1
|
Porta M, Orrù PF, Pau M. Use of wearable sensors to assess patterns of trunk flexion in young and old workers in the Metalworking Industry. ERGONOMICS 2021; 64:1543-1554. [PMID: 34180361 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1948107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Workers exposed to repeated trunk flexions are at risk of onset of low-back disorders and in individuals aged over 50 this issue is exacerbated by the physiologic decline of the musculoskeletal system and longer lifetime occupational exposure. In this study, we investigated the existence of possible age-related differences in patterns of trunk flexion of workers in the metalworking industry. Thirty-three subjects were monitored during an actual shift using a wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to assess trunk flexion angles (i.e. between 30° and 60°, 60°-90° and > 90°). Results show that older workers spent less time with their trunk flexed, regardless of the class of flexion considered, with respect to their younger colleagues. Although further studies are necessary to clarify the existence of strategies aimed at optimising trunk movements during ageing, the IMU-based approach appears useful in highlighting potentially harmful conditions, especially in workers with marked signs of decline in their physical capacities. Practitioner summary: Wearable sensors, which are well tolerated and minimally intrusive, represent a valid option to continuously monitor trunk posture in workers employed in metalworking industry. The results of this study show that they provide valuable information about the patterns of flexion of young and old individuals engaged in physically demanding tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Porta
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Orrù
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pau
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Viotti S, Guidetti G, Sottimano I, Travierso L, Martini M, Converso D. Do Menopausal Symptoms Affect the Relationship between Job Demands, Work Ability, and Exhaustion? Testing a Moderated Mediation Model in a Sample of Italian Administrative Employees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910029. [PMID: 34639331 PMCID: PMC8508446 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The increasing presence of employed women undergoing menopause has stimulated a growing corpus of research highlighting the complex relationship between menopause and work. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the mechanism by which menopause affects work ability and work-related well-being. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the present study examines whether and how menopausal symptoms affect the relationship between job demands, work ability, and exhaustion. (2) Method: In total, 1069 menopausal women, employed as administrative officers in a public organization, filled out a self-report questionnaire. A moderated mediation analysis was carried out using the latent moderated structural (LMS) equation. (3) Findings: The findings of this analysis indicate that the indirect effect of work ability on the relationship between job demands and exhaustion is influenced by the exacerbating effect of menopausal symptoms on the relationship between job demands and work ability. Moreover, the conditional effect confirmed that women with high menopausal symptoms receive more exposure to the negative effects of job demands on work ability compared to women with low menopausal symptoms. (4) Conclusion: The present findings may help in addressing interventions to prevent negative outcomes for menopausal women and their organizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Viotti
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Gloria Guidetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Della Salute e Del Territorio, Università di Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Ilaria Sottimano
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Lucia Travierso
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Mara Martini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Converso
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rasmussen CL, Dumuid D, Hron K, Gupta N, Jørgensen MB, Nabe-Nielsen K, Holtermann A. Day-to-day pattern of work and leisure time physical behaviours: are low socioeconomic status adults couch potatoes or work warriors? BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1342. [PMID: 34233666 PMCID: PMC8265073 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most studies on day-to-day patterns of physical behaviours (i.e. physical activities and sedentary behaviour) are based on adults with high socioeconomic status (SES) and without differentiating between work and leisure time. Thus, we aimed to characterise the day-to-day leisure time physical behaviours patterns among low SES adults and investigate the influence of work physical behaviours. Methods This cross-sectional study included 963 adults from low SES occupations (e.g. manufacturing, cleaning and transportation). The participants wore accelerometers for 1–7 days to measure physical behaviours during work and leisure time, expressed as time-use compositions consisting of time spent sedentary, standing or being active (walking, running, stair climbing, or cycling). Compositional multivariate multilevel models were used to regress daily leisure time-use composition against work time-use compositions. Interaction between weekday and (1) type of day, (i.e., work/non-work) and (2) the work time-use composition were tested. Compositional isotemporal substitution was used to interpret the estimates from the models. Results Each weekday, workers consistently spent most leisure time being sedentary and most work time standing. Leisure time physical behaviours were associated with type of day (p < 0.005, more sedentary on workdays vs. non-workdays), weekday (p < 0.005, more sedentary on Friday, Saturday and Sunday), standing work (p < 0.005, more sedentary and less standing and active leisure time on Sunday), and active work (p < 0.005, less sedentary and more standing and active leisure time on Sunday). Sedentary leisure time increased by 18 min, while standing and active leisure time decreased by 11 and 7 min, respectively, when 30 min were reallocated to standing at work on Sunday. Conversely, sedentary leisure time decreased by 25 min, and standing and active leisure time increased by 15 and 10 min, respectively, when 30 min were reallocated to active time at work on Sunday. Conclusions While low SES adults’ leisure time was mostly sedentary, their work time was predominantly standing. Work physical behaviours differently influenced day-to-day leisure time behaviours. Thus, public health initiatives aiming to change leisure time behaviours among low SES adults should consider the influence of work physical behaviours. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11409-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorothea Dumuid
