are able to keep the intervention tools and encouraged to continue with their use beyond the six month intervention period. Control group: Depots assigned to the usual practice control arm are asked to continue with their usual care conditions. Participants in the control depots receive an educational leaflet at the outset detailing the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviours (i.e., undertaking regular physical activity, breaking up periods of prolonged sitting, and consuming a healthy diet) for the promotion of health and well-being. Control participants are requested to complete the same study measurements as those in the intervention worksites, at the same time points. Upon completion of the study, control depots are provided with all of the educational material provided to the intervention participants as part of the SHIFT programme. In both study phases, the impact of the intervention is assessed immediately following the intervention delivery (six months after randomisation) and the six months following completion of the intervention (12 months after randomisation). Measurements take place at the same time for participants in each of the intervention arms.
Intervention type	Behavioural
Primary outcome measure(s)	Current primary outcome measure as of 10/09/2021: Physical activity (steps per day) is measured using the activPAL3 micro accelerometer (worn on the thigh 24 hours a day during the 7 day assessment period) at baseline and 6 months Previous primary outcome measure: Physical activity (steps per day) is measured using the activPAL3 micro accelerometer (worn on the thigh 24 hours a day during the 7 day assessment period) at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.
Key secondary outcome measure(s)	Current secondary outcome measures as of 10/09/2021: 1. Light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is measured using the GENEActiv accelerometer (worn on the wrist 24 hours a day for the 7 day assessment period at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 2. Sitting time is measured using the activPAL3 micro at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 3. Adiposity measured using the portable Tanita 418 bioelectrical impedance analyser at baseline and 6 months 4. Neck circumference is measured using anthropometry tape at baseline and 6 months 5. Blood pressure is measured using automated blood pressure analysers at baseline and 6 months 6. Blood markers (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glycated haemoglobin) are assessed using a finger-prick blood sample at baseline and 6 months 7. Dietary quality is measured using a short-form food frequency questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 8. Binge eating is measured using The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 9. Sleep duration is measured using the GENEActiv for 7 days at baseline and 6 months 10. Sleep quality is measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline and 6 months 11. Cognitive function is measured using the Stroop test at baseline and 6 months 12. Musculoskeletal symptoms are assessed using the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire at baseline and 6 months 13. Work engagement (characterised by vigour, dedication, and absorption) will be measured using the Utretcht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 14. Occupational fatigue is measured using the Need for Recovery Scale at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 15. Job performance and job satisfaction is measured using single-item 7-point Likert scales atbaseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 16. General quality of life is assessed using the WHO QOL-BREF at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 17. Presenteeism is assessed using the Work Limitations Questionnaire and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI-GH 2.0) at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 18. Perceptions of work demand and support are assessed using four subscales from the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (HSE MSIT) at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 19. Driving-related safety behaviour is assessed using a 6-item measure at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 20. Anxiety and depression are measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 21. Sickness absence is collected via self-report and employer records and will include frequency and duration of self-certified and certified sickness at baseline, 6 months, and 8-11 months 22. Cost-effectiveness and health related resources of the trial is assessed using the self-reported EQ5D at baseline and 6 months 23. Basic demographics (e.g. age, education level, years as a HGV driver) are measured using self-reported measures at baseline and 6 months Previous secondary outcome measures: 1. Light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is measured using the GENEActiv accelerometer (worn on the wrist 24 hours a day for the 7 day assessment period at baseline, 6 and 12 months 2. Sitting time is measured using the activPAL3 micro at baseline, 6 and 12 months 3. Adiposity measured using the portable Tanita 418 bioelectrical impedance analyser at baseline, 6 and 12 months 4. Neck circumference is measured using anthropometry tape at baseline, 6 months and 12 months 5. Blood pressure is measured using automated blood pressure analysers at baseline, 6 and 12 months 6. Blood markers (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glycated haemoglobin) are assessed using a finger-prick blood sample at baseline, 6 and 12 months 7. Dietary quality is measured using a short-form food frequency questionnaire at baseline, 6 and 12 months 8. Binge eating is measured using The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire at baseline, 6 and 12 months 9. Sleep duration is measured using the GENEActiv for 7 days at baseline, 6 and 12 months 10. Sleep quality is measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 11. Cognitive function is measured using the Stroop test at baseline, 6 and 12 months 12. Musculoskeletal symptoms are assessed using the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire at baseline, 6 and 12 months 13. Work engagement (characterised by vigour, dedication, and absorption) will be measured using the Utretcht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 14. Occupational fatigue is measured using the Need for Recovery Scale at baseline, 6 and 12 months 15. Job performance and job satisfaction is measured using single-item 7-point Likert scales at baseline, 6 and 12 months 16. General quality of life is assessed using the WHO QOL-BREF at baseline, 6 and 12 months 17. Presenteeism is assessed using the Work Limitations Questionnaire and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI-GH 2.0) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 18. Perceptions of work demand and support are assessed using four subscales from the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (HSE MSIT) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 19. Driving-related safety behaviour is assessed using a 6-item measure at baseline, 6 and 12 months 20. Anxiety and depression are measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, 6 and 12 months 21. Sickness absence is collected via self-report and employer records and will include frequency and duration of self-certified and certified sickness at baseline, 6 and 12 months 22. Cost-effectiveness and health related resources of the trial is assessed using the self-reported EQ5D at baseline, 6 and 12 months 23. Basic demographics (e.g. age, education level, years as a HGV driver) are measured using self-reported measures at baseline, 6 and 12 months
Completion date	02/12/2020

