The level of leisure time physical activity is associated with work ability-a cross sectional and prospective study of health care workers

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.

Work-, lifestyle-, and health-related factors among women and men working in the emergency medical services

Objectives. This study aimed to describe work-, lifestyle-, and health-related factors among ambulance personnel, and to analyse differences between women and men. Methods. The cross-sectional study (N = 106) included self-reported and objective measures of work, lifestyle, and health in 10 Swedish ambulance stations. The data collection comprised clinical health examination, blood samples, tests of physical capacity, and questionnaires. Results. A high proportion of the ambulance personnel reported heavy lifting, risk of accidents, threats and violence at work. A low level of smoking and alcohol use, and a high level of leisure-time physical activity were reported. The ambulance personnel had, on average, good self-rated health, high work ability and high physical capacity. However, the results also showed high proportions with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), e.g., high blood pressure, and high levels of blood lipids. More women than men reported high work demands. Furthermore, women performed better in tests of physical capacity and had a lower level of CVD risk factors. Conclusions. Exposure to work-related factors that might affect health was common among ambulance personnel. Lifestyle- and health-related factors were somewhat contradictory, with a low proportion reporting lifestyle-related risk factors, but a high proportion having risk factors for CVD.

Factors associated with work ability among primary health care professionals: an integrative review

The self-perception of the individual in relation to their health, work, and lifestyle is considered as work ability, a concept of various dimensions, characterizing a multidimensional and versatile construct, because it encompasses physical, mental, and social prerequisites. This study aims to identify the factors associated with work capacity among primary health care professionals. An integrative review was conducted from March to June 2020, following this eligibility criteria: studies in Portuguese, Spanish, and English; from 1996, available on PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane databases; longitudinal studies, clinical trials, and crosssectional studies; among primary health care professionals; which used the Work Ability Index. Three articles were found, two in English and one in Portuguese. It was concluded that further studies should be conducted, with primary health care professionals, in order to propose measures that can reduce inadequate capacity rates and better understand the variables associated with work ability.

Moderate physical activity is associated with lower depression, anxiety and stress in health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Health-care workers are in high risk for COVID-19 and may experience associated mental health disturbances. Although physical activity (PA) has positive effects on mental disturbances, it has not been fully investigated in health-team during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we analyzed depression, anxiety and stress in health-care workers, and their relationship with PA before and during a COVID-19 peak.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. PA (IPAQ short-form) evaluated and associated with depression, anxiety and stress (DAAS-21) at the beginning of COVID-19 first wave in Mexico (April 2020) in 1146 workers of a tertiary-care hospital, and in a subsequent occasion at the first wave peak (July-August/2020) in 311 workers (from the first ones). Data collected from routine surveillance.

RESULTS

Depression increased 9%, anxiety 15%, and stress 10% at the pandemic peak. Subjects with higher frequency of baseline moderate PA showed lower severity of depression, anxiety and stress at the peak (p < 0.05). At the pandemic peak, female sex (OR = 2.42, 95%CI 1.14-5.13), diabetes (OR = 21.9, 95%CI 2.09-221) and baseline depression (OR = 8.86, 95%CI 4.30-18.2) predicted depression; baseline anxiety (OR = 5.52, 95%CI 3.01-10.1), working in COVID-19 area (OR = 4.14, 95%CI 1.99-8.64), and baseline moderate PA (OR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.16-0.73) predicted anxiety; and baseline stress (OR = 8.64, 95%CI 4.11-18.2), and moderate PA (OR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.15-0.82) predicted stress.

CONCLUSION

Depression, stress, and particularly anxiety, increased in health-care workers from the beginning to the COVID-19 pandemic peak, and were predicted by the presence of the corresponding baseline mental alterations, and in the case of anxiety and stress, by the lower frequency of moderate PA.

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.

The association between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders-a cross-sectional study of teachers

Purpose

Combined with insufficient physical activity (PA) prolonged and improperly performed sedentary work can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this study was (I) to evaluate the self-reported level of PA and the prevalence of MSDs in male and female teachers, and (II) to investigate the association between PA and MSDs in teachers in Polish primary and secondary schools.

Methods

The study included 254 teachers from primary and secondary schools from Upper Silesia, Poland, excluding physical education teachers. The level of PA was assessed using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR). A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess the prevalence of MSDs.

Results

A similar percentage of female (80%) and male (90%) teachers met the WHO recommendations on moderate-intensity PA. The recommendations on performing vigorous-intensity PA were met by significantly (p = 0.002) less female than male teachers (50% and 75% respectively). Lower back disorders during the last 12 months and the last 7 days (57% and 45%, respectively) were the most commonly reported MSDs by teachers, followed by neck (53%, 40%), upper back (39%, 28%), and knee disorders (37%, 26%). The highest pain intensity was experienced by the teachers in the lower back and neck. Teachers with a greater number of MSDs were less likely to engage in vigorous-intensity PA and total PA than those with fewer painful areas of the body. Pain intensity in the neck, knees, upper- and lower back, and wrists/hands was negatively related to moderate and total PA. BMI negatively correlated with total PA, moderate-intensity PA vigorous-intensity PA, and high vigorous-intensity PA.

Conclusions

The study revealed the association between PA and MSDs in studied teachers. The most of the studied teachers met the WHO recommendation, and women were less likely to perform vigorous and high-vigorous PA than men. The lower back and neck disorders were the most common among the teachers.

