This study aims to evaluate the influence of sedentary occupational roles on critical male health biomarkers, specifically serum testosterone levels, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and symptoms related to lower urinary tract function among sedentary office managers compared to age-matched healthy controls.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 120 male first-line office managers from a commercial bank in Taichung, characterized by sedentary work patterns. Serum levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, and PSA were assessed in the morning. Participants completed standardized questionnaires, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), and the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) scale. A control group of 120 age-matched healthy men undergoing routine health check-ups was recruited for comparative analysis. Statistical evaluations, including independent t-tests and subgroup analyses of IPSS scores into storage and voiding domains, were performed.

The mean age of participants was 48.9 ± 5.94 years (range 42-67). Office managers exhibited a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (24.9 ± 3.3 kg/m²) compared to controls (23.8 ± 2.5 kg/m², p<0.05). Morning total testosterone levels were markedly lower in sedentary office managers (3.09 ± 0.89 ng/mL) than in the control group (3.59 ± 0.72 ng/mL, p<0.05). Although total IPSS scores did not differ significantly (10.25 ± 4.79 vs 9.35 ± 3.72, p=0.186), subgroup analysis revealed higher storage domain scores in office managers (5.95 ± 2.21 vs 5.27 ± 1.63, p=0.029), while voiding domain scores showed no significant difference (4.28 ± 3.32 vs 4.075 ± 2.9, p=0.667). Furthermore, sedentary office managers presented with significantly lower IIEF-5 scores (19.93 ± 4.08) compared to controls (21.2 ± 2.76, p=0.0141), indicating poorer erectile function.

Our findings indicate that prolonged sedentary work is associated with lower morning testosterone levels, increased BMI, heightened storage-related lower urinary tract symptoms, and impaired erectile function in male office managers relative to age-matched healthy individuals. These results underscore the potential adverse effects of sedentary behavior on men's hormonal health and urological well-being, emphasizing the necessity of promoting physical activity in occupational settings and warranting further research into the underlying mechanisms.