Eligibility

Participant type(s)	Healthy volunteer
Age group	Adult
Lower age limit	18 Years
Upper age limit	65 Years
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	336
Total final enrolment	382
Key inclusion criteria	1. Long distance heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers 2. Aged 18 to 65 years 3. Male and female (with the exception of females who are pregnant) 4. Free of cardiovascular disease, haemophilia, or blood-borne viruses 5. Must not have any mobility issues which prevent them from going about their normal work duties
Key exclusion criteria	1. Cardiovascular disease 2. Haemophilia 3. Any blood-borne viruses or mobility limitations
Date of first enrolment	01/09/2017
Date of final enrolment	24/07/2019

Locations

Countries of recruitment

United Kingdom
England

Study participating centres

Loughborough University

Ashby Road
Loughborough
LE11 3TU
United Kingdom

DHL Supply Chain

Valley Cross
Valley Drive
Swift Valley Park
Rugby
CV21 1QN
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	Yes
IPD sharing plan summary	Available on request
IPD sharing plan	The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are/will be available upon request from Dr Stacy Clemes (s.a.clemes@lboro.ac.uk).

Study outputs

Output type	Details	Date created	Date added	Peer reviewed?	Patient-facing?
Results article	RCT results	24/05/2022	24/05/2022	Yes	No
Results article	Process evaluation	07/07/2022	08/07/2022	Yes	No
Results article		01/12/2022	07/04/2025	Yes	No
Results article		01/03/2023	07/04/2025	Yes	No
Protocol article	protocol	24/11/2019	27/11/2019	Yes	No
Other publications	Secondary analysis of response in obese and non-obese participants	23/11/2022	02/08/2023	Yes	No
Participant information sheet	Participant information sheet	11/11/2025	11/11/2025	No	Yes

Editorial Notes

07/04/2025: Publication references added.
02/08/2023: Publication reference added.
08/07/2022: Publication reference added.
24/05/2022: Publication reference added.
10/09/2021: The following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment start date has been changed from 01/07/2017 to 01/09/2017.
2. The recruitment end date has been changed from 01/10/2018 to 24/07/2019.
3. The overall trial end date has been changed from 31/05/2020 to 02/12/2020 and the plain English summary has been updated to reflect this change.
4. The intention to publish date has been changed from 28/02/2021 to 20/12/2021.
5. The total final enrolment number has been added.
6. The target number of participants has been changed from "110 participants are required from 11 clusters per arm. To allow for participant drop out, the sample size has been inflated by 30%. The cluster size will also be inflated by 2 to allow for whole cluster drop out. 14 participants will therefore be recruited per cluster, 336 participants in total, across 24 clusters." to "110 participants are required from 11 clusters per arm. To allow for participant drop out, the sample size has been inflated by 30%. The cluster size will also be inflated by 2 to allow for whole cluster drop out. 14 participants will therefore be recruited per cluster, 336 participants in total, across 24 clusters. Due to restrictions at one pilot site in terms of participants wearing the primary outcome measure, it was agreed that an additional site would be recruited in the main trial phase, providing a total cluster number of 25.".
7. The study hypothesis has been updated.
8. The interventions have been updated.
9. The primary outcome measure has been updated.
10. The secondary outcome measures have been updated.
27/11/2019: Publication reference added.
15/09/2017: Ethics approval details added.