Leisure time physical activity and strenuousness of work as predictors of physical functioning: a 28 year follow up of a cohort of industrial employees

Exploring anthropometric and functional factors that influence working adult's handgrip strength in north Australia

BACKGROUND

Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable assessment of hand function. Interpretation of HGS is commonly done using normative data. Normative HGS data HGS considers the influence of age and gender without adjustment for anthropometric measurements or functional factors known to influence HGS.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential relationship of select anthropometric measurements (height, weight, hand length and width, forearm length and circumference) and functional factors (hand dominance, work and lifestyle category) to HGS.

METHODS

This study included a sample of 119 males and 96 female workers from North Queensland. HGS and six anthropometric measurements were obtained using calibrated instruments and reliable measurement protocols. Age and gender along with three functional factors were documented by self-report.

RESULTS

Right and left mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy work (58.1±10.1 kg and 54.1±10.9 kg respectively) compared to light (38.5±12.3 kg and 35.5±11.8 kg) or medium work (44.1±10.8 kg and 40.0±12.9 kg). Mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy activity (right 48.5±13.6 kg and left 44.5±13.7 kg) compared to light activity (right 36.3±11.2 kg and left 33.9±11.3 kg) within their lifestyle. HGS positively correlated with gender (p = 0.0001), work (p = 0.001) and anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference (p = 0.001), hand length (p = 0.006) and hand width (p = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

Easy to measure anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference, hand length and width are the strongest predictors of HGS in addition to an individual's physical activity at work and in their lifestyle. Consideration of these factors could lead to improved evaluation of HGS scores.

Correlates of life course physical activity in participants of the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging

Physical activity is consistently associated with better health and longer life spans. However, the extent to which length and intensity of exercise across the life course impact health outcomes relative to current activity is undefined. Participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were asked to categorize their level of physical activity in each decade of life from adolescence to the current decade. In linear mixed effects models, self-reported past levels of physical activity were significantly associated with activity assessed at study visits in the corresponding decade of life either by questionnaire or accelerometry. A pattern of life course physical activity (LCPA) derived by ranking participants on reported activity intensity across multiple decades was consistent with the trajectories of activity estimated from standard physical activity questionnaires assessed at prior study visits. In multivariable linear regression models LCPA was associated with clinical characteristics, measures of body composition and indicators of physical performance independent of current physical activity. After adjustment for minutes of high intensity exercise, LCPA remained significantly associated with peak VO2, fasting glucose, thigh muscle area and density, abdominal subcutaneous fat, usual gait speed, lower extremity performance, and multimorbidity (all p < 0.01) at the index visit. The observed associations suggest that an estimate of physical activity across decades provides complementary information to information on current activity and reemphasizes the importance of consistently engaging in physical activity over the life course.

Examining factors contributing to the socioeconomic inequalities in handgrip strength among older adults in India: a decomposition analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the socioeconomic status (SES)-related inequalities associated with handgrip strength (HGS); and (b) the extent to which several demographic, health, and behavioral factors contributed to such SES disparities in HGS among older adults in India. Data were drawn from the 2017-2018 wave 1 of the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI). The study sample included 27,707 older adults (13,199 men and 14,508 women) aged 60 years and older. HGS was assessed using a handheld Smedley's Hand Dynamometer with a cut-off of 19.5 kg for men and 12.5 kg for women. Bivariate analysis showed the weighted percentage distribution of weak HGS across respondent characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression assessed factors linked to weak HGS. The concentration curve and index (CCI) was used to determine the inequalities in the prevalence of weak HGS by wealth index scores. Wagstaff's decomposition approach was used to test the contribution of each explanatory variable to weak HGS. Around 9% of older adults in this study reported a weak HGS. It was significantly higher among those aged 80 or older (19.21%) and males (15.55%). Weak HGS was concentrated among older adults from poor SES (CCI: 0.05, p < 0.001). A higher percentage of wealth-based inequality in weak HGS was explained by being underweight (38.83%), belonging to the richest wealth quintile (27.95%), and having a higher subjective social status (32.20%). Moreover, about 23.29% of the inequality in weak HGS was explained by Western region and 22.54% by female gender. Additionally, having a secondary level of education explained a higher percentage (22.09%) of inequality, followed by current working status (- 20.68%). Rural residence (13.08%), limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (12.21%), and engagement in yoga-related activities (11.55%) explained a higher percentage of wealth-based inequalities. The findings provide evidence of significant SES-related inequalities in HGS and the contribution of various demographic, health, and behavioral factors to such inequality. As such, public health policies and programs focusing on reducing the burden of disability must consider the contribution of social and economic equity to the preservation of muscle strength among older adults.

Longitudinal profiles of occupational physical activity during late midlife and their association with functional limitations at old age: a multi-cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to examine longitudinal profiles of occupational physical activity (OPA) from midlife to retirement and to investigate how the different OPA-profiles are associated with mobility limitations (ML) and activities of daily living (ADL-disability) at old age.

METHODS

Harmonized data from two cohort studies from Finland and the United States, that have followed people from midlife until old age were used. Repeated measurements of self-reported OPA were collected during approximately 11- to 12-year period. Persons who had data on OPA from ≥ 2 time points during the period from mid-working life to retirement were included. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify OPA-profiles. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals for the associations of the OPA-profiles and later life MLs and ADL-disability were estimated.

RESULTS

Three OPA-profiles were identified in both cohorts: high-persistent, moderate-fluctuating, and low-persistent. For majority OPA remained stable: for workers reporting high or low levels of OPA at midlife, the physical demands of work likely persisted, whereas people reporting moderate level OPA had high fluctuation in their exposure level. Members of high-persistent and moderate-fluctuating OPA-profiles had increased risk of subsequent MLs at old age. The RRs for ADL-disability did not differ between the profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived OPA remains rather stable for workers reporting high or low physical work demands during midlife, yet fluctuating profiles also exist. Workers exposed to high or moderate OPA have higher risk for MLs when they reach old age. Establishing safe and health-promoting levels of OPA during late working life might have positive long-term consequences on healthy ageing.

Activity engagement and cognitive function among chinese older adults: moderating roles of gender and age

BACKGROUND

Many studies have found that engaging in activities, including physical exercise, social interaction, and cognitive training, is beneficial for preventing cognitive decline among older adults; however, the demographic differences in the association between activity engagement and cognitive functions remain understudied. This study investigates: (a) the influence of activity engagement on cognitive functions among Chinese older adults, and (b) the moderating roles of age and gender in these associations .

METHODS

The data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018, which included 9803 participants aged 60 or older. A multiple regression model was used to test the study hypotheses.

RESULTS

Engaging in physical activity (b = 1.578, p < .001), social interaction (b = 1.199, p < .001), and cognitive activity (b = 1.468, p < .001) was positively associated with cognitive functions, whereas the effect of volunteer activities on cognitive functions was not significant (b = -.167, p = .390). Light- and moderate-intensity activities were beneficial for cognition (light: b = .847, p < .001; moderate: b = 1.189, p < .001), but vigorous-intensity activity was negatively related to cognition (b = -.767, p < .001). In addition, women and participants with advanced age appeared to benefit more from cognitive activities than their male and younger counterparts, respectively (gender: b = 1.217, p = .002; age: b = .086, p = .004). The adverse effects of vigorous-intensity activities (including agricultural work) on cognitive health were stronger for women and younger participants (gender: b = -1.472, p < .001; age: b = .115, p < .001). The protective effects of moderate-intensity activities on people's cognition increased with increasing age (b = .055, p = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that participating in physical, social, and cognitive activities can help older adults to maintain cognitive health. They suggest that older adults should select activities while considering activity intensity and their individual characteristics.