- Allied Health & Human Performance, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karel Hron
- Allied Health & Human Performance, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Mathematical Analysis and Applications of Mathematics, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rasmussen CL, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Johansson MS, Crowley P, Stevens ML, Gupta N, Karstad K, Holtermann A. Zero problems with compositional data of physical behaviors: a comparison of three zero replacement methods. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:126. [PMID: 33023619 PMCID: PMC7542467 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-01029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers applying compositional data analysis to time-use data (e.g., time spent in physical behaviors) often face the problem of zeros, that is, recordings of zero time spent in any of the studied behaviors. Zeros hinder the application of compositional data analysis because the analysis is based on log-ratios. One way to overcome this challenge is to replace the zeros with sensible small values. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three existing replacement methods used within physical behavior time-use epidemiology: simple replacement, multiplicative replacement, and log-ratio expectation-maximization (lrEM) algorithm. Moreover, we assessed the consequence of choosing replacement values higher than the lowest observed value for a given behavior. METHOD Using a complete dataset based on accelerometer data from 1310 Danish adults as reference, multiple datasets were simulated across six scenarios of zeros (5-30% zeros in 5% increments). Moreover, four examples were produced based on real data, in which, 10 and 20% zeros were imposed and replaced using a replacement value of 0.5 min, 65% of the observation threshold, or an estimated value below the observation threshold. For the simulation study and the examples, the zeros were replaced using the three replacement methods and the degree of distortion introduced was assessed by comparison with the complete dataset. RESULTS The lrEM method outperformed the other replacement methods as it had the smallest influence on the structure of relative variation of the datasets. Both the simple and multiplicative replacements introduced higher distortion, particularly in scenarios with more than 10% zeros; although the latter, like the lrEM, does preserve the ratios between behaviors with no zeros. The examples revealed that replacing zeros with a value higher than the observation threshold severely affected the structure of relative variation. CONCLUSIONS Given our findings, we encourage the use of replacement methods that preserve the relative structure of physical behavior data, as achieved by the multiplicative and lrEM replacements, and to avoid simple replacement. Moreover, we do not recommend replacing zeros with values higher than the lowest observed value for a behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Melker Staffan Johansson
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Patrick Crowley
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew Leigh Stevens
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina Karstad
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Van Poel E, Ketels M, Clays E. The association between occupational physical activity, psychosocial factors and perceived work ability among nurses. J Nurs Manag 2020; 28:1696-1703. [DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Van Poel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Margo Ketels
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Els Clays
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lund Rasmussen C, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Korshøj M, Gupta N, Nabe-Nielsen K, Holtermann A, Jørgensen MB. Is high aerobic workload at work associated with leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour among blue-collar workers? A compositional data analysis based on accelerometer data. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217024. [PMID: 31170169 PMCID: PMC6553845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the hypothesized negative association between duration of work time spent at a high relative aerobic workload and leisure time movement behaviours among blue-collar workers. Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on heart rate and accelerometer data from 803 blue-collar workers (447 men and 356 women). Relative aerobic workload was measured as percentage of heart rate reserve during work (%HRR). Leisure time movement behaviours were expressed in terms of leisure time spent in sedentary and active behaviours in uninterrupted bouts (i.e. <10 min, ≥10–30 min and >30 min). Compositional regression and isotemporal substitution models were used to assess the association between the predominance of work time spent at ≥40%HRR and leisure time spent in sedentary and active bouts. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results For men, there was no statistically significant association between the predominance of work time spent at ≥40%HRR and leisure time movement behaviours. Among women, the predominance of ≥40%HRR at work was negatively associated with relative leisure time spent in ≥10 min bouts of active behaviour ( β^ = -0.21, p = 0.02) and a theoretical 15 min reallocation of work time from <40%HRR to ≥40%HRR was estimated to decrease active behaviour by 6 min during leisure time. Conclusion Our result highlights the need for considering work-related barriers for an active leisure time in high-risk populations. Longitudinal studies are warranted to disentangle the relationship between physically demanding work characteristics and leisure time movement behaviours in such populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Mette Korshøj