Occupational and leisure time physical activity of territorial army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of their perceived work ability

OBJECTIVES

Physical activity (PA) is important for the prevention and management of numerous diseases and may have a positive effect on ability to work. The study aimed to assess the level of occupational and leisure time PA of soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore whether there was a relationship between PA and perceived work ability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 305 men and 68 women who were territorial army soldiers aged 18-55 (M±SD 32.9±9.01). The Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR) and the Work Ability Index (WAI) were used.

RESULTS

The level of self-reported PA for the studied soldiers was relatively high; 80% of them met the recommendations of the WHO and were characterized by having a good (60%) or excellent (20%) WAI status. The level of occupational PA of male soldiers was higher than the level of leisure time PA, and they indicated higher levels of occupational PA and leisure time PA during the workweek than the weekend.

CONCLUSIONS

Current work ability in comparison to the best in life and work ability related to the physical requirements of the work were positively correlated with leisure time PA. Work ability related to physical requirements was also positively correlated with occupational and total PA, and work ability related to mental requirements was positively correlated with total PA. The study supports the relationship between PA and several aspects of work ability. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(3):327-37.

Does stressful workplace characteristics moderate or confound the association between occupational physical activity and elevated depressive symptoms? A large study including 36,442 adults

BACKGROUND

We tested whether stressful workplace characteristics confound or moderate the association between occupational physical activity and depressive symptoms.

METHOD

We used data of 36,442 employed adults (16,992 women), with a mean age of 39.3 ± 12.6y, from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey. Depressive symptoms were assessed through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (cut-point: ≥10). Occupational physical activity was self-reported and classified using the cut-point of 150 min/week and the highest quintile. Ten stressful workplace characteristics (e.g. exposure to stress, noise, violence) were also self-reported dichotomously. Logistic regression models were used considering the adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Most of the stressful workplace characteristics were associated with elevated depressive symptoms (8/10 characteristics) and higher occupational physical activity (9/10 characteristics). Although there were no interactions in combined associations, we found that the association between occupational physical activity and depressive symptoms consistently reduced after adjusting for the cluster of positive screening for at least two stressful workplace characteristics in men [highest quintile: OR_unadjusted: 1.63 (95%CI 1.22-2.17) vs OR_adjusted: 1.36 (1.08-1.91); ≥150 min/week: OR_unadjusted: 1.43 (1.09-1.88) vs OR_adjusted: 1.25 (0.95-1.64)], and women [highest quintile: OR_unadjusted: 2.15 1.73-2.66) vs OR_adjusted: 1.83 (1.47-2.29); ≥150 min/week: OR_unadjusted: 2.11 (1.68-2.65) vs OR_adjusted: 1.80 (1.42-2.27)].

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design limits the causal inference.

CONCLUSIONS

Stressful workplace characteristics did not moderate, but acted as confounders in the association between occupational physical activity and elevated depressive symptoms and should be considered in future studies.

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.

The Importance of Lifestyle Factors for Work Ability among Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentarism, low physical activity levels, and overweight are associated with poor health, and they can potentially influence work ability. However, it remains unknown which lifestyle habits are associated with work ability among physical therapists (PTs). The aim of this study was to examine the associations between smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, sitting time, and physical activity levels with work ability among PTs utilizing a nationwide questionnaire. Associations were modeled using logistic regression controlled for various confounders. Overweight, sitting >150 min/day, and <75 min/week of leisure-time vigorous physical activity were associated with lower work ability among PTs. Further, the existence of two unhealthy habits showed a weak-to-moderate positive association with lower work ability scores (Model 1: OR, 2.21, 95% CI = 1.16–4.22; Model 2: OR, 2.32, 95% CI, 1.18–4.54), with even stronger associations when three unhealthy habits (Model 1: OR = 3.30, 95% CI, 1.58–6.86; Model 2: OR, 3.34, 95% CI, 1.54–7.26) or four unhealthy habits (Model 1: OR = 8.91, 95% CI, 2.55–31.1; Model 2: OR = 8.20, 95% CI, 2.15–31.2) were present. In conclusion, overweight, low physical activity, and sedentarism were associated with lower levels of work ability, especially when ≥2 unhealthy lifestyle factors were present.

Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs' work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness is associated with their WAI. This study sought to provide reference WAI data for Spanish PTs and to evaluate the association between PTs' muscular fitness and WAI. Data on WAI of 1005 PTs were collected using a questionnaire. A subgroup (n = 68) performed a battery of physical tests including grip strength, push-ups and back-extension endurance. Associations between muscular fitness and WAI were evaluated using logistic regression controlling for various confounders. PTs aged 50 years or older had lower WAI scores than their younger counterparts. PTs with high back-extension endurance scored 3.5 (95% CI) higher in the WAI than those with low endurance. No associations were found between grip strength or number of push-ups and WAI. Our findings seem to highlight the importance of muscular fitness in PTs, especially the back-extension endurance.

Factors associated with presenteeism due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Background

Presenteeism associated to work-related musculoskeletal disorders is an important aspect of occupational health that can reveal important information regarding productivity and quality of life at work.

Objective

To quantify and evaluate the factors associated to presenteeism due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

This is a crosssectional study that used data from the Brazilian National Survey of Health of 2013, involving 847 workers diagnosed with workrelated musculoskeletal disorders.

Results

A multivariate analysis observed an association between presenteeism due to workrelated musculoskeletal disorders and income of a minimum wage or less (prevalence ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.60), intense physical activity at work (prevalence ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.08-1.37), and chronic diseases (prevalence ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.38).

Conclusions

Our observations indicated a high incidence of presenteeism, which was associated to sociodemographic and occupational aspects, as well as to the workers’ lifestyle and health conditions.

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).