Changes in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Leisure Time Physical Exercise after a Citizen Science-Based Worksite Health Promotion Program for Blue-Collar Workers

Blue-collar workers have, on average, poorer health than white-collar workers. Existing worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs) are often not successful among blue-collar workers. This study evaluates the effect of the Citizen Science-based WHPP on the targeted lifestyle behaviors among construction workers. The data of 114 participants were retrieved from questionnaires before (T0) and after (T1) the WHPP. Outcome measures were mean and categorical changes in daily fruit and vegetable intake and weekly leisure time physical exercise. Changes were tested using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and McNemar tests. No statistically significant changes were found between T0 and T1. In total, 73.7% of the participants felt involved in the WHPP. Changes in the outcome measures were not significantly different between subgroups based on age, nor in subgroups based on feelings of involvedness. The low intensity of the developed program could be an explanation for this lack of significant change. Future studies using the Citizen Science approach in an occupational setting should aim at developing a more intensified program and should test its effectiveness by comparing changes in a (randomized) controlled trial.

Morbidities among older workers and work exit: the HEAF cohort

BACKGROUND

Governments need people to work to older ages, but the prevalence of chronic disease and comorbidity increases with age and impacts work ability.

AIMS

To investigate the effects of objective health diagnoses on exit from paid work amongst older workers.

METHODS

Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) is a population cohort of adults aged 50-64 years recruited from English GP practices which contribute to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Participants have completed questionnaires about health and work at baseline and annually for 2 years: their responses were linked with their objective health diagnoses from the CPRD and data analysed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 4888 HEAF participants ever in paid work, 580 (25%) men and 642 (25%) women exited employment, 277 of them mainly or partly for a health reason (health-related job loss (HRJL)). Amongst HEAF participants who remained in work (n = 3666) or who exited work but not for health reasons (n = 945), there was a similar prevalence of background health conditions. In men and women, HRJL was associated with inflammatory arthritis, sleep disorders, common mental health conditions and musculoskeletal pain. There were however gender differences: widespread pain and lower limb osteoarthritis were associated with HRJL in women but hypertension and cardiovascular disease in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved diagnosis and management of common conditions might be expected to increase working lives. Workplace well-being interventions targeting obesity and increasing mobility might contribute to extended working lives. Employers of predominantly female, as compared with male workforces may need different strategies to retain older workers.

Physical activity paradox: could inflammation be a key factor?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test the extent to which physical activity performed during work and leisure is associated with systemic inflammation.

METHODS

Data regarding job history and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, as well as potential confounders, came from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank. The participants' self-reported job history was combined with a job exposure matrix to give a more valid assessment of cumulated occupational physical activity compared with conventional self-reported activity. Occupational physical activity was measured as cumulative ton-years (lifting 1000 kg each day for a year). Current leisure time physical activity was self-reported into four different categories. We analysed the association between occupational physical activity, current leisure time physical activity and hs-CRP level in a multivariable linear regression model with adjustment for age, sex, smoking history, number of chronic diseases, body mass index and alcohol.

RESULTS

In unadjusted analysis, higher occupational physical activity was associated with increased hs-CRP levels, while higher leisure time physical activity was associated with lower hs-CRP levels. In adjusted analysis, lower leisure time physical activity resulted in 12% higher hs-CRP levels while higher occupational physical activities showed a 6% increase in hs-CRP. When we analysed occupational and leisure time physical activity as continuous variables, only leisure time physical activity affected hs-CRP.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the relationship between physical activity and hs-CRP depends on the setting of physical activity, with lower hs-CRP related to leisure time physical activity and higher hs-CRP related to occupational physical activity. The results suggest that systemic inflammation may explain the physical activity paradox.

Assessing Relationships between Physically Demanding Work and Late-Life Disability in Italian Nonagenarian Women Living in a Rural Area

As more and more persons live into their 90s and beyond, investigating causes of disability in the oldest-old population is relevant for public health implications to plan preventive strategies and rehabilitation interventions. A negative association between physically demanding work and midlife physical function has been shown, but there is a paucity of longitudinal studies investigating possible work-related long-term effects in the oldest old. This study investigates the relationship between physically demanding work exposure and late-life physical performances, disability, general health status, and quality of life in a sample of women aged 90 years and over inside the Mugello Study. Sociodemographic data, cognitive and functional status, lifestyle, medical history, drug use, and work history were collected from 236 participants. Farmers had a lower percentage of individuals with preserved independence in basic activities of daily living compared to other occupations. However, in the multivariate analysis, only a higher cognitive function remained associated with functional independence. While confirming the well-known association between cognitive and functional decline in very old age, our results do not support the hypothesis that the negative effects of physical work exposure observed in midlife are relevant to predict disability in nonagenarian women.

The physical activity paradox: a longitudinal study of the implications for burnout

Purpose

This study investigates the independent and interactive associations of physical job demands and three types of off-job physical activity (during transportation, household, and recreation) with burnout. We use a recently proposed new conceptualization and assessment of burnout including core and secondary burnout symptoms. We predicted that physical job demands would be positively and the three types of off-job physical activity would be negatively related to burnout. Further, we hypothesized that the negative relations between the three types of off-job physical activity and burnout would be stronger for employees with low (vs. high) physical job demands.

Methods

To test our hypotheses, we conducted a two-wave survey study among a heterogeneous sample of full-time workers (N = 355), using a longitudinal design with a half-year time lag. We tested cross-sectional, prospective and longitudinal relations.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses partly confirmed our predictions. Cross-sectionally and prospectively, it was shown that physical job demands were positively related to burnout symptoms. In addition, off-job physical activity was negatively related to primary and secondary burnout symptoms among employees with low physical job demands and positively related to burnout symptoms among employees with high physical job demands. However, these relationships disappeared when investigated longitudinally.

Conclusion

Together, these findings suggest that not all off-job physical activities can prevent burnout, and that potential positive effects of physical activity during off-job time may depend on employees’ physical activity level at work.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-021-01759-y.

Hand functionality in dentists: the effect of anthropometric dimensions and specialty

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dentists' hand functionality (handgrip, tip-to-tip pinch, key pinch and palmar pinch strengths) and dental specialty (maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry), socio-demographic factors and hand-forearm anthropometric dimensions. Methods. A cross-sectional study was designed in which 720 certified dentists (330 males and 390 females) voluntarily participated in the study. A tape measure (±0.1 cm) and a digital caliper (±0.1 mm) were used to measure anthropometric dimensions. A Jamar dynamometer and pinch gauge were used to measure hand strength variables. Results. Hand strengths decreased with age and clinical experience, and were always greater in male than female dentists. Maxillofacial surgeons aged 35-39 years attained the highest values of handgrip and key pinch strengths, while endodontists aged 30-34 years attained the peak values of tip-to-tip pinch strength. Among the measured hand dimensions, forearm circumference was significantly greater in maxillofacial surgeons compared with endodontists and pediatric dentists. Conclusion. Hand functionality is specialty-related among dentists because distinct dental specialties expose practitioners to different task demands. Like any other manual workers, dentists need more ergonomic and usable hand tools tailored not only to the intended application but also to the anthropometry of users.

The association between occupational categories and grip strength in Korean male workers

PURPOSE

This study explored the association between occupational categories and muscle strength using handgrip strength (HGS) while considering sociodemographic and health-related factors in Korean men using a national survey.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data of 8380 men (59.9 ± 16.6 years of age), the occupational categories held the longest duration and HGS levels (normal vs. weak) were determined. Logistic regression was applied with adjustment for sociodemographic factors, work-related factors (working hours and schedule), and health-related factors (physical activity, sedentary time, resistance exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking status, chronic illness, subjective health status, weight category, metabolic syndrome, and protein intake).

RESULTS

Weak HGS prevalence was lowest in male managerial or professional workers (1.5%) and highest in male skilled agricultural, forestry, fishery, or craft and the related trades workers (16.4%). Compared to male managerial or professional workers, the odds for weak HGS increased in male service/sales workers (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.45-3.99) and male manual workers [agricultural/forestry/fishery/craft and related trades workers, OR 2.94 (95% CI 1.78-4.83); equipment/machine operating/assembling workers, OR 1.68 (95% CI 1.05-2.71); and elementary workers, OR 3.43 (95% CI 1.95-6.05)] in the fully adjusted model. Regardless of age groups, income, working hours, strength exercise, and sedentary time levels, and chronic illness and metabolic syndrome status, male manual workers were more likely to have weak HGS compared to male non-manual workers.

