Relationships of leisure-time physical activity and work ability between different occupational physical demands in adult working men

'Wait…, let me tell you, if I worked for a boss, I would be on sick leave': A Qualitative Study of Self-Employed Workers in Physically Demanding Jobs in the Netherlands

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of self-employed workers with a physically demanding job on work participation.

METHODS

We interviewed self-employed workers with a physically demanding job, using semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded. The main topic addressed was the workers' health in relation with their work participation, work demands, and preventive measures. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by three team members of the research team in several steps. We used the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist to report our findings.

RESULTS

We interviewed 18 self-employed workers: 83% male, 49 years (SD 7), self-employed for 18 years (SD 9) and the majority (n = 14) worked in the construction sector. Thematic analysis revealed facilitators and barriers for work participation across three main themes: personal factors, work factors, and healthcare. Personal factors compassed sub-themes such as health and financial consequences. Work factors included sub-themes related to work demands and adaptations and healthcare encompassed sub-themes associated with work-related care and medication.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study that investigated the perspectives of self-employed workers in physically demanding jobs regarding work participation. While most facilitators and barriers were consistent with those described in the literature for employees, certain factors, such as financial consequences of ceasing work, emerged important factors for work participation among self-employed workers.

Self-assessment of health and care for health among employed men in Poland

Objectives. Self-assessment of health is one of the most important factors determining manifestations in care for health, expressed in health-promoting behaviours. The way a person takes care of their health affects not only their health but also their well-being, quality of life and work ability. This study aimed to present results regarding self-assessment of health and care for health and the relationship with work ability in a group of working men aged 20-65 years. Methods. The sample of 600 men were assessed using a survey. The work ability index was used to measure work ability. An original survey was developed, which included questions about self-assessment of health and taking care of health, motives for taking care of health, physical activity, healthy eating and smoking. Results. Most men rated their health well and declared that they took care of it. Low health scores were obtained among overweight men, men without physical activity, men with unhealthy nutrition and smokers. High self-rated health was associated with good work ability. Conclusions. There is a constant need to make men of all ages aware of the role of individual health care in maintaining good health and high work ability.

Associations between commute mode use and self-rated health and work ability among Finnish public sector employees

AIM

To determine the extent to which level of active commute mode use is associated with self-rated health and work ability.

METHODS

The data were sourced from the Finnish Public Sector Study survey in 2020 (n = 38,223). The associations between active commuting - assessed with the frequency of using active commute modes - and self-rated health and work ability were examined with negative binomial regression analyses. Passive commuting and low-to-moderate levels of active commuting were compared with active commuting, and the models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, working time mode, and lifestyle risk factors. We also assessed separate associations between walking and cycling as a mode of commuting by additionally considering the commuting distance and the outcomes.

RESULTS

After adjustment, when using active commuters as a reference, passive commuters had a 1.23-fold (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.19 to 1.29) risk of suboptimal self-rated health and a 1.18-fold (95% CI 1.13 to 1.22) risk of suboptimal work ability. More frequent and/or longer distance by foot and especially by bicycle, was positively associated with health and work ability. Never commuting by bicycle was associated with a 1.65-fold (95% CI 1.55 to 1.74) risk of suboptimal health and a 1.27-fold (95% CI 1.21 to 1.34) risk of suboptimal work ability when using high-dose bicycle commuting as a reference.

CONCLUSIONS

Passive commuting was associated with suboptimal self-rated health and suboptimal work ability. Our results suggest that using active commute modes, particularly cycling, may be beneficial for employee health and work ability.

The physical activity paradox in relation to work ability and health-related productivity loss in Korea

OBJECTIVES

The physical activity paradox suggests that occupational physical activity (OPA), unlike leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), may detrimentally impact health. We explored the relationships of OPA and LTPA with work ability (WA) and health-related productivity loss (HRPL).