Work-Related Mental Fatigue, Physical Activity and Risk of Insomnia Symptoms: Longitudinal Data from the Norwegian HUNT Study

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

To examine the prospective association between work-related mental fatigue and risk of insomnia symptoms, and if leisure time physical activity modifies this association.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 8,464 women and 7,480 men who participated in two consecutive surveys of the Norwegian HUNT study.

METHODS

The study comprises longitudinal data on persons who were vocationally active and without insomnia symptoms at baseline in 1995-1997. We used a modified Poisson regression model to calculate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for insomnia symptoms at follow-up in 2006-2008 associated with work-related mental fatigue and leisure time physical activity at baseline.

RESULTS

Women and men who always experienced mental fatigue after a workday had RRs of insomnia symptoms of 2.55 (95% CI 1.91-3.40) and 2.61 (95% CI 1.80-3.78), respectively, compared to workers who never or seldom had this experience. There was no strong modifying effect of leisure time physical activity on this association, but workers who always experienced mental fatigue had a RR of insomnia symptoms of 3.17 (95% CI 2.28-4.40) if they reported low physical activity and a RR of 2.52 (95% 1.89-3.39) if they reported high physical activity.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that work-related mental fatigue, caused by high cognitive workload, is a strong risk factor for insomnia symptoms. There was no clear modifying effect of leisure time physical activity but workers who experienced excessive work-related fatigue accompanied by low physical activity had the highest risk of insomnia symptoms.

How Is the Self-Perceived Work Ability Affected by the Duration of Unemployment, Heart Rate Variability and the Amount of Physical Activity in Older Long-Term Unemployed Persons?

BACKGROUND

This study investigated whether work ability is associated with the duration of unemployment, heart rate variability (HRV), and the level of physical activity.

METHODS

Thirty-four unemployed persons (mean 55.7 ± standard deviation 33.3 years, 22 female, 12 male, unemployed: range 1-22.5 years) participated in the cross-sectional study. The Work Ability Index (WAI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were applied. Short-term (five minutes) resting HRV (Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Total Power (TP)) was collected.

RESULTS

Work ability was positively associated with the HRV: LF (r = 0.383; p = 0.025), HF (r = 0.412; p = 0.015) and TP (r = 0.361; p = 0.036). The WAI showed a positive linear correlation with the amount of total physical activity (r = 0.461; p = 0.006) as well as with the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (r = 0.413; p = 0.015). No association between the WAI and the duration of unemployment occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

the relation between self-perceived work ability, health-associated parameters, the HRV and the level of physical activity points out the relevance of health-care exercise and the need of stress-reducing interventions to improve perceived work ability. Our results point out the need for the further and more holistic development of healthcare for the unemployed.

Work ability index in Slovenian hospital nurses aged over fifty years

Nurses with reduced work ability are highly susceptible to the deleterious effects of their working environments, and their rates of sick leave, disability, and early retirement are higher than average. The aim of this study was to evaluate work ability in 433 Slovenian hospital nurses aged over fifty years providing secondary care in thirteen hospitals across Slovenia. To do that we used a standardised instrument known as work ability index (WAI). Mean WAI was 36.98±6.46 and median 38. WAI was not associated with age (Spearman's ρ=-0.034, p=0.475). Total WAI score strongly correlated with the 1st item of the WAI questionnaire "current work ability" (ρ=0.726, p<0.001). Higher WAI scores were also associated with academic education, full-time employment, and working in a single (morning) or three shifts. Our WAI findings in nurses over fifty call for systemic changes in the nursing environment to maintain good work ability among nurses until the retirement age and beyond.

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.

Lifestyle and work ability in a general working population in Norway: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between multiple lifestyle-related risk factors (unhealthy diet, low leisure-time physical activity, overweight/obesity and smoking) and self-rated work ability in a general working population.

SETTING

Population-based cross-sectional study, in Telemark County, Norway, 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

A random sample of 50 000 subjects was invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire and 16 099 responded. Complete data on lifestyle and work ability were obtained for 10 355 participants aged 18-50 years all engaged in paid work during the preceding 12 months.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Score (WAS)-the first question in the Work Ability Index. To study the association between multiple lifestyle risk factors and work ability, a lifestyle risk index was constructed and relationships examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Low work ability was more likely among subjects with an unhealthy diet (ORadj 1.3, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.5), inactive persons (ORadj 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), obese respondents (ORadj 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7) and former and current smokers (ORadj 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4 and 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.5, respectively). An additive relationship was observed between the lifestyle risk index and the likelihood of decreased work ability (moderate-risk score: ORadj 1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6; high-risk score: ORadj 1.9; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.2; very high risk score: ORadj 2.4; 95% CI 1.9 to 3.0). The overall population attributable fraction (PAF) of low work ability based on the overall risk index was 38%, while the PAFs of physical activity, smoking, body mass index and diet were 16%, 11%, 11% and 6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle risk factors were associated with low work ability. An additive relationship was observed. The findings are considered relevant to occupational intervention programmes aimed at prevention and improvement of decreased work ability.

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

Purpose

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is known to be associated with positive health benefits, but the role of occupational physical demands remains inconsistent. The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between LTPA and work ability in different occupational physical activity (OPA) levels between young adult men.

Methods

We performed physical activity measurements in work and leisure time with the long version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and work ability with the Work Ability Index (WAI) in 921 Finnish employed male volunteer participants. The participants were divided into LTPA tertiles I (< 8 MET-h/week), II (8–28 MET-h/week), and III (> 28 MET-h/week) and OPA tertiles I (0 MET-h/week), II (< 64 MET-h/week), and III (≥ 64 MET-h/week).