CONCLUSION

Male manual workers may have a higher risk for weak muscle strength compared to male non-manual workers regardless of sociodemographic, work-related, and health-related factors.

Lifetime Duration of Exposure to Biomechanical Factors at Work as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and Walking Speed

The study aimed to assess the proportion mediated by the duration of exposure to ergonomic factors at work on the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and low walking speed. This cross-sectional study was performed on data collected at baseline on 19,704 men and 20,273 women 45-70 years old, currently or previously employed, enrolled in the Constances cohort. SEP was assigned through current or last occupation, categorized in three classes, based on the European Socioeconomic Classification. Walking speed was assessed through one measurement of normal walking for 3 m and dichotomized at the lowest quintile of the sex- and age- (5-year) specific distribution. Self-reported workplace exposure throughout working life to repetitive work, intense physical work, and lifting/carrying heavy loads was used to assess the duration of exposure to each factor, categorized in four classes. Through Poisson regression models, adjusted for BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, physical activity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and a cognitive score, the attenuation in the prevalence ratio (PR) of low walking speed by SEP produced by the inclusion of duration of exposure to each factor was evaluated. The mediating effect of work ergonomic exposures on the relationship between SEP and low walking speed was assessed using the weighted method by Vanderweele. In the fully adjusted model without ergonomic exposures, both men and women in the middle and the lowest SEP had a significantly increased risk of low walking speed compared with those in the highest SEP (men: PR = 1.30 and PR = 1.46, respectively; women: PR = 1.24 and PR = 1.45, respectively). The inclusion in separate regression models of exposure duration to repetitive work, intense physical work, and handling of heavy loads produced modest risk attenuations in both men and women, all smaller or around 10%. Mediation analysis revealed in both sexes significant mediation effects for most ergonomic exposures considered, although also with low mediation effects. Significant differences in walking speed by SEP were observed in this large sample, but the proportion of such differences explained by the duration of exposure to ergonomic factors at work was low using either the risk attenuation or the mediation analysis methods.

Physical workload and bodily fatigue after work: cross-sectional study among 5000 workers

Background

Persistent bodily fatigue after working days may indicate an imbalance between work demands and capacity of the workers. This study aimed to investigate associations between physical exposures at work and bodily fatigue after work.

Methods

Danish workers with physical work (N=5377) answered questions about various physical exposures during work and bodily fatigue after work in the 2010 round of the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study. Associations were modeled using binary logistic regression controlled for various confounders.

Results

Mean age among the younger (<50 years) and older (≥50 years) workers was 36 and 56 years, respectively. Younger and older workers exposed to various physical exposures (e.g. ‘bending/twisting the back’) for more than a quarter of the workday were more fatigued after work. An exposure–response relationship was observed between the number of physical exposures and bodily fatigue, with odds ratios (OR) for fatigue in the body among younger workers being 1.01 (95%CI 0.63–1.63), 1.59 (95%CI 1.01–2.50), 2.37 (95%CI 1.54–3.66) and 2.84 (95%CI 1.85–5.36) for 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 types of combined physical exposures, respectively. Correspondingly, for older workers, ORs were 1.95 (95%CI 1.09–3.51), 4.06 (95%CI 2.32–7.12), 4.10 (95%CI 2.28–7.37) and 4.90 (95%CI 2.72–8.82) for 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 exposures, respectively.

Conclusion

While some of the single factor exposures were associated with increased bodily fatigue, the most marked associations were found when summing the number of different exposures. These results indicate that workplaces should focus on the sum of combined physical exposures rather than focusing solely on single exposures.

The implementation of a physical activity intervention in adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea over the age of 50 years: a feasibility uncontrolled clinical trial

Background

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Observational studies suggested that OSA treatment might reduce CVD and T2D but RCTs failed to support these observations in part due to poor adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Physical activity (PA) has been shown to have favourable impact on CVD and the risk of T2D independent of its impact on weight and therefore might provide additional health gains to patients with OSA, whether or not adherent to CPAP.

Methods

The main aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of providing a 12-week PA intervention to adults aged over 50 with OSA. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of the PA intervention on OSA severity. Patients with moderate-severe OSA (apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 events/hour (based on overnight ApneaLink™) were recruited in response to posters displayed in workplaces. A 12-week daily PA intervention was delivered in participant’s home setting and PA was monitored via text and validated by objective PA measures (GT3X accelerometers).

Results

The intervention was feasible as all 10 patients (8 males, mean (SD) age 57.3 (6.01)) completed the intervention and PA increased across the 12-weeks. The duration of PA increased from baseline (113.1 min (64.69) per week to study-end following the intervention (248.4 min (148.31) (p = 0.02). Perceived Exertion (RPE) (physical effort) increased significantly between baseline (M = 10.7 (1.94)) to end of intervention (M = 13.8, (1.56) (p < 0.001). The intervention had no significant impact on weight or composition. Following the intervention, there was a statistically non-significant a reduction in AHI from baseline to study end (22.3 (7.35) vs. 15.8 (7.48); p = 0.09).

Conclusion

It is feasible to deliver a PA intervention to adults aged over 50 with OSA. The intervention resulted in improved PA and AHI levels somewhat and seemingly independent of weight changes. Future trials need to examine whether PA can reduce the burden of OSA associated comorbidities.

Trial registration

CTN: ISRCTN11016312 Retrospectively Registered 21/07/20.

The ergonomics of mothering and child care activities (ErgoMOMics) in Indonesia: Individual and social factors influencing musculoskeletal symptoms

BACKGROUND

Mothering and caring for children have been associated with a decrease in mothers' wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted from the ergonomics perspective of mothering and caring for children due to the belief that being a mother is not considered an occupation.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the ergonomics of mothering and caring for children (ergoMOMics) among Indonesian mothers and the prevalence of related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS).

PARTICIPANTS

Five hundred and twenty-five Indonesian mothers.

METHOD

The prevalence of MSS was assessed using Nordic Body Map questionnaire. An adapted questionnaire on mothering and child care activities and their consequences were also used.

RESULTS

Most Indonesian mothers reported some negative consequences of mothering and child care activities, including MSS in the back (50%), neck (26%), and upper shoulder (43%). Demographic data that significantly influences MSS includes the domicile category and help from others. Mothers in large cities reported higher MSS than those residing in small- to medium-sized cities (t (523) = 7.43, ρ< 0.01). The help of family members (commonly children's grandparents) significantly increased reported MSS (F(2, 524) = 3.57, ρ= 0.02). A specific child care activity that influences MSS is the lifting for children.

CONCLUSIONS

Mothering and child care are very demanding activities that can result in MSS. Therefore, steps must be taken to prevent and overcome these symptoms.

Trajectories of mobility limitations over 24 years and their characterization by shift work and leisure-time physical activity in midlife

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate trajectories of mobility limitations (MLs) over a period of 24 years. In addition, we aimed to study how shift work and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in midlife predict assignment to MLs trajectories separately for those retired on statutory pensions (SPs) and on disability pensions (DPs).

METHODS

Subjects who responded MLs questionnaires (1985-2009, N = 3048) in Finnish Longitudinal Study on Aging Municipal Employees were included in this prospective cohort study. LTPA and shift work were measured during baseline. International Classification of Functioning was used to code MLs. Growth mixture modeling was used to identify the trajectories of MLs. Odds ratio (OR) and their 95% Confidence interval (CI) were assessed by using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified four trajectories of MLs, namely low persistent, low increasing, high decreasing and high persistent. Among the SP recipients, shift work with night shifts was associated with an increased risk (adjusted OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.03-2.14) of belonging to the high persistent MLs trajectory. The inactive LTPA (SP: OR 5.99, 95% CI 3.39-10.58, DP: OR 6.81, 95% CI 2.52-18.43) was similarly associated with high persistent MLs trajectory.