METHODS

This study included 5,501 workers in Korea who were recruited in 2021 through a web-based cross-sectional questionnaire. The questionnaire was utilized to quantify OPA and LTPA in metabolic equivalents, while WA and HRPL were also measured. Non-parametric regression, using a generalized additive model (GAM), was employed to visualize the relationships of LTPA and OPA with WA and HRPL. Mean differences in WA and HRPL, in relation to OPA and LTPA, were examined using linear regression models. These models were adjusted for covariates including sex, age, body mass index, education level, alcohol consumption, smoking history, insomnia, occupation, hours worked, and income.

RESULTS

The GAM and linear regression analyses revealed that higher LTPA corresponded with higher WA and lower HRPL. In contrast, as OPA increased, WA decreased and HRPL increased. However, within the group with high OPA, HRPL was not significantly lower in the high-LTPA subgroup relative to the low-LTPA subgroup (mean difference=1.92%, p=0.343). This pattern was especially pronounced among workers aged 60 years and older, with an increase in HRPL observed with increasing LTPA among the respondents with high OPA.

CONCLUSIONS

High LTPA levels were associated with elevated WA and diminished HRPL. In contrast, higher levels of OPA were associated with lower WA and higher HRPL.

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Behavior and Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Indicators of Work Ability

Work ability (WA) reflects an individual's resources, work demands, and related environment. Self-reports have shown that higher physical activity (PA) is associated with better WA. This study investigated associations of accelerometer-measured (24/7) physical behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with WA. In the FinFit2017-population-based study, the physical behavior of 20-69-year-old working Finns was measured in terms of PA, standing, and sedentariness using validated MAD-APE algorithms based on raw triaxial accelerometer data. During waking hours, the accelerometer was hip-worn, while during the time in bed (TIB), it was worn on the non-dominant wrist. CRF was measured with a 6 min walk test. WA was assessed by four questions excerpted from the Work Ability Index (WAI), called the short WAI (sWAI). Participants (n = 1668, mean age 46.6, SD = 10.9, 57% women) scored on average 23.3 on the sWAI (range 6-27), with a higher value indicating a better WA. More minutes in standing (p = 0.001) and in moderate (p = 0.004) and vigorous PA (p < 0.001) as well as a higher step number (p < 0.001) and better CRF (p < 0.001) were associated with a higher sWAI value. More time spent lying down (p < 0.001) and in high-movement (p < 0.001) and total TIB (p = 0.001) was associated with a lower sWAI. Detailed analysis of 24/7 physical behavior can be utilized in identifying individual-related indicators of WA.

Back Onside protocol: A physical activity intervention to improve health outcomes in people who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment

Given the effects of physical activity on people's mental and physical health, a better understanding is needed of how physical activity interventions may impact the health of people who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment. This has added urgency in the context of rising rates of poverty-related unemployment in the UK in 2022. The current paper details the protocol used in the evaluation of the Back Onside Programme; a community-based programme delivered by the Bradford Bulls Foundation in the Bradford District. The Programme supports people from low socio-economic backgrounds who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment to maintain regular physical activity through a ten-week physical activity intervention. This pilot study evaluates how a physical activity intervention may impact the mental and physical health of people who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment in an uncontrolled pragmatic pilot study. Four cohorts run back-to-back between May 2021 and May 2022, with separate groups for men (N = 100) and women (N = 60). Physical and wellbeing assessment at baseline and post-intervention is conducted. If the intervention works in this context for these individuals, it will be a promising low-cost community-based intervention for people who are unemployed or at risk of unemployment.

Work ability and physical activity after major bone sarcoma resection and reconstruction with tumour prosthesis of the lower extremities. A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate work ability, activity limitations and physical activity in adults that had gone through major bone sarcoma resection and reconstruction surgery in hip and knee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients, of 72 enrolled, and 20 controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Work Ability Index scores (general [0-10 points], physical and mental [1-5 points]), the Patient Specific Functional Scale (0-10 points), step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were assessed. Adjusted and unadjusted general linear models were applied.

RESULTS

The patients had a mean age of 43 (range, 20-71) years and were assessed 7 years (range, 2-12) after surgery (proximal femoral n = 9, distal femoral n = 7, proximal tibia n = 4). Compared with controls, patients had lower general work ability (mean difference [95%CI], -1.3 points [-2.1, -0.5]) and work ability in relation to physical demands at work (-1.4 points [-2.0, -0.8]). The patients reported higher severities of activity limitation (-6.7 points [-7.9, -5.4]). There were no between-group differences in step counts or IPAQ-scores.

