Courtney Donovan

Ms. Courtney Donovan

Oregon Health & Science University
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 October 2020 in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
RORyan Olson
Ryan Olson
PJPeter Johnson
Peter Johnson
SSSteven A. Shea
Steven A. Shea
MMMiguel Marino
Miguel Marino
JRJarred Ba Rimby
Jarred Ba Rimby
SRSean P.M. Rice
Sean P.M. Rice
Objective: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of engineering and behavioral interventions to improve the sleep, health, and well-being of team truck drivers (dyads) who sleep in moving semi-trucks. Methods: Drivers (n = 16) were exposed to Condition A: a new innerspring mattress, and Condition B: a novel therapeutic mattress. A subsample of drivers (n = 8) were also exposed to Condition C: use of their preferred mattress (all chose to keep B), switching to an active suspension driver's seat, and completing a behavioral sleep-health program. Primary outcomes were sleep duration, sleep quality, and fatigue. Behavioral program targets included physical activity and sleep hygiene. Results: Self-reported sleep and fatigue improved with mattress A, and improved further with mattress B which altered vibration exposures and was universally preferred and kept by all drivers. Condition C improved additional targets and produced larger effect sizes for most outcomes. Conclusions: Results support these interventions as promising for advancing team truck drivers’ sleep, health, and well-being.

BWBrad Wipfli
Brad Wipfli
SWSara Wild
Sara Wild
CDCourtney Donovan
Courtney Donovan
GHGinger C. Hanson
Ginger C. Hanson
STSaurabh Suhas Thosar
Saurabh Suhas Thosar
The purpose of this study is to examine associations between objectively measured workplace sedentary behavior and physiological markers of health. We hypothesize that increased sedentary time and more frequent bouts of uninterrupted sitting are associated with increased hemoglobin A1c, increased blood pressure, and impaired endothelial function. Call center employees (N = 241) were enrolled from four worksites in the United States. Participants completed a survey and a physical health assessment. Sedentary behavior and sitting/standing time at work were quantified using an accelerometer. Hemoglobin A1c was measured using a finger-prick and portable analyzer. Blood pressure was measured with an automated cuff, and vascular endothelial function was assessed in a subsample of participants (n = 56) using EndoPAT. We analyzed data with two series of ordinary least squares regressions, first to examine relationships between bouts of uninterrupted sitting and physiological outcomes, and second to examine relationships between physical activity and sitting/standing time at work and physiological outcomes. The sample was primarily female, and on average was obese, prehypertensive, and prediabetic. There were no significant relationships between bouts of uninterrupted sitting or physical activity/sitting/standing time at work and physiological outcomes. In a sample that is predominantly sedentary, at risk for cardiovascular disease, and prediabetic, there are no significant associations between workplace sedentary behavior and physiological markers. The lack of associations could be related to either physiological adaptations or ceiling effects in this sample.