CONCLUSION

Nearly two-thirds of the people retired due to disability belonged to high MLs trajectory. High persistent MLs trajectory was associated with physical inactivity in midlife among those retired on SP and on DP. Shift work with night shift predicted high persistent MLs in SP strata. Active involvement in LTPA during midlife could be beneficial to spend MLs free later life.

Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Physical Activity in Older Manual Workers

Cardiovascular disease is a negative health outcome of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Risk factors associated with OSA development include low physical activity (PA), high body mass index (BMI), and increasing age (>50 years), and weight loss is usually recommended as treatment. This cross-sectional study examined the association between PA, BMI, and OSA severity in manual workers. Fifty-five participants (23 females and 32 males; mean age 55.2 years), were examined for OSA and completed a PA and anthropometric assessment. On average, OSA severity was mild, PA levels were moderate, and 32% of the sample was classified as obese. PA was negatively associated with OSA severity, but BMI strongly independently predicted OSA severity, with no evidence of mediation. As both PA and BMI were significantly associated with OSA in older manual workers, increasing PA should also be a focus of treatment for OSA.

Are Insomnia Type Sleep Problems Associated With a Less Physically Active Lifestyle? A Cross-Sectional Study Among 7,700 Adults From the General Working Population

Background: Sleep problems are common in the general population and negatively affect both private and work life. A vicious circle may exist between poor sleep and an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, poor sleep may drain the energy to do health-promoting physical activity during leisure-time after work. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between sleep problems and the duration of low- and high-intensity leisure-time physical activity in sedentary and physical workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study employ data from the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study in 2010, where currently employed wage-earners in Denmark on daytime schedule (N = 7,706) replied to questions about sleep quality (cf. the Bergen Insomnia Scale) and participation in low- and high-intensity leisure-time physical activity. Associations were modeled using general linear models controlling for various confounders. Results: Workers with high levels of sleep problems reported less high-intensity leisure-time physical activity. Specifically, the weekly duration of high-intensity leisure-time physical activity was 139 (95%CI 111-168), 129 (95%CI 101-158), and 122 (95%CI 92-151) min in sedentary workers with sleep problems < 1, 1-3, and ≥3 days per week, respectively. The same pattern was observed among physical workers. In sedentary workers ≥50 years, the fully adjusted model showed a weekly duration in high-intensity physical activity during leisure of 122 (95%CI 83-161), 102 (95%CI 64-141), and 90 (95%CI 51-130) among those with sleep problems < 1, 1-3, and ≥3 days per week, respectively. Conclusions: Workers, particularly sedentary older workers, having sleep problems report less high-intensity leisure-time physical activity. These data suggest that a vicious circle may indeed exist between poor sleep and reduced leisure-time physical activity.

Cumulative physical workload and mobility limitations in middle-aged men and women: a population-based study with retrospective assessment of workload

PURPOSE

To assess the association between exposure to physical workload throughout working life and risk of mobility limitations in midlife in a population-based Danish cohort.

METHODS

The study was cross-sectional with a retrospective exposure assessment, and data were from a questionnaire used in the Copenhagen Aging and Biobank. Cumulative physical workload was estimated by combining information about the participants' employments and data from a job exposure matrix. Daily amount of lifting was standardised in ton-years (lifting 1000 kg/day/year) and grouped in 5 exposure groups (no/minor (1-2 ton-years)/low (3-10 ton-years)/moderate (11-20 ton-years)/high exposure (> 20 ton-years)). The outcome was self-reports of mobility limitations (running 100 m, walking 400 m, and climbing stairs to the 2nd floor) in midlife. The association between exposure and outcome was analysed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We included 4996 men and 2247 women, mean age 56 years. 21% of men and 10% of women were in the highest exposure-group (> 20 ton-years). Higher cumulative exposure was associated with higher odds for mobility limitations. Exposure to more than 20 ton-years compared to no exposure increased the odds for limitations in walking, age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI: 2.4-4.3) for men, 2.3 (1.4-3.8) for women. Corresponding results for running: 2.5 (2.2-3.0) for men, 1.6 (1.2-2.2) for women, and for limitations in climbing stairs: 4.2 (3.3-5.2) for men, 1.7 (1.2-2.4) for women. Results were attenuated when confounders were added.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to physical workload throughout working life is associated with higher odds for mobility limitations in midlife.

Active work, passive leisure? Associations between occupational and non-occupational physical activity on weekdays

Research from recent years reports that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for global mortality. Several societal trends in the last decades are likely to have contributed to the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles. Physical activity throughout the day has become much less self-evident and much more a matter of personal effort. Its presumed discretionary character made leisure the time par excellence to compensate for daily inactivity in non-discretionary time. The historical dichotomy of leisure and paid work led to a large body of research assessing the association between occupational and non-occupational physical activity, almost always equated with leisure time physical activity. This study investigates the relationship between occupational and non-occupational physical activity and adds to existing knowledge by breaking down non-occupational physical activity to physical activity in different non-occupational domains of life. Using Belgian time-use data from 2013 coupled with metabolic equivalent of task scores, reveals no direct association between occupational physical activity and physical activity in the domains of leisure, household work and family care, and transport on weekdays after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The association between women's occupational physical activity and physical activity in household work and family care is the sole exception. The results suggest that a holistic, naturalistic approach to physical activity taking into account that individuals have to synchronize needs other than paid work (e.g. reproductive and social productive needs) with the institutional and cultural temporal structures of the society they live in, is more appropriate.

Health promoting lifestyle of university students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional assessment

Background

College is a critical time where students are more prone to engage in risky health behaviors known to negatively affect well-being, such as physical inactivity, stress, and poor dietary habits. A health promoting lifestyle is an important determinant of health status and is recognized as a major factor for the maintenance and improvement of health. This study was designed to assess the health-promoting lifestyle of students in health colleges and non-health colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A total of 1656 students participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data gathering was conducted from November 2016 to February 2017 at King Saud University. Participating students completed a self-reported questionnaire that included questions regarding their demographic characteristics and their health-promoting behaviors.

Results

The majority of participants were females (70.4%), 20% of the participants were overweight and 11.3%, were obese. The analysis showed that there was a significant difference between health colleges and non-health colleges with regards to the factor of health responsibility. Students at both schools were found to have an inadequate level of adherence to recommendations regarding physical activity and healthy eating habits. The analysis also found that majority of the students in both colleges do not attend educational programs on health care. The model shows that gender, type of college, year in school, and family structure were significant predictors of the health lifestyle of students in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

The results of the current study indicate that university students are leading unhealthy lives, where the majority of them have unhealthy eating habits and poor physical activity level. Universities are ideal settings for implementing health promotion programs. Therefore, planning and implementing programs to motivate students to be more responsible for their own health, to engage more in physical activity, and to practice healthy eating habits and other forms of wellness are of paramount importance.

Is fatigue after work a barrier for leisure-time physical activity? Cross-sectional study among 10,000 adults from the general working population

Aim: In spite of the many health-related benefits of regular physical activity, fatiguing work may be a barrier to performing leisure-time physical activity. This study investigates the association between work-related fatigue and the duration of low- and high-intensity leisure-time physical activity in workers with sedentary and physically demanding jobs. Methods: From the 2010 round of the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study, currently employed wage earners from the general working population ( N=10,427) replied to questions about work-related fatigue (predictor) and duration of low- and high-intensity leisure-time physical activity (outcome). Associations were modelled using general linear models controlling for various confounders. Results: Among workers with physically demanding jobs, higher levels of work-related fatigue were associated with gradually lower levels of leisure-time physical activity – for low, moderate and high levels of work-related fatigue the duration of high-intensity leisure-time physical activity was 133 (95% confidence interval (CI) 127–178), 134 (95% CI 109–160) and 113 (95% CI 86–140) min per week, respectively (trend test p<0.001). The duration of high-intensity leisure-time physical activity was lower among older workers (≥50 years) compared to younger workers (<50 years) (132 ± 126 vs 168 ± 150 min per week) ( p<0.0001). Conclusions: The duration of high-intensity leisure-time physical activity gradually decreases with increased work-related fatigue in workers with physically demanding jobs. Older workers perform less high-intensity physical activity than younger workers. Workplaces should consider initiatives to allow workers with physically demanding jobs and older workers to perform physical exercise during working hours and thereby increase physical capacity to meet the job demands.