CONCLUSION

Despite similar levels of physical activity, patients showed poorer work ability and severe activity limitation. Post-operative rehabilitation in patients of the working-age population should include assessments of work ability and activities important to the individual.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAdults that have gone through resection and reconstruction surgery following bone sarcoma in lower extremity show clinically relevant reductions in work ability and self-selected activitiesTo tailor post-operative rehabilitation at short and long term, initial assessment and monitoring should include work ability and activities important to the individual patient.

Working status and seasonal meteorological conditions predict physical activity levels in people living with HIV

Little is known about how demographic, employment and meteorological factors impact physical activity. We conducted an analysis to explore these associations from participants (N = 447) from six cities in the United States and matched their activity data with abstracted local meteorological data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather reports. Participants were purposively recruited in 3-month blocks, from December 2015 to October 2017, to reflect physical activity engagement across the seasons. We calculated total physical activity (minutes/week) based on 7-day physical activity recall. Mild correlations were observed between meteorological factors and correlated with lower physical activity. Participants were least active in autumn (Median = 220 min/week) and most active in spring (Median = 375 min/week). In addition to level of education and total hours of work, maximum temperature, relative humidity, heating degree day, precipitation and sunset time together explained 17.6% of variance in total physical activity. Programs assisting in employment for PLHIV and those that promote indoor physical activity during more strenuous seasons are needed. Additional research to better understand the selection, preferences, and impact of indoor environments on physical activity is warranted.

Patterns and demographic correlates of domain-specific physical activities and their associations with dyslipidaemia in China: a multiethnic cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the patterns and demographic correlates of domain-specific physical activities (PAs) and their associations with dyslipidaemia among ethnic minorities in China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 17 081 individuals were included.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Domain-specific PAs were assessed using a questionnaire related to occupational, transportation, housework and leisure-time PAs. Dyslipidaemia was measured using an automatic biochemical instrument. Demographic variables were self-reported.

RESULTS

Housework accounted for most PAs in the study. Elderly people were more likely to participate in housework and leisure-time PA, whereas the mean level of PA in people with low education level and household income was high. With G3-G4 levels of occupational PA, Dong men (G4: OR=0.530, 95% CI 0.349 to 0.806), Miao women (G3: OR=0.698, 95% CI 0.524 to 0.931; G4: OR=0.611, 95% CI 0.439 to 0.850) and Bouyei women (G3: OR=0.745, 95% CI 0.566 to 0.981; G4: OR=0.615, 95% CI 0.440 to 0.860) tended to have a low risk of dyslipidaemia. With G2 levels of transportation, PA could reduce the risk of dyslipidaemia in Bouyei women (G2: OR=0.747, 95% CI 0.580 to 0.962). G2-G3 levels of leisure-time PA could reduce the risk of dyslipidaemia in Miao men (G2: OR=0.645, 95% CI 0.446 to 0.933; G3: OR=0.700, 95% CI 0.513 to 0.954). However, a high risk of dyslipidaemia was observed with G4 levels of leisure-time PA among Bouyei women (G4: OR=.353, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.905) and with transportation PA among Dong men (G4: OR=1.591, 95% CI 1.130 to 2.240).

CONCLUSION

The main PA of the ethnic minorities in Guizhou Province involved housework. Domain-specific PAs varied with demographic factors, and active domain-specific PAs were associated with a reduced risk of dyslipidaemia.

Factors Influencing Long-Term Care Workers' Self-Efficacy for Encouraging Residents to Engage in Physical Activity

We aimed to assess work-related factors and their association with long-term care workers' self-efficacy for encouraging and engaging residents in physical activity. Baseline data from a worksite wellness study with 98 workers were used. We used a linear regression model, to assess if job satisfaction, work ability, and social support for staff health behaviors from coworkers and supervisors were associated with staffs' self-efficacy for Function-Focused Care (FFC) and Staffs' Outcome Expectations for FFC. Staffs' social support for healthy behaviors from coworkers was the only factor that was significantly associated with Staffs' Outcome Expectations for FFC and staffs' self-efficacy-FFC, respectively explaining 19% and 14% of the variance. Our findings show that staffs' social support from coworkers is associated with higher self-efficacy for encouraging and engaging residents in physical activity suggests future worksite wellness studies with long-term care workers may wish to consider assessing program impacts on residents' physical activity levels.