Results

There was a significant relationship between LTPA and WAI in OPA tertiles (adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, working class status, BMI, and employment years). Moreover, each LTPA tertile showed significant linear associations with WAI (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

LTPA is positively associated with work ability among young adult men. More specifically, the relationships between LTPA and WAI were significantly greater in physically demanding jobs than in more passive jobs. Our results indicate the importance of LTPA, particularly with individuals under higher work-related physical strain.

Physical activity levels of allied health professionals working in a large Australian metropolitan health district - an observational study

PURPOSE

The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to determine if allied health professionals working in a large metropolitan health district were meeting the minimal physical activity (PA) recommendations and the proportion that occupational PA contributed to the recommended PA levels. A secondary aim was to determine possible relationships between self-report questionnaire measures of PA and PA measured by accelerometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Allied health professionals, working in the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) in 2016-2017, completed the Active Australia Survey (AAS), Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Long form (IPAQ-L), and wore the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer for 7 days consecutively.

RESULTS

Based on accelerometry results, allied health professionals (N=126) spent a mean (SD) of 51 (23) minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/day, representing 171% of the total recommended MVPA/day, with work contributing 76% to this recommendation. Participants walked a mean of 10,077 (2,766) steps/day, meeting 100% of the recommended 10,000 steps/day, with work contributing 54% to this recommendation. Sedentary behaviors were predominant throughout the entire day and work day. Compared with the ActiGraph MVPA time measurements, AAS MVPA time showed a fair level of agreement [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.44, P<0.01], while OSPAQ and IPAQ-L MVPA time showed no agreement (ICC=0.05, P=0.27; ICC=0.13, P=0.10, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Allied health professionals working in a large metropolitan health district met the daily PA recommendations based on accelerometry measures but tended to overreport their MVPA on self-report questionnaires.

Association between good work ability and health behaviours among unemployed: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

There has been relatively little research on the possible factors promoting good work ability among unemployed people. Consequently, the role of health behaviours in good work ability among the unemployed is unknown.

PURPOSE

To explore the work ability and health behaviours of unemployed people through sociodemographic factors and examine the association between good work ability and health behaviours.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

The study is based on the Finnish nationwide Regional Health and Well-being Study using mailed and online questionnaires in 2014-2015. A total of 1973 unemployed or laid-off people between the ages of 20 and 65 responded to the survey. The associations of work ability with sociodemographic factors - gender, age, marital status, minors (i.e. under-18s) living in the household, education, living environment, and duration of unemployment - and health behaviours with sociodemographic factors were first explored using cross-tabulations. Health behaviours included body mass index, daily smoking, alcohol consumption, vegetable consumption, health promotion groups, physical exercise, and sitting in one's leisure time. Health behaviours were then examined using logistic regression analyses, in association with good work ability; the latter was measured with the Work Ability Score.

RESULTS

Being aged below 45, being married or cohabiting, having a high level of education, and short-term unemployment were associated with good work ability. A quarter of participants were daily smokers. A proportion of women with risk level alcohol use (79%) was higher than that of men (59.9%). A third of unemployed people participated in high-intensity physical activity. In regression analyses, high-intensity physical activity (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.06-4.78) was associated with good work ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Unemployed women and men widely exhibited unhealthy behaviours such as daily smoking and a risk level use of alcohol. Health promotion actions for enhancing a healthy lifestyle and good work ability among unemployed people, particularly in emphasizing the importance of physical activity, are highly recommended.

The Work Ability of Hong Kong Construction Workers in Relation to Individual and Work-Related Factors

The shortage in Hong Kong of construction workers is expected to worsen in future due to the aging population and increasing construction activity. Construction work is dangerous and to help reduce the premature loss of construction workers due to work-related disabilities, this study measured the work ability of 420 Hong Kong construction workers with a Work Ability Index (WAI) which can be used to predict present and future work performance. Given the importance of WAI, in this study the effects of individual and work-related factors on WAI were examined to develop and validate a WAI model to predict how individual and work-related factors affect work ability. The findings will be useful for formulating a pragmatic intervention program to improve the work ability of construction workers and keep them in the work force.

An eHealth program versus a standard care supervised health program and associated health outcomes in individuals with mobility disability: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Young adults with mobility disability (MD) are less likely to engage in regular physical activity (PA) compared with their able-bodied peers and inactive adults with a MD are more likely to report one or more chronic diseases compared to those who are physically active. Despite the vast amount of research published in the field of PA interventions over the past decades, little attention has been focused on interventions aiming to increase PA among individuals with MD. Thus, we propose to compare the effects of an eHealth program compared to a usual care supervised health program on levels of PA and other health behaviors.

Methods

The current intervention will use a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with two treatment groups (an eHealth program and a usual care supervised health program) in young adults with newly acquired MD. In total, 110 young adults (aged 18–40 years) with a MD, acquired within the past 3 years, will be recruited to participate in a 12-week intervention. The primary study outcome is accelerometer-measured time spent in moderate to vigorous PA. Secondary outcomes includes health-related quality of life, depression, stress, fitness, body composition, diet, musculoskeletal pain, motivation to exercise and work ability.

Discussion

There is a lack of RCTs investigating effective ways to increase levels of PA in young adults with MD. Increased levels of PA among this physically inactive population have the potential to substantially improve health-related outcomes, possibly more so than in the general population. The trial will put strong emphasis on optimizing exercise adherence and investigating feasibility in the two treatment programs. The Ethical Review Board (EPN) at Karolinska Institutet has approved the study (2017/1206–31/1).

