The acceptability of a novel seismocardiography device for measuring VO 2 max in a workplace setting: a mixed methods approach

Background:

Workplace health screening rarely includes measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, despite it being a greater predictor of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality than other routinely measured risk factors. This study aimed to determine the comparative acceptability of using a novel seismocardiography device to measure cardiorespiratory fitness via VO2 max during a workplace health check.

Methods:

Participants were invited to participate in workplace health screening sessions where VO2 max was assessed by both seismocardiography at rest and sub-maximal exercise testing, in order for acceptability of both to be compared across multiple domains. Questionnaires and focus group guides for participants and practitioners were developed based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Data were analysed using t-tests and deductive thematic analysis.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the acceptability domain of ‘affective attitude’ between the novel SCG device (M = 9.06 ± 1.14) and the sub-maximal exercise testing (M = 7.94 ± 1.79); t = 3.296, p = .001, d = 0.50, and in the domain of ‘burden’ between the novel SCG device (M = 9.16, ± 0.55) and the sub-maximal exercise testing (M = 7.41 ± 1.45); t = 7.033, p = < 0.001, d = 1.45. Practitioners and employees highlighted the potential of seismocardiography to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace offer, allowing those with restricted mobility or those with differing physical or emotional needs to participate in wellness testing; yet there was a lack of understanding in both groups around intervention effectiveness and coherence.

Conclusions:

Seismocardiography may offer an acceptable route to cardiorespiratory fitness testing in the workplace, due to the low effort requirement and simplicity of administration. This study suggests that practitioners delivering such services have a critical role to play in acceptability of health interventions at work, as employees will be heavily influenced by practitioner beliefs around coherence and effectiveness. Comprehensive delivery training is important for the adoption of new health-related technologies such as seismocardiography into workplace health screening.