Physical Activity as a Determinant of Quality of Life in Working-Age People in Wrocław, Poland

Regular physical activity can greatly contribute to the improvement of physical fitness and performance, reduction of the incidence risk of some occupational diseases, and as a consequence, to a general improvement of quality of life in terms of health status. The aim of the article was to assess relationships between the quality of life and physical activity of a working-age population. The study material comprised 4460 residents of the city of Wrocław, Poland (2129 men, 2331 women) aged 18-64 years. The study was a questionnaire survey using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. The highest levels of overall quality of life and its four particular domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental), as well as perceived health conditions were found among the most physically active respondents. Furthermore, the odds of high assessment of perceived overall quality of life were shown to increase with the increasing levels of physical activity. Activities aimed at the improvement of the quality of life of working-age people should involve programs enhancing the development of physical activity.

Predictors of Achieving Recommended Daily Physical Activity Among Anesthesiologists at a Large Tertiary Care Academic Center

Background

The goal of the current study was to determine if the daily work patterns of anesthesiologists meet the recommended daily levels of activity.

Methods

Attending and resident anesthesiologists at a tertiary academic center were invited to participate. The subjects wore a pedometer during five regular clinical days at work and recorded the number of steps walked. The participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) during one regular week. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance, Chi-square test and multivariate linear regression using STATA 12.1.

Results

During work, attending, compared with senior and junior resident, anesthesiologists had the most steps (5,953 ± 1,213, 5,153 ± 905, and 5,710 ± 1,513 steps, respectively, P = 0.2). Outside work, senior residents had the highest level of activity (3,592 ± 1,626 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-minutes/week) compared to junior residents (1,788 ± 1,089 MET-minutes/week) and attending (2,104 ± 1,594 MET-minutes/week, P = 0.005); the percentage of recommended daily level of activity represented by this outside activity was senior residents (78.5%), junior residents (27%) and attending (21%) anesthesiologists (P = 0.002). When activity at and outside work was combined, most anesthesiologists met the recommended 10,000 steps daily, P < 0.009.

Conclusions

The daily physical activity of faculty and trainee anesthesiologists at work in a busy tertiary care is low active. However, when additional physical activity is pursued outside of work, most anesthesiologists met recommended daily levels of activity. These results highlight the inadequacy of daily activity at work, and the need to pursue additional physical activity outside of work; such awareness can assist in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Risk of Fracture: A Cohort Study of 66,940 Men and Women

Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of fracture, but it is not known how the intensity or frequency of physical activity influences this risk reduction. We aim to compare the risk of hip fracture and fracture of any locale between men and women with different levels of leisure-time walking/bicycling and exercise. A total of 37,238 women (born 1914-1948) from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and 45,906 men (born 1918-1952) from the Cohort of Swedish Men were followed for a maximum of 17 years. Exposure and covariate information was collected through a self-administered questionnaire in 1997. Incident fractures (5153 individuals with hip fracture and 15,043 with any type of fracture) and comorbidities were gathered from national and local patient registries. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Individuals who walked/bicycled less than 20 minutes per day had a lower rate of hip fracture (multivariable adjusted HR = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70 to 0.85) and any fracture (HR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.92) compared with those who hardly ever walked/bicycled. These reduced rates were also evident in both sexes, in different age categories, for vertebral fractures and for non-hip, non-vertebral fractures. Those who reported exercise 1 hour per week had a lower rate of hip fracture (HR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.96) and any fracture (HR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99) compared with those who exercised less than 1 hour per week. Only minor differences in HRs were observed in individuals with moderate compared with higher levels of walking/bicycling or exercise. Walking/bicycling and exercise showed almost equal reductions in rate of fracture when compared with those in a joint category with lowest activity. In conclusion, both moderate and high self-reported frequency of physical activity is associated with reduced future risk of fracture. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Attaching metabolic expenditures to standard occupational classification systems: perspectives from time-use research

Background

Traditionally, time-use data have been used to inform a broad range of economic and sociological research topics. One of the new areas in time-use research is the study of physical activity (PA) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE). Time-use data can be used to study PAEE by assigning MET values to daily activities using the Ainsworth Compendium of Physical Activities. Although most diarists record their daily activities accurately and in detail, they are only required to record their paid working hours, not the job-specific tasks they undertake. This makes it difficult to assign MET values to paid work episodes.

Methods

In this methodological paper, we explain how we addressed this problem by using the detailed information about respondents’ occupational status included in time-use survey household and individual questionnaires. We used the 2008 ISCO manual, a lexicon of the International Labour Organization of occupational titles and their related job-specific tasks. We first assigned a MET value to job-specific tasks using the Ainsworth compendium (2011) then calculated MET values for each of the 436 occupations in the ISCO-08 manual by averaging all job-specific MET values for each occupation.

Results

The ISCO-08 Major Groups of ‘elementary occupations’ and ‘craft and related trades workers’ are associated with high PAEE variation in terms of their job-specific MET values and together represented 21.6% of the Belgian working population in 2013. We recommend that these occupational categories should be prioritised for further in-depth research into occupational activity (OA).

Conclusions

We developed a clear and replicable procedure to calculate occupational activity for all ISCO-08 occupations. All of our calculations are attached to this manuscript which other researchers may use, replicate and refine.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4546-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Midlife Occupational Physical Activity and Risk of Disability Later in Life: National Health and Aging Trends Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether midlife occupational physical activity (PA) is associated with disability in older adults and to test disease as a mediating variable.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

National Health and Aging Trends Study.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older (N = 7,307).

MEASUREMENTS

Participants were classified as to occupational PA levels by linking information from the Occupational Information Network database using standard occupation codes. Disability outcomes and covariates were obtained through in-person interviews. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between occupational PA and disability. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was fitted to examine the mediating effect of disease.

RESULTS

Occupations with high physically demands were associated with greater decline in functional capacity later in life. Individuals with occupations with high and very high PA were less likely to be able to perform activities of daily living than those with occupations with low PA. SEM showed that occupational PA has a very strong direct effect on disability (P < .001) and has an indirect effect on disability through disease (P = .003). The population attributable fraction for high occupational PA was 11%.

CONCLUSION

Higher midlife occupational PA levels were significantly associated with poorer ability to perform activities of daily living in older age. Performing the optimal level of occupational PA may be instrumental in reducing disability later in life.

Occupational and leisure-time physical activity and workload among construction workers - a randomized control study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of quantification of occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among construction workers.

OBJECTIVES

To describe physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), physical workload, and the effect of a PA-intervention among construction workers.

METHODS

Sixty-seven Construction workers self-reported their physical activity (PA), had PA assessed directly (PAEE), and observed OPA using the tool "Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling." The PA-intervention (Intervention; n = 29, Controls; n = 24) included 3x20-min training/week for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Baseline median OPA was 5036 MET-min/week and LTPA 2842 MET-min/week, p < 0.01. OPA directly recorded was (mean ± SE): 56.6 ± 3.2 J/kg/min and LTPA was: 35.7 ± 2.2 J/kg/min (p < 0.001). Manual material handling was performed for ≥ 25% of working time by more than 50% of the participants. Post-intervention, the training group reduced overall PAEE compared to the control group but not specifically during work.

CONCLUSIONS

OPA was within the maximum recommended level of 1/3 proposed in consensus guidelines but did not decrease with PA-intervention.

