The burden of prolonged sedentary behavior imposed by uberization

Abstract

Mobility applications are rapidly growing in cities worldwide due to their convenience and low cost. Mobility applications drivers experience vast flexibility in work hours, often work longer than in fixed-hours jobs, and can constantly transport passengers in their vehicles for up to 12 h; after this, they must go offline for eight consecutive hours before driving again. Nonetheless, drivers have found an easy way around this limitation by switching to other apps and continuing driving. This burden of prolonged work can increase sedentary behavior among mobility applications drivers. Sedentary behavior is any waking activity in which the individual expends 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) or less while sitting or reclining. This behavior can increase the risk of detrimental effects on health. In this opinion article, we aim to discuss the possible effects of the burden of prolonged work on the sedentary behavior of mobility applications drivers and propose possible strategies to face this concerning situation.

Keywords

Mobility application / Drivers / Health outcomes / Sedentary lifestyle / Quality of life

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CABL and MSA are productivity fellowship at the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Brazil). R.L.V. is a productivity fellowship at the Espírito Santo Research and Innovation Support Foundation (FAPES) agency (Edital Fapes Nº 06/2021 Bolsa Pesquisador Capixaba; Nº 327/2022 - P: 2022-F4D7H). VNO is scientific initiation fellowship at the CNPq. TGC is fellowship at the CAPES.