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN), reference number ISRCTN22387524. Prospectively registered February 4, 2018

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2646-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To work despite chronic health conditions: a qualitative study of workers at the Swedish Public Employment Service

OBJECTIVES

Achieving a sustainable, healthy and long working life is key prerequisite for meeting the demographic challenge posed by an ageing population so that more people can work on into their later years. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between work and chronic health conditions in a group of employees aged 50-64 years with a focus on factors that enable them to continue to work.

METHODS

Ten white-collar workers with one or more chronic health conditions at the Swedish Public Employment Service participated in the study. A qualitative method with semistructured in-depth interviews was used to collect data.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that factors enabling people with chronic health conditions to work include adaptation of the work situation by task-shifting as well as provision of physical aids. Our study suggest that the changes often come at the employee's initiative; hence, there is potential for greater involvement from the employer, healthcare agencies and the social insurance fund in making it easier for employees to adapt their work situation and in providing information regarding available support. It confirms findings in earlier studies that health plays an important part and also that self-confidence and motivation are significant factors contributing to workers being able and wanting to continue working.

The relationship between meeting of recommendations on physical activity for health and perceived work ability among white-collar workers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meeting recommendations on physical activity for health in leisure-time and the ability to work among Polish white-collar workers.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 360 white-collar workers. Participants recorded 7-day physical activity logs, including form, duration and intensity of leisure-time physical activities. The results were compared to health recommendations. A standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used in assessing the ability to work.

RESULTS

Participants who met health recommendations achieved higher scores of the WAI (mean score = 41.93) in comparison to those who were not sufficiently physically active (mean score = 39.35) (p < .001). The results of binary logistic regression show that meeting health-related physical activity recommendations almost double the odds of reaching at least good work ability (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12-3.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Meeting leisure-time physical activity recommendations (especially the criterion of vigorous physical activity) is significantly related to higher self-assessed ability to work among white-collar workers.

Systematic review of the association between physical activity and burnout

Objective:

Burnout constitutes a health risk, and interventions are needed to reduce it. The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and burnout by conducting a systematic review of longitudinal and intervention studies.

Methods:

A literature search resulted in the identification of a final set of ten studies: four longitudinal and six intervention studies. In separate analyses for each category, evidence was synthesized by extracting the study characteristics and assessing the methodological quality of each study. The strength of evidence was calculated with the standardized index of convergence (SIC).

Results:

In longitudinal studies, we found moderately strong evidence (SIC (4) = -1) for a negative relationship between physical activity and the key component of burnout, i.e., exhaustion. We found strong evidence (SIC (6) = -0.86) for the effect of physical activity on reducing exhaustion in intervention studies. As only one study could be classified as a high quality study, these results of previous studies need to be interpreted with some caution.

Conclusions:

This systematic review suggests that physical activity constitutes an effective medium for the reduction of burnout. Although consistent evidence was found, there is a lack of high quality longitudinal and intervention studies considering the influence of physical activity on burnout. Therefore, future research should be conducted with the aim to produce high quality studies, to develop a full picture of physical activity as a strategy to reduce burnout.

Association between V̇O2max, handgrip strength, and musculoskeletal pain among construction and health care workers

Background

Construction and health care workers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, and they are assumed to have physically demanding jobs. Profession- and gender-specific associations between individual capacity and musculoskeletal pain have not been sufficiently investigated. The main aim of this study was to examine the association between individual capacity (maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max) and handgrip strength) and musculoskeletal pain among construction and health care workers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined 137 construction and health care workers (58 women and 79 men) with a mean age of 41.8 years (standard deviation 12). Aerobic capacity was indirectly assessed by the Åstrand cycle test, and strength was assessed by a handgrip test. Musculoskeletal pain was described by total pain, divided into neck, shoulder, and low back pain, during the last 12 months, and it was dichotomized in below or above 30 days. Logistic regression was used to analyse the associations between V̇O_2max, strength, and musculoskeletal pain in the total study sample and separately for construction and health care workers. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and selected mechanical and psychosocial factors.

Results

Every second participant (51.8%) reported pain in either neck, shoulders or low back for more than 30 days during the last 12 months. Among the health care workers, a small but significant association was found between a high V̇O_2max, high handgrip strength, and a low level of musculoskeletal pain. No association was found for the construction workers.

Conclusions

An association between V̇O_2max, handgrip strength, and musculoskeletal pain was found for health care workers but not for construction workers. These results indicate that activities promoting individual capacity may reduce musculoskeletal pain for health care workers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4173-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Work ability in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis: An explorative and descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are rare, chronic inflammatory diseases leading to muscle weakness and low muscle endurance. The muscle weakness may lead to restrictions in daily activities and low health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the work situation, work ability, work-related risk factors, and influence of the physical and psycho-social work environment in patients with PM and DM.

METHODS

Patients with PM/DM were assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI), and the Work Environment Impact Scale (WEIS).

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients (PM n = 25 and DM n = 23) participated (women/men: 29/19) with a mean age of 54 years (range 28-67 years, SD.10) and mean disease duration of nine years (SD.9). Forty-four percent worked full-time, 31% part-time and 25% were on full-time sick leave. More than 50% self-rated work ability as "poor" or "less good". Physically strenuous work components were present "quite to very often" in 23-79% and more in patients on sick leave ≥ 2 years. For those working, the interfering factors in the work environment concerned task and time demands. Supporting factors concerned meaning of work, interactions with co-workers and others. Self-rated work ability correlated moderately-highly positive with percentage of full-time employment, work-related risk factors and opportunities and constraints in the work environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor self-rated work ability is common in patients with PM/DM indicating a need to identify interfering risk factors and support patients to enhance work performance.