Factors associated with work ability and intention to leave nursing profession: a nested case-control study

This study aims to identify factors associated with impaired work ability and intention to leave the nursing profession. This is a case-control nested within a cross-sectional study. Samples were randomly selected for work ability (475 controls and 158 cases) and intention to leave profession (454 controls and 151 cases). Data on demographic, lifestyle, occupational features, work environment, work ability and intention to leave profession were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Factors associated with work ability impairment were: risk for moderate (OR=1.28) and high (OR=2.26) job strain, effort-reward imbalance (OR=2.82), high overcommitment (OR=1.77), situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain/injury with moderate (OR=1.82) or high (OR=2.58) exposures, degree level (OR=2.13) or elementary/high school level (OR=1.67), and low physical activity (OR=1.74). Age of 31-40 years (OR=0.26) and ≥41 years (OR=0.27) were protective factors. Factors associated with intention to leave profession were: high risk for job strain (OR=1.81), effort-reward imbalance (OR=3.25), situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain/injury with high exposure (OR=1.54), and insomnia symptoms (OR=2.72). Age >40 years was a protective factor (OR=0.50). Individual characteristics and occupational conditions were associated with work ability impairment and intention to leave profession. Measures to improve working conditions and individual resources were recommended.

Workplace Cold and Perceived Work Ability: Paradoxically Greater Disadvantage for More vs. Less-Educated Poultry Industry Workers in Thailand

The association between worksite temperature and perceived work ability (WA) in various educational classes remains unknown. Therefore, we interviewed 286 poultry industry workers in Thailand about their WA and linked their responses to worksite temperature. WA was based on the self-assessment of current work ability compared with their lifetime best ability (scores 0-10). Education was classified as high (university or vocational school) or low (less education). Temperature was classified as cold (-22-10°C) or warm (10-23°C). WA and the occurrence of a low WA were regressed on worksite temperature, education, and their interaction with the adjustment for sex, age, job category, physical work strain, moving between cold and warm sites, thermal insulation of clothing, relative humidity, and air velocity. The average worksite temperature was 10°C for high- and 1°C for low-educated workers. The average WA score was 8.32 (SD, 1.33; range, 4-10) and classified as low (<8) in 23% of the workers. In highly-educated workers, the adjusted mean WA decreased from 9.11 in the warm areas to 8.02 in the cold areas and the prevalence of a low WA increased from 11 to 30%, while no significant change was observed in less-educated workers. The WA score was estimated to decline by 10% more (95% CI, 4-16%) in the cold areas for the more vs. less-educated workers and the prevalence of a poor WA was estimated to increase 3.09 times (95% CI, 1.43-5.45) more. Highly-educated workers in this industry are a risk group that should be given customized advice.

Effectiveness of combined aerobic exercise and neck-specific exercise compared to neck-specific exercise alone on work ability in neck pain patients: a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of combined aerobic exercise (AE) and neck-specific exercise to neck-specific exercise alone on the work ability of individuals complaining of neck pain.

METHOD

Secondary analysis of data from a previous randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare AE and neck-specific exercise (AE group, n = 69) to neck-specific exercise alone (control group, n = 70). The Work Ability Index (WAI) was administered after the 6-week intervention, and Global Rating of Change (GROC) was assessed after the 6-week intervention and at 12- and 24-week follow-ups.