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dencker-Larsen S, Rasmussen CL, Thorsen SV, Clays E, Lund T, Labriola M, Mortensen OS, Jørgensen MB, Gupta N, Rasmussen CDN, Holtermann A. Technically measured compositional physical work demands and prospective register-based sickness absence (PODESA): a study protocol. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:257. [PMID: 30832631 PMCID: PMC6398236 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6581-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various physical work demands are shown to be associated with sickness absence. However, these studies have: (a) predominantly used self-reported data on physical work demands that have been shown to be inaccurate compared with technical measurements, (b) principally focused on various physical work demands in 'isolation', i.e. ignoring their co-dependency - compositional nature -, and (c) mainly used register data on long-term sickness absence. The present article describes the protocol of a study with the objective of investigating the association between technically measured compositional data on physical work demands and prospective long- and short-term register-based data on sickness absence. METHODS 'The technically measured compositional Physical wOrk DEmands and prospective association with register-based Sickness Absence study (PODESA)' comprises data from two Danish cohorts (NOMAD and DPhacto) primarily on blue-collar workers. In the PODESA cohort, data on 1108 workers were collected at baseline (between 2011 and 2014). The cohort data comprise, e.g., self-reported information on descriptives, lifestyle, workday, and health, as well as accelerometer-based measurements of physical work demands (physical activity, movements, and postures). These baseline measurements are linked with prospective register-based data on sickness absence for up to four years after baseline. The prospective association between physical work demands and sickness absence will be analysed using a Compositional Data Analysis approach. DISCUSSION PODESA provides a unique possibility of unravelling which combinations of physical work demands are associated with prospective sickness absence. PODESA employs technically measured information on physical work demands (taking into account the compositionality of physical work demand data) and prospective sickness absence data. The findings from PODESA can be used to develop strengthened preventive interventions for sickness absence. Results are expected in 2019-2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Dencker-Larsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sannie Vester Thorsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Els Clays
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 4K3 (ingang 42), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B–9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Lund
- Center for Social Medicine, Frederiksberg and Bispebjerg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Merete Labriola
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Steen Mortensen
- Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Holbæk Hospital, Smedelundsgade 60, 4300 Holbæk, Denmark
| | - Marie Birk Jørgensen
- Department of Forensic Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Elser H, Falconi AM, Bass M, Cullen MR. Blue-collar work and women's health: A systematic review of the evidence from 1990 to 2015. SSM Popul Health 2018; 6:195-244. [PMID: 30417066 PMCID: PMC6215057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the implications of gender and sex differences for health risks associated with blue-collar work, adverse health outcomes among blue-collar workers has been most frequently studied among men. The present study provides a "state-of-the-field" systematic review of the empiric evidence published on blue-collar women's health. We systematically reviewed literature related to the health of blue-collar women published between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2015. We limited our review to peer-reviewed studies published in the English language on the health or health behaviors of women who were presently working or had previously worked in a blue-collar job. Studies were eligible for inclusion regardless of the number, age, or geographic region of blue-collar women in the study sample. We retained 177 studies that considered a wide range of health outcomes in study populations from 40 different countries. Overall, these studies suggested inferior health among female blue-collar workers as compared with either blue-collar males or other women. However, we noted several methodological limitations in addition to heterogeneity in study context and design, which inhibited comparison of results across publications. Methodological limitations of the extant literature, alongside the rapidly changing nature of women in the workplace, motivate further study on the health of blue-collar women. Efforts to identify specific mechanisms by which blue-collar work predisposes women to adverse health may be particularly valuable in informing future workplace-based and policy-level interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Elser
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, 50 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - April M. Falconi
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Michelle Bass
- Population Research Librarian, Lane Medical Library & Knowledge Management Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr L109, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Mark R. Cullen
- Stanford Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Merkus SL, Lunde LK, Koch M, Wærsted M, Knardahl S, Veiersted KB. Physical capacity, occupational physical demands, and relative physical strain of older employees in construction and healthcare. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 92:295-307. [PMID: 30443711 PMCID: PMC6420471 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To assess age-related differences in physical capacity, occupational physical demands, and relative physical strain at a group level, and the balance between capacity and demands at an individual level, for construction and healthcare workers. Methods Shoulder strength, back strength, and aerobic capacity were assessed among construction (n = 62) and healthcare workers (n = 64). During a full working day, accelerometers estimated upper-arm elevation, trunk flexion, and occupational physical activity as indicators of occupational physical demands. Simultaneously, normalised surface electromyography (%sEMGmax) of the upper trapezius and erector spinae muscles, and normalised electrocardiography (percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR)) estimated relative physical strain. Differences between younger (