Perceived Work Ability in the Light of Long-Term and Stress-Related Unhealthy Behaviors-a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Most of the few studies that exist on the longitudinal associations between health behaviors and work ability target to single health behaviors.

PURPOSE

To investigate how lifetime clusters of unhealthy behaviors associate with perceived work ability in early midlife.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 46-year-old men and women (n = 3107) born in Northern Finland in 1966. Their current perceived work ability compared to lifetime best, and their unhealthy behaviors (physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) were assessed by questionnaires. We determined clusters of unhealthy behaviors at the ages of 14, 31, and 46 and created lifetime development trajectories of health behaviors. We also assessed stress-related eating and drinking at the ages of 31 and 46. Cross-tabulations and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between clusters of health behaviors, stress-related eating and drinking, and work ability at 46 years. The analyses were controlled for basic education and physical strenuousness of work, psychosocial job characteristics, perceived work ability, and BMI (kg/m(2)) at 31 years.

RESULTS

Four health behavior trajectories emerged: always healthy, moderate (reference group), deteriorated. and always unhealthy. Among men, always unhealthy behaviors [OR (95 % confidence interval) 2.81 (1.35, 5.86)], and among women, deteriorated health behaviors [1.67 (1.07, 2.58)] associated with poor perceived work ability at 46 years. In addition, stress-related eating and drinking associated independently with poor perceived work ability at 46 years [men 2.58 (1.62, 4.12) and women 2.48 (1.70, 3.61)].

CONCLUSION

Long-lasting and stress-related unhealthy behaviors increase the risk of poor work ability in midlife.

The "Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale" and its application to health research

The use of a four-level questionnaire to assess leisure time physical activity (PA) and its validation is reviewed in this paper. This questionnaire was first published in 1968 and has then been used by more than 600,000 subjects, especially in different population studies in the Nordic countries. A number of modifications to the questionnaire have been published. These are mostly minor changes, such as adding practical examples of activities to illustrate the levels of PA. Some authors have also added duration requirements that were not included for all levels of PA in the original version. The concurrent validity, with respect to aerobic capacity and movement analysis using objective measurements has been shown to be good, as has the predictive validity with respect to various risk factors for health conditions and for morbidity and mortality.

Work Ability and Its Related Factors Among Workers in Small and Medium Enterprises: Comparison Among Four ASEAN Countries

Work ability is related to many factors that might influence one's capacity to work. This study aimed to examine the work ability and its related factors among small and medium enterprises (SME) workers in 4 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The participants in this study included 2098 workers from food and textile industries in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey of anonymous self-administrated questionnaire was designed to collect information on sociodemographic factors, work environment and ergonomic condition, musculoskeletal disorders, and work ability. Bivariate correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses were used to predict the work ability. Results of this study confirm that work ability in 4 ASEAN countries was similar to that in European countries, and that the sociodemographic factors, work environment and ergonomic condition, and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) were associated with work ability. These factors are important for considering occupational health and safety policy to promote work ability in food, textile, and other SME workers.

Heavy Physical Work: Cardiovascular Load in Male Construction Workers

This study aimed to elucidate cardiovascular loads (CVL) in construction workers during work and leisure by relative heart rate (RHR) over several days. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate the level of CVL in relation to individual factors, work ability, musculoskeletal pain and subjective general health. From a group of 255 construction workers responding to the baseline questionnaire, the CVL during work and leisure time was determined by recording RHR in 42 workers over 3–4 days. Almost 60% of the workday was spent below 20% RHR. The mean RHR during work for all participants was 16% RHR, with large differences between professions. On average, the 42 workers spent 14% of the workday at a RHR above 33%, and four subjects (10%) had a mean RHR above 33% during work. Eight (19%) of the participants had a mean length of their workday exceeding calculated maximal acceptable work time. Seven persons (17%) experienced on average one or more episode(s) of 5 min or more continuously above 33% RHR. The cardiovascular load at work was significantly associated with age and V˙O_2max, but not with work ability, musculoskeletal pain or subjective general health.

The association between physical activity, sitting time, sleep duration, and sleep quality as correlates of presenteeism

Objective:

This study aims to examine the relationship of lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, work and non-work sitting time, sleep quality, and sleep duration) with presenteeism while controlling for sociodemographics, work- and health-related variables.

Methods:

Data were collected from 710 workers (aged 20 to 76 years; 47.9% women) from randomly selected Australian adults who completed an online survey. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and presenteeism.

Results:

Poorer sleep quality (standardized regression coefficients [B] = 0.112; P < 0.05), suboptimal duration (B = 0.081; P < 0.05), and lower work sitting time (B = −0.086; P < 0.05) were significantly associated with higher presenteeism when controlling for all lifestyle behaviors. Engaging in three risky lifestyle behaviors was associated with higher presenteeism (B = 0.150; P < 0.01) compared with engaging in none or one.

Conclusions:

The results of this study highlight the importance of sleep behaviors for presenteeism and call for behavioral interventions that simultaneously address sleep in conjunction with other activity-related behaviors.

Self-Reported Poor Work Ability--An Indicator of Need for Rehabilitation? A Cross-Sectional Study of a Sample of German Employees

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess associations of self-reported work ability as measured by the Work Ability Index (WAI) with modifiable behavioral and occupational health risks, health service utilization, and intended rehabilitation and pension requests.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study of a random sample of German employees aged 40-54 yrs on sickness benefits in 2012 (trial registration: DRKS00004824).