RESULTS

Repeated-measure analyses of variance between groups indicated a significant time × group interaction on the GROC at 12- and 24-week follow-ups. The AE group showed better improvement on the GROC (mean ± SD) from 6 to 24 weeks than controls: 4.7(± 0.12) to 5.3 (± 0.13) vs. 4.4 (± 0.13) to 4.1(± 0.13), respectively, (P < 0.001). There was a significant group × time interaction on the WAI (P < 0.001): the AE group showed better improvement (mean ± SD) from baseline to 6-weeks than controls: 34.9 (± 4.4) to 39.2 (± 3.6) vs. 34.4 (± 4.9) to 35.8 (± 4.9), respectively, (P < 0.001). Work ability of participants with poor/moderate baseline scores improved more (P < 0.001) than those with good/excellent baseline scores (P = 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining moderate AE and neck-specific exercise improved the work ability of patients with NP more than neck-specific exercise alone. The combination should be recommended in health promotion programs, particularly for workers with low baseline work ability.

CLINICAL TRIAL

Registered at ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02451267; date of registration: 21 May 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home.

Bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' occupational and leisure physical activity: An observational study

Emergency nursing is a physically demanding occupation yet research suggests they do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Current interventions have had limited effectiveness increasing nurses' physical activity, possibly due to a failure to acknowledge physical activity in another domain (e.g., occupational). This study aimed to determine the bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' occupational and leisure time activity levels on work days. Data from 49 emergency nurses (44 females and five males) wearing an ActiGraph accelerometer and completing work and sleep diaries for up to four weeks were analysed. An activPAL inclinometer was simultaneously worn by 41 nurses. Time spent in different activity levels and postural positions during work and leisure time were determined. Multi-level analyses examined bidirectional associations between emergency nurses' activity levels at work and during their leisure time. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity prior to a morning shift was associated with more sedentary time and less physical activity at work. Conversely, occupational stepping time was associated with more sitting, standing and stepping time after each shift. These findings provide critical insights into how and when researchers should intervene to facilitate adequate recovery for nurses' post-shift and balance competing demands on their leisure time.

Physical activity and ability to meet different work requirements among adult working men with or without current depressive symptoms

Purpose

To examine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and ability to meet different work requirements among adult working men with or without current depressive symptoms.

Methods

We measured LTPA with the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Work Ability Index (WAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess the work ability and depression of 921 Finnish employed male volunteers. Participants were divided into three groups according to the WAI for their work requirements: mental (MENT), physical (PHYS), and an equal amount of mental and physical work (BTH).

Results

When adjusted for age, BMI and employment years, there was a significant difference in weekly LTPA between WAI groups {p = 0.003, [F (2902) = 5.58]}, but not for depression. It appeared that participants with depressive symptoms scored lower WAI in each group regardless of LTPA. In addition, a linear relationship was found between higher LTPA and WAI in nondepressed workers in the PHYS [p = 0.011, β = 0.10 (95% CI 0.03–0.18)] and BTH [p = 0.027, β = 0.19 (95% CI 0.03–0.34)] groups. Among workers with depressive symptoms, similar linearity was found in BTH [p = 0.003, β = 0.20 (95% CI 0.03–0.55)]. In group-wise comparison, work requirements {p = 0.001, [F (2902) = 11.2]} and depressive symptoms {p < 0.001, [F (1902) = 177.0]} related with lower WAI.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms were associated with lower work ability regardless of the job description. Therefore, higher levels of weekly LTPA was linked with better work ability among nondepressed working men. Workers with depressive symptoms in jobs that require extensive mental or physical work might need more than exercise to improve work ability.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00420-020-01595-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association of level of leisure-time physical activity with risks of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in an elderly Chinese population: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Implementing the current guidelines for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) provides significant health benefits, especially for middle-aged adults, but it is unclear whether LTPA also translates into cardiovascular health benefits among elderly people. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association of LTPA with the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and all-cause mortality in an elderly population.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 32, 942 participants aged 60 years or older who participated in a health check-up programme in China between 2010 and 2018 were included. We evaluated the morbidity and mortality risks through the Cox regression model, competing risk model and restricted cubic spline model.