Heavy manual work throughout the working lifetime and muscle strength among men at retirement age

INTRODUCTION

Reductions in heavy manual work as a consequence of mechanisation might adversely impact muscle strength at older ages. We investigated the association between grip strength at retirement age and lifetime occupational exposure to physically demanding activities. Grip strength is an important predictor of long-term health and physical function in older people.

METHODS

Grip strength (maximum of three readings in each hand) was measured in men from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study at a single examination when their mean age was 65.8 (SD 2.9) years. Associations with lifetime occupational exposure (ascertained by questionnaire) to three activities (standing/walking ≥ 4 h/day; lifting ≥ 25 kg; and energetic work sufficient to induce sweating) were assessed by multivariable linear regression with adjustment for various potential confounders.

RESULTS

Complete data were available from 1418 men who had worked for at least 20 years. After adjustment for age, height and weight, those with longer exposures to walking/standing and heavy lifting had lower grip strength, but the relationship disappeared after further adjustment for confounders. Working at physical intensity sufficient to induce sweating was not significantly associated with grip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that physically demanding occupational activities increase hand grip strength at normal retirement age. Any advantages of regular physical occupational activity may have been obscured by unmeasured socioeconomic confounders.

Work-Recreation Balance, Health-Promoting Lifestyles and Suboptimal Health Status in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Suboptimal health status (SHS)—an intermediate state between health and illness—refers to functional somatic symptoms that are medically undiagnosed. Although SHS has become a great challenge for global public health, very little about its etiology and mechanisms are known. Work-recreation balance is a part of work−life balance, and is related to stress which greatly influences health status. We therefore carried out a cross-sectional investigation between 2012 and 2013 within a clustered sample of 24,475 individuals aged 15−60 years from a population in southern China. In so doing, we hoped to illuminate the associations between work-recreation balance conditions, healthy lifestyles, and SHS. Work-recreation balance conditions were categorically defined by frequency (“rarely, sometimes, or always”). Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II) was used to evaluate the level of healthy lifestyles, and the medical examination report and Sub-Health Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0) were both used to evaluate health status. The ratio of SHS (46.3%) is higher than health status (18.4%) or disease status (35.3%). Overall, 4.9% of respondents reported the lowest level of work-recreation balance, and they scored lower on both the HPLP-II and SHMS V1.0 compared with those who frequently maintained a work-recreation balance. Significant association was found between work-recreation balance behaviors and healthy lifestyles (p < 0.001) after demographic adjustment. In comparison with those reporting a frequent work-recreation balance, individuals whose work-recreation balance was categorically “rare” were 1.69 times as likely to develop SHS (odds ratio (OR): 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–1.92), and those with infrequent work-recreation balance (“sometimes”) were 1.71 times more likely to develop SHS (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.62–1.81). These findings suggest that work-recreation balance conditions are significantly associated with, and seem to be accurate behavioral indicia of a healthy lifestyle. Poor work-recreation balance is associated with increased risk for SHS; thus, a healthier lifestyle that maintains a work-recreation balance should be promoted in order to reduce the development of SHS or disease in southern China.

Leisure time physical activity and subsequent physical and mental health functioning among midlife Finnish, British and Japanese employees: a follow-up study in three occupational cohorts

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine whether leisure time physical activity contributes to subsequent physical and mental health functioning among midlife employees. The associations were tested in three occupational cohorts from Finland, Britain and Japan.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Finland, Britain and Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Prospective employee cohorts from the Finnish Helsinki Health Study (2000-2002 and 2007, n=5958), British Whitehall II study (1997-1999 and 2003-2004, n=4142) and Japanese Civil Servants Study (1998-1999 and 2003, n=1768) were used. Leisure time physical activity was classified into three groups: inactive, moderately active and vigorously active.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Mean scores of physical and mental health functioning (SF-36) at follow-up were examined.

RESULTS

Physical activity was associated with better subsequent physical health functioning in all three cohorts, however, with varying magnitude and some gender differences. Differences were the clearest among Finnish women (inactive: 46.0, vigorously active: 49.5) and men (inactive: 47.8, active vigorous: 51.1) and British women (inactive: 47.3, active vigorous: 50.4). In mental health functioning, the differences were generally smaller and not that clearly related to the intensity of physical activity. Emerging differences in health functioning were relatively small.

CONCLUSIONS

Vigorous physical activity was associated with better subsequent physical health functioning in all three cohorts with varying magnitude. For mental health functioning, the intensity of physical activity was less important. Promoting leisure time physical activity may prove useful for the maintenance of health functioning among midlife employees.

Does physical exposure throughout working life influence chair-rise performance in midlife? A retrospective cohort study of associations between work and physical function in Denmark

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to study associations between physical exposures throughout working life and physical function measured as chair-rise performance in midlife.

METHODS

The Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank (CAMB) provided data about employment and measures of physical function. Individual job histories were assigned exposures from a job exposure matrix. Exposures were standardised to ton-years (lifting 1000 kg each day in 1 year), stand-years (standing/walking for 6 h each day in 1 year) and kneel-years (kneeling for 1 h each day in 1 year). The associations between exposure-years and chair-rise performance (number of chair-rises in 30 s) were analysed in multivariate linear and non-linear regression models adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Mean age among the 5095 participants was 59 years in both genders, and, on average, men achieved 21.58 (SD=5.60) and women 20.38 (SD=5.33) chair-rises in 30 s. Physical exposures were associated with poorer chair-rise performance in both men and women, however, only associations between lifting and standing/walking and chair-rise remained statistically significant among men in the final model. Spline regression analyses showed non-linear associations and confirmed the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher physical exposure throughout working life is associated with slightly poorer chair-rise performance. The associations between exposure and outcome were non-linear.

The influence of occupation and age on maximal and rapid lower extremity strength

The aims of this study were to 1) examine the influence of age and occupation on maximal and rapid strength of the lower-extremity muscles and 2) examine the relationship between maximal and rapid strength and physical workload (work index (WI)) in the blue-collar (BC) cohort. Peak torque (PT) and peak rate of torque development (peakRTD) of the leg extensors (LE), leg flexors (LF), and plantar flexors (PF) were assessed in 47 young (age = 24.1 ± 2.4 years) and 41 middle-aged (52.4 ± 5.2 years) white-collar (WC) and BC men. Middle-aged workers exhibited lower PT for all muscles, and peakRTD for the LF and PF muscles. A positive relationship (r = 0.59; P < 0.01) was observed between WI and peakRTD for the PF in the young BC workers, however, this relationship was negative (r = -0.45; P = 0.053) for the LF of the middle-aged BC workers. Lowering physical work demands and/or incorporating effective health-related practices for employees may be appealing strategies to enhance aging workers' productivity and longevity in the workforce.

Association Between Leisure Time Physical Activity, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Cardiovascular Workload at Work in Firefighters

BACKGROUND

Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease risk factors are prevalent among firefighters in some developed countries. It is unclear whether physical activity and cardiopulmonary fitness reduce cardiovascular disease risk and the cardiovascular workload at work in firefighters. The present study investigated the relationship between leisure-time physical activity, cardiopulmonary fitness, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and cardiovascular workload at work in firefighters in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Male firefighters (n = 387) were randomly selected from serving firefighters in Hong Kong (n = 5,370) for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, known cardiovascular diseases). One-third (Target Group) were randomly selected for the assessment of off-duty leisure-time physical activity using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Maximal oxygen uptake was assessed, as well as cardiovascular workload using heart rate monitoring for each firefighter for four "normal" 24-hour working shifts and during real-situation simulated scenarios.

RESULTS

Overall, 33.9% of the firefighters had at least two cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the Target Group, firefighters who had higher leisure-time physical activity had a lower resting heart rate and a lower average working heart rate, and spent a smaller proportion of time working at a moderate-intensity cardiovascular workload. Firefighters who had moderate aerobic fitness and high leisure-time physical activity had a lower peak working heart rate during the mountain rescue scenario compared with firefighters who had low leisure-time physical activities.