RESULTS

In total, 1312 male and 1502 female employees were included in the analyses. Low WAI scores (i.e., <37 points) were associated with a higher prevalence of occupational and behavioral health risks; a higher likelihood of frequent visits to general, somatic, and psychologic specialists as well as hospital stays; and four to six times higher risks of intended rehabilitation and pension requests. A two-item version of the WAI was as strongly associated with intended rehabilitation and pension requests as the total score.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the WAI is a sensitive screening tool to identify workers on sick leave with a probable need for rehabilitation. The WAI could support the assessment of need for rehabilitation by occupational health services in return-to-work strategies, which include the opportunity to access multiprofessional rehabilitation.

Efficacy of an exercise intervention for employees with work-related fatigue: study protocol of a two-arm randomized controlled trial

Background

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy of an exercise intervention to reduce work-related fatigue. Exercise is a potentially effective intervention strategy to reduce work-related fatigue, since it may enhance employees’ ability to cope with work stress and it helps to detach from work. However, based on available research, no clear causal inferences regarding its efficacy can be made. This RCT therefore investigates whether exercise is effective in reducing work-related fatigue, and in improving other indicators of employees’ mental and physical well-being and performance.

Methods/design

A two-arm parallel trial will be conducted. Participants (N = 108) who experience high levels of work-related fatigue will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to a 6-week exercise intervention or wait list (control). The exercise intervention consists of three one-hour low-intensity outdoor running sessions a week. Each week, two sessions take place in a group under supervision of a trainer, and one session is completed individually. The running sessions will be carried out during leisure time. The primary outcome is work-related fatigue. Secondary outcomes include work ability, self-efficacy, sleep quality, cognitive functioning, and aerobic fitness. These data will be collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention. In addition, weekly measures of employees’ well-being, and exercise activities (i.e. type, frequency, and duration) and experiences (i.e. pleasure, effort, and detachment) will be collected during the intervention period.

Discussion

This study will compare an exercise intervention to a wait list. This enables us to examine the effect of exercise on work-related fatigue compared to the natural course of these symptoms. As such, this study contributes to a better understanding of the causal link between exercise and work-related fatigue. If the intervention is proven effective, the results could provide a basis for future ‘effectiveness’ trials in which the (implementation of the) intervention can be investigated among a broader defined population in a less standardized way, eventually leading to better evidence-based policies and practices to employees, employers, health practitioners, and policy makers concerning the effect of exercise on work-related fatigue.

Trial registration

NTR5034. Registered 10 March 2015.

Disentangling longitudinal relations between physical activity, work-related fatigue, and task demands

Purpose

This longitudinal study examined ‘normal’, ‘reversed’, and ‘reciprocal’ relationships between (1) physical activity and work-related fatigue; and (2) physical activity and task demands. Furthermore, the effects of across-time change in meaningful physical activity groups on levels of employees’ work-related fatigue and task demands were studied. These groups were based on employees’ compliance with the international physical activity norm.

Methods

Two waves with a one-year time lag of a national representative survey on the quality of work, health, and well-being among Dutch employees were used (N = 2275). Longitudinal effects were tested using Structural Equation Modelling. Meaningful physical activity groups were compared using group-by-time analysis of covariance.

Results

Support was found for reciprocal relations between physical activity and work-related fatigue. It was found that an increase in physical activity is associated with a decrease in work-related fatigue over time and that an increase in work-related fatigue is associated with a decrease in physical activity over time. No significant longitudinal relations were found between physical activity and task demands. Employees whose compliance with the physical activity norm changed over time showed fairly stable levels of work-related fatigue and task demands.

Conclusions

The current findings provide evidence for the potential role of physical activity in the prevention and reduction in work-related fatigue. However, results also indicate that fatigued workers, who would benefit most from physical activity, are less physically active. Our results further indicate that relying on changes in compliance to the physical activity norm may not be the most suitable way to examine changes in work-related fatigue.

Nature-based stress management course for individuals at risk of adverse health effects from work-related stress-effects on stress related symptoms, workability and sick leave

Sick leave due to stress-related disorders is increasing in Sweden after a period of decrease. To avoid that individuals living under heavy stress develop more severe stress-related disorders, different stress management interventions are offered. Self-assessed health, burnout-scores and well-being are commonly used as outcome measures. Few studies have used sick-leave to compare effects of stress interventions. A new approach is to use nature and garden in a multimodal stress management context. This study aimed to explore effects on burnout, work ability, stress-related health symptoms, and sick leave for 33 women participating in a 12-weeks nature based stress management course and to investigate how the nature/garden activities were experienced. A mixed method approach was used. Measures were taken at course start and three follow-ups. Results showed decreased burnout-scores and long-term sick leaves, and increased work ability; furthermore less stress-related symptoms were reported. Tools and strategies to better handle stress were achieved and were widely at use at all follow-ups. The garden and nature content played an important role for stress relief and for tools and strategies to develop. The results from this study points to beneficial effects of using garden activities and natural environments in a stress management intervention.

Effects of the Workplace Health Promotion Activities Soccer and Zumba on Muscle Pain, Work Ability and Perceived Physical Exertion among Female Hospital Employees

OBJECTIVES

This 40-week workplace physical training RCT investigated the effect of soccer and Zumba, respectively, on muscle pain intensity and duration, work ability, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during work among female hospital employees.

