The Science Behind the SHIFT Program

SHIFT was developed by Dr. Ryan Olson’s research team at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).  Initial program development was funded by the Center for Research on Occupational & Environmental Toxicology at OHSU, and the Northwest Center for Occupational Health & Safety at the University of Washington. Current research on the SHIFT program is funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.  

The components of the SHIFT program are based on research evidence and tailored for the isolated nature of truck driving work. The SHIFT program is a weight loss competition that is supported with computer-based training, motivational interviewing on cell phones, and habit-tracking of body weight and behaviors.
In a pilot study of the SHIFT program the average driver lost about one unit of body mass index (8 lbs), which is enough weight loss to produce savings in health care costs and clinical health benefits.  Click here to view a one-page summary of pilot study findings.  For a full scientific report of the pilot study see the paper below:

Olson, R., Anger, K., Elliot, D. L., Wipfli, B., & Gray, M. (2009). A new health promotion model for lone workers: Results of the SHIFT pilot study (Safety & Health Involvement for Truckers). Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 51(11), 1233-1246.