CONCLUSION

Leisure-time physical activity conferred significant benefits during job tasks of moderate cardiovascular workload in firefighters in Hong Kong.

Dose-response association between leisure time physical activity and work ability: Cross-sectional study among 3000 workers

INTRODUCTION

Regular physical activity is important for longevity and health, but knowledge about the optimal dose of physical activity for maintaining good work ability is unknown. This study investigates the association between intensity and duration of physical activity during leisure time and work ability in relation to physical demands of the job.

METHODS

From the 2010 round of the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study, currently employed wage earners with physically demanding work (n = 2952) replied to questions about work, lifestyle and health. Excellent (100 points), very good (75 points), good (50 points), fair (25 points) and poor (0 points) work ability in relation to the physical demands of the job was experienced by 18%, 40%, 30%, 10% and 2% of the respondents, respectively.

RESULTS

General linear models that controlled for gender, age, physical and psychosocial work factors, lifestyle and chronic disease showed that the duration of high-intensity physical activity during leisure was positively associated with work ability, in a dose-response fashion (p < 0.001). Those performing ⩾ 5 hours of high-intensity physical activity per week had on average 8 points higher work ability than those not performing such activities. The duration of low-intensity leisure-time physical activity was not associated with work ability (p = 0.5668).

CONCLUSIONS

The duration of high-intensity physical activity during leisure time is associated in a dose-response fashion with work ability, in workers with physically demanding jobs.

The Role of Age in Moderating the Association Between Disability and Light-Intensity Physical Activity

PURPOSE

There's a lack of evidence on the association between light-intensity physical activity and disability. This study examines the relationships in activity by self-reported physical function in five domains (i.e., activities of daily living [ADL], instrumental ADL, leisure activities, lower extremity, and general activities), and whether this association varies by age.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 waves.

SUBJECTS

Participants included 5700 men and women ages 20 to 85 years.

MEASURES

Difficulty with various activities was measured with the Physical Functioning Questionnaire, accelerometer-measured physical activity, demographics, and self-rated health.

ANALYSIS

Ordinary least squares regression models were run to examine the relationship between physical function in each domain, light-intensity activity, and the moderating effect of age. Analyses controlled for body mass index, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity, self-reported health, accelerometer wear time, and gender.

RESULTS

Little variation was seen in light-intensity physical activity among younger adults regardless of disability status. Older adults reporting difficulty with activities engaged in significantly less light-intensity physical activity compared to those with no disability (271.8 vs. 316.5 minutes). Age significantly moderated the association between light-intensity physical activity and leisure activities (p = .048), and lower extremity mobility (p = .039). Age did not moderate other domains of disability.

CONCLUSION

Younger age may be protective regarding the influence of disability on light-intensity activity. In addition, disability may be more debilitating for some older individuals. Interventions to increase light-intensity activity should aim to address disability at all ages, with increased attention for older adults.

Factors associated with grip strength decline in older adults

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined associations of multi-faceted demographic, health and lifestyle factors with long-term change in grip strength performance across the adult lifespan. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of risk factors in specific parts of the adult lifespan (e.g. in early midlife, in late midlife and in old adulthood) separately for women and men.

METHODS

Data came from the longitudinal Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA). Grip strength performance was followed in 849 participants who were 50-88 years of age at baseline. The follow-up period with seven waves of data of grip strength was 22 years, and the risk factors were measured up to 20 years before the assessment of grip strength. Latent growth modelling was used for the longitudinal analyses.

RESULTS

A gender difference in the type of factors associated with grip strength performance and development across the adult lifespan was found. Significant factors for the age slopes for women were stress, smoking and dementia. For men, marital status, mean arterial pressure, physical activity at work and having a chronic disorder were of importance. These factors varied in their associations with grip strength across the adult lifespan.

CONCLUSION

Factors measured earlier in adulthood were associated with grip strength decline in late midlife and old adulthood. Gender-specific patterns of risk factors suggest that it may be worthwhile to conduct research on grip and muscle strength (and biological vitality) separately for men and women.

Dejavniki gibalne aktivnosti in z zdravjem povezane kakovosti življenja

Uvod: Gibalna aktivnost koristi telesnemu in duševnemu zdravju. Namen članka je ugotoviti dejavnike, ki vplivajo nanjo, in možne ukrepe za povečanje te dejavnosti. Cilj članka je spodbuditi strokovnjake s področij zdravja in športne dejavnosti k sodelovanju pri oblikovanju in izvajanju učinkovitih ukrepov za povečanje gibanja med prebivalstvom. Metode: Opravljen je bil pregled literature o dejavnikih, ki vplivajo na gibalno aktivnost in z zdravjem povezano kakovost življenja, ter o ukrepih, povezanih z njimi. V pregled so vključene raziskave, ki so objavljene v angleškem jeziku v obdobju 2000–2010 in evidentirane v Web of Science (SCI-EXPANDED ali SSCI). Članek povzema izsledke 46 objav, za potrebe teoretičnih izhodišč pa še dodatnih 43 objav. Rezultati: Na odločitev za gibanje vplivajo lastnosti posameznika in širšega družbenoekonomskega okolja. Bistveni so starost, spol in zdravstveni status posameznika. Pri posameznih skupinah populacije prepoznamo specifične dejavnike, ki vplivajo na odločitev za gibalno aktivnost. Učinkoviti ukrepi spodbujanja gibanja so zato usmerjeni na te skupine in izhajajo iz identificiranih dejavnikov. Diskusija in zaključek: Raznolikost omenjenih skupin in dejavnikov je osnova za načrtovanje preventivnih oziroma interventnih ukrepov. Smiselno je, da se pri organiziranju in izvajanju programov povežejo organizacije s področij zdravstva, športa in druge interesne skupine. Pri tem naj izkoristijo obstoječe zakonske okvire.

Association of physical workload and leisure time physical activity with incident mobility limitations: a follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

To examine individual as well as joint associations of physical workload and leisure time physical activity with incident mobility limitations in initially well-functioning middle-aged workers.

METHODS

This study is based on 6-year follow-up data of the Danish Longitudinal Study on Work, Unemployment and Health. Physical workload was reported at baseline and categorised as light, moderate or heavy. Baseline leisure time physical activity level was categorised as sedentary or active following the current recommendations on physical activity. Incidence of mobility limitations in climbing stairs and running among initially well-functioning workers (n=3202 and n=2821, respectively) was assessed during follow-up.

RESULTS

Higher workload increased whereas active leisure time decreased the risk of developing mobility limitations. The incidence of limitations increased progressively with higher workload regardless of level of leisure time physical activity, although the risks tended to be higher among those with sedentary leisure time compared with their active counterparts. All in all, the risk for onset of mobility limitations was highest among those with heavy workload combined with sedentary leisure time and lowest among those with light workload combined with active leisure time.

CONCLUSIONS

Although leisure time physical activity prevents development of mobility decline, high workload seems to accelerate the progression of mobility limitations among both those with active and sedentary leisure time. Therefore, efforts should be made to recommend people to engage in physical activity regardless of their physical workload.

Inverse effects of midlife occupational and leisure time physical activity on mobility limitation in old age--a 28-year prospective follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate in a sample of initially middle-aged municipal employees whether leisure time (LPA) or occupational physical activity (OPA) was associated with mobility limitation (ML) in old age.

DESIGN

Prospective population-based follow-up.

SETTING

Municipalities in Finland.

PARTICIPANTS

Public sector employees from the Finnish Longitudinal Study on Municipal Employees (FLAME) initially aged 44 to 58 (N = 5,200).