RESULTS

During a median of 6.84 years of follow-up, there were 6, 857 elderly people with incident CVD; a total of 6, 324 deaths occurred due to all causes and 2, 060 deaths occurred due to CVD. Compared with the inactive group, reductions in CVD morbidity and mortality were observed, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.96) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92) in the insufficiently active group, 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.92) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.90) in the sufficiently active group, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70-0.89) and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.45-0.76) in the highly active group, respectively; but no significant reductions were observed in the very highly active group, with HRs of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.71-1.06) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.70-1.40), respectively. Compared with the inactive group, reductions in all-cause mortality were also observed, with a HR of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.97) in the insufficiently active group, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77-0.89) in the sufficiently active group, 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67- 0.87) in the highly active group, and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.64-0.98) in the very highly active group. A restricted cubic spline diagram showed that there was an L-shaped association between LTPA and the risk of all-cause mortality but a U-shaped or reverse J-shaped relationship between LTPA and the risk of CVD morbidity and mortality, especially stroke. In addition, a subgroup analysis showed that elderly population who consistently performed LTPA for ten years or more had a lower risk of morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In an elderly population, even insufficient activity is associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality and CVD, and moderate levels of LTPA may be optimal for CVD prevention. In addition, elderly people who consistently perform LTPA over several years may experience greater health benefits.

Are blue-collar workers more physically active than white-collar at work?

This study evaluates the physical activity level at work and leisure time of white-collar and two groups of blue-collar workers from the latex glove industry and the association of physical activity level and musculoskeletal complains and work ability. The workers' sociodemographic and behavioral health characteristics, work ability index, musculoskeletal complains, total step count and caloric expenditure for three consecutive days, were assessed. The blue-collar workers that move most from the workstation (longD) were more physically active at work compared to white-collar and blue-collar that moved close the workstation (shortD). But in leisure-time the result is reversed, white-collar and blue-collar groups were significantly more active. There was no association between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain intensity and work ability. All the groups of workers exhibited satisfactory physical activity levels, but only blue-collar (longD) were more physically active (10,000 steps per day).

Association Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity And Musculoskeletal Disorders, And Perceived Work Ability Among Adult, Middle-Aged And Older Women

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and perceived work ability and musculoskeletal disorders among adult, middle-aged, and older women.

Patients and methods

This study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 348 women divided into 3 age groups: 30–49 years (n=111), 50–65 years (n=120), 66–75 years (n=117). Weekly physical activity was monitored using tri-axial accelerometer ActiGraph Gt3X. Perceived work ability was assessed using the standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Information about the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal disorders was collected using standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) expanded by visual analog pain intensity scale (VAS).

Results

Regardless of age, women who met physical activity recommendations achieved higher scores in each part of the WAI, and also in the total WAI scores. However, the most significant differences were found in women aged 50–64 years, and included the following items: subjective work ability, work ability in relation to demands, work impairments, sick leave in the past year. Total WAI scores were also significantly higher in women aged 30–49 and 50–64 years who met PA recommendations in comparison to women who did not meet recommendations. Also, significant relations between the frequency of occurrence of musculoskeletal problems and meeting physical activity recommendations were found in women aged 50–64 years. Those who were more physically active reported less musculoskeletal problems in shoulders (p=0.006) and ankles/feet (p=0.018) regions.

Conclusion

Adherence to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health disseminated by WHO is related to better-perceived work ability among adult (30–49 years) and middle-aged (50–64 years) women. There is also a relationship between adherence to recommendations of physical activity and frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal pain among middle-aged women.

Determinants of Physical Activity Performed by Young Adults

Despite the World Health Organization considering it important to promote physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, the official data show an increase in the percentage of physical inactivity, which has brought about the development of strategies at different levels (national and international) to reverse this trend. For the development of these strategies, it is relevant to know what the determinants of physical activity (at leisure and at work) are. Therefore, this is going to be analysed in the autochthonous young adults from Seville. A cross-sectional survey of their health behaviours was carried out. The sample was selected through a proportionally stratified random sampling procedure. From the results, we highlight that the general perceived health status is good and that most physical activity is performed during leisure time. However, a majority of the population analysed reported overweight or obesity. Participants with a low perceived health status, those who have low social support from their family and friends, and those who do not smoke are the ones who have more probability of engaging in physical activity during their leisure time. However, gender, education level, and alcohol consumption are revealed as determinants of the intensity of physical activity at work. In this regard, men and/or participants with a low level of studies are those who carry out more physically demanding activities at work.