METHODS

107 hospital employees were cluster-randomized into two training groups, and a control group. The training was conducted outside working hours as two-three 1-h sessions per week for the first 12 weeks, and continued as one-two 1-h sessions per week for the last 28 weeks. Muscle pain intensity and duration, work ability, and RPE during work were measured at baseline and after 12 and 40 weeks.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, both the soccer (-1.9, 95% CI, -3.0, -0.8, P = 0.001) and the Zumba group (-1.3, 95% CI, -2.3, -0.3, P = 0.01) reduced the pain intensity (on a scale from 0 to 10) in the neck-shoulder region (eta squared = 0.109), whereas only the soccer group (-1.9, 95% CI, -3.2, -0.7, P = 0.002, eta squared = 0.092) showed a reduction after 40 weeks referencing the control group. After 40 weeks, both the soccer (-16.4 days, 95% CI, -29.6, -3.2, P<0.02) and the Zumba group (-16.6 days, 95% CI, -28.9, -4.2, P<0.01) reduced the pain duration during the past 3 months in the neck-shoulder region (eta squared = 0.077). No significant effects on intensity or duration of pain in the lower back, RPE during work or work ability were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that workplace initiated soccer and Zumba training improve neck-shoulder pain intensity as well as duration among female hospital employees.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN 61986892.

On physiological demands and sustainability in meat cutting

Meat cutters' work has been investigated by several researchers. However, knowledge about the physiological demands of meat cutting is almost lacking. The aim of this explorative study was to assess physiological demands in meat cutting, to compare them with International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations for acceptable workload and to discuss the findings in relation to individual and work-related factors. In accordance with the ILO recommendations, work was categorised as sustainable or non-sustainable based on critical relative aerobic strain (RAS) levels. Twenty-one beef and pork cutters participated in the study, which included workload measurements, assessment of workplace and individual factors. Thirteen meat cutters were categorised as having non-sustainable and eight as having sustainable work. Results suggest that the workload is higher in beef cutting than in pork cutting, and that longer work experience is related to lower RAS. Other factors contributing to the physical workload are discussed.

PRACTITIONER SUMMARY

Meat-cutting work may exceed recommended physical workload levels. Beef cutting is physically more demanding than pork cutting. Furthermore, factors such as years in the profession, knife sharpness, work pace, wage system, working technique, maximum oxygen uptake level and muscular strength should be considered when planning actions regarding the workload for meat cutters.

Musculoskeletal health and work ability in physically demanding occupations: study protocol for a prospective field study on construction and health care workers

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders have a profound impact on individual health, sickness absence and early retirement, particularly in physically demanding occupations. Demographics are changing in the developed countries, towards increasing proportions of senior workers. These senior workers may have particular difficulties coping with physically demanding occupations while maintaining good health. Previous studies investigating the relationship between physical work demands and musculoskeletal disorders are mainly based on self-reported exposures and lack a prospective design. The aim of this paper is to describe the background and methods and discuss challenges for a field study examining physical demands in construction and health care work and their prospective associations with musculoskeletal disorders, work ability and sickness absence.

METHODS AND DESIGN

This protocol describes a prospective cohort study on 1200 construction and health care workers. Participants will answer a baseline questionnaire concerning musculoskeletal complaints, general health, psychosocial and organizational factors at work, work demands, work ability and physical activity during leisure. A shorter questionnaire will be answered every 6th months for a total of two years, together with continuous sickness absence monitoring during this period. Analysis will prospectively consider associations between self-reported physical demands and musculoskeletal disorders, work ability and sickness absence. To obtain objective data on physical exposures, technical measurements will be collected from two subgroups of N = 300 (Group A) and N = 160 (Group B) during work and leisure. Both group A and B will be given a physical health examination, be tested for physical capacity and physical activity will be measured for four days. Additionally, muscle activity, ground reaction force, body positions and physical activity will be examined during one workday for Group B. Analysis of associations between objectively measured exposure data and the outcomes described above will be done separately for these subpopulations.

DISCUSSION

The field study will at baseline produce objectively measured data on physical demands in the construction and health care occupations. In combination with clinical measurements and questionnaire data during follow-up, this will provide a solid foundation to prospectively investigate relationships between physical demands at work and development of musculoskeletal disorders, work ability and sickness absence.

Exercise, character strengths, well-being, and learning climate in the prediction of performance over a 6-month period at a call center

Background: Performance monitoring might have an adverse influence on call center agents' well-being. We investigate how performance, over a 6-month period, is related to agents' perceptions of their learning climate, character strengths, well-being (subjective and psychological), and physical activity.

Method: Agents (N = 135) self-reported perception of the learning climate (Learning Climate Questionnaire), character strengths (Values In Action Inventory Short Version), well-being (Positive Affect, Negative Affect Schedule, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scales Short Version), and how often/intensively they engaged in physical activity. Performance, “time on the phone,” was monitored for 6 consecutive months by the same system handling the calls.

Results: Performance was positively related to having opportunities to develop, the character strengths clusters of Wisdom and Knowledge (e.g., curiosity for learning, perspective) and Temperance (e.g., having self-control, being prudent, humble, and modest), and exercise frequency. Performance was negatively related to the sense of autonomy and responsibility, contentedness, the character strengths clusters of Humanity and Love (e.g., helping others, cooperation) and Justice (e.g., affiliation, fairness, leadership), positive affect, life satisfaction and exercise Intensity.

Conclusion: Call centers may need to create opportunities to develop to increase agents' performance and focus on individual differences in the recruitment and selection of agents to prevent future shortcomings or worker dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, performance measurement in call centers may need to include other aspects that are more attuned with different character strengths. After all, allowing individuals to put their strengths at work should empower the individual and at the end the organization itself. Finally, physical activity enhancement programs might offer considerable positive work outcomes.