MEASUREMENTS

Baseline data were collected in 1981, including LPA (average exercise within previous year: inactive (no exercise), moderate (some form of exercise ≤ 1 time per week), vigorous (brisk exercise ≥ 1 time per week)) and OPA (usual activities at work within previous year: light (light work sitting, standing, or moving around), moderate (moderate work moving around), vigorous (heavy physical work)). Number of MLs was assessed using a questionnaire (8 items) in 1985, 1992, 1997, and 2009; the latest mobility score available for each subject was used for analyses. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for LPA and OPA predicting ML were estimated in a joint Poisson regression model adjusted for survival data; the other type of PA; and sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors.

RESULTS

Mean age at baseline was 50.3 ± 3.6; 56.9% of participants were female. Participants with vigorous OPA in midlife had greater risk of a unit increase in ML in old age than those with light OPA (fully adjusted IRR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03-1.16). Participants with vigorous LPA had lower risk of ML than inactive participants (fully adjusted IRR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76-0.86).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that LPA and OPA in midlife have independent, inverse effects on mobility in old age in terms of a harmful effect of vigorous OPA and a protective effect of vigorous LPA.

Health impact of sport and exercise in emerging adult men: a prospective study

PURPOSE

Health benefits of sport and exercise are well documented in children, adolescents and adults, but little is known about emerging adulthood-a period of life characterized by significant demographic and developmental changes. The present study aimed to assess the health impact of changes in sport and exercise levels during that specific period of life.

METHODS

The analysis used baseline and 15-month follow-up data (N = 4,846) from the cohort study on substance use risk factors. Associations between baseline exercise levels or changes in exercise levels and health indicators (i.e., health-related quality of life, depression, body mass index, alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence and cannabis use disorder) were measured using chi-squared tests and ANOVA. Direction of effects was tested using cross-lagged analysis.

RESULTS

At baseline, all health indicator scores were observed to be better for regular exercisers than for other exercise levels. At follow-up, participants who had maintained regular exercise over time had better scores than those who had remained irregular exercisers or had discontinued, but their scores for health-related quality of life and depression were close to those of participants who had adopted regular exercise after the baseline questionnaire. Cross-lagged analysis indicated that regular exercise at baseline was a significant predictor of health-related quality of life and substance use dependence at follow-up, but was itself predicted only by health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

From a health promotion perspective, this study emphasizes how important it is for emerging adult men to maintain, or adopt, regular sport and exercise.

Self-reported moderate-to-vigorous leisure time physical activity predicts less pain and disability over 12 months in chronic and persistent low back pain

BACKGROUND

Physical deconditioning in combination with societal and emotional factors has been hypothesized to compromise complete recovery from low back pain (LBP). However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies designed to specifically investigate physical activity as an independent prognostic factor. We conducted a prognostic study to investigate whether levels of leisure time physical activity are independently associated with clinical outcomes in people seeking care for chronic and persistent LBP.

METHODS

A total of 815 consecutive patients presenting with LBP to an outpatient spine centre in secondary care were recruited. Separate multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to investigate whether levels of leisure time physical activity (i.e., sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous leisure time physical activity levels) predict pain and disability at 12-month follow-up, after adjusting for age, pain, episode duration, disability, neurological symptoms, depression and fear of movement.

RESULTS

Final models showed evidence of an association between baseline physical activity and 12-month outcomes (p < 0.001). In both models, the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity group reported less pain and disability compared with the sedentary group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that physical activity levels may have a role in the prognosis of LBP. Specific domains of physical activity warrant further investigation to better understand this association.

Is midlife occupational physical activity related to disability in old age? The SNAC-Kungsholmen study

Objectives

Leisure-time physical activity (PA) has been established to be related to more years lived without disability. However, less is known about the relationship between occupational PA and disability in old age. The aim of the study was 1) to investigate whether midlife occupational PA is related to late-life disability, and 2) to test the hypothesis that the association differs according to the occupational categories of blue and white collar work.

Methods

The study population was derived from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care, and consisted of a random sample of 1804 subjects aged 72 and above. The association of occupational PA during the longest held occupation with disability in old age was determined using logistic regression.

Results

There was no significant relationship between occupational PA and disability in personal or instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) after controlling for demographic and health-related factors. However, in stratified analyses moderate levels of occupational PA was associated with a lower odds ratio of dependency in personal ADL amongst white collar workers, compared to low level of occupational PA (OR = 0.34 95% C1 0.12–0.98).

Conclusions

Moderate levels of midlife occupational PA were associated with a decreased risk of personal ADL disability in old age among white collar workers, but not among blue collar workers. Our results highlight the importance of encouraging white collar workers to engage in physical activity during or outside work hours.

Education-related differences in physical performance after age 60: a cross-sectional study assessing variation by age, gender and occupation

Background

Having a low level of education has been associated with worse physical performance. However, it is unclear whether this association varies by age, gender or the occupational categories of manual and non-manual work. This study examined whether there are education-related differences across four dimensions of physical performance by age, gender or occupational class and to what extent chronic diseases and lifestyle-related factors may explain such differences.

Methods

Participants were a random sample of 3212 people, 60 years and older, both living in their own homes and in institutions, from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care, in Kungsholmen, Stockholm. Trained nurses assessed physical performance in grip strength, walking speed, balance and chair stands, and gathered data on education, occupation and lifestyle-related factors, such as physical exercise, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption. Diagnoses of chronic diseases were made by the examining physician.

Results

Censored normal regression analyses showed that persons with university education had better grip strength, balance, chair stand time and walking speed than people with elementary school education. The differences in balance and walking speed remained statistically significant (p < 0.05) after adjustment for chronic diseases and lifestyle. However, age-stratified analyses revealed that the differences were no longer statistically significant in advanced age (80+ years). Gender-stratified analyses revealed that women with university education had significantly better grip strength, balance and walking speed compared to women with elementary school education and men with university education had significantly better chair stands and walking speed compared to men with elementary school education in multivariate adjusted models. Further analyses stratified by gender and occupational class suggested that the education-related difference in grip strength was only evident among female manual workers, while the difference in balance and walking speed was only evident among female and male non-manual workers, respectively.

Conclusions

Higher education was associated with better lower extremity performance in people aged 60 to 80, but not in advanced age (80+ years). Our results indicate that higher education is associated with better grip strength among female manual workers and with better balance and walking speed among female and male non-manual workers, respectively.

Leisure time physical activity in a 22-year follow-up among Finnish adults

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore long-term predictors of leisure time physical activity in the general population.

METHODS

This study comprised 718 men and women who participated in the national Mini-Finland Health Survey from 1978-1980 and were re-examined in 2001. Participants were aged 30-80 at baseline. Measurements included interviews, health examinations, and self-administered questionnaires, with information on socioeconomic position, occupational and leisure time physical activity, physical fitness, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical functional capacity. Analyses included persons who were working and had no limitations in functional capacity at baseline.

RESULTS

The strongest predictor of being physically active at the follow-up was participation in physical activity at baseline, with an OR 13.82 (95%CI 5.50-34.70) for 3 or more types of regular activity, OR 2.33 (95%CI 1.22-4.47) for 1-2 types of regular activity, and OR 3.26 (95%CI 2.07-5.15) for irregular activity, as compared to no activity. Other determinants for being physically active were moving upwards in occupational status, a high level of baseline occupational physical activity and remaining healthy weight during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent physical inactivity among older adults, it is important to promote physical activity already in young adulthood and in middle age and to emphasize the importance of participating in many types of physical activity.

Moderating effects of leisure-time physical activity on the association between job strain and depressive symptoms: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether long-term leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has a moderating effect on the association between job strain and depressive symptoms using prospective data.

METHODS

Full-time employees (455 men and 480 women) aged 30 to 45 years were followed from 2001 to 2007. Data were collected using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Sustained participation in LTPA was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in employed men and women. The direct relationship of job strain to depressive symptoms was significantly moderated by LTPA only in women when the potential confounders were controlled for.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms are inversely associated with regular LTPA and directly associated with chronic job strain in both sexes. In women, persistent participation in LTPA may modify the relation between chronic job stress and subthreshold depressive symptoms by reducing depressive symptoms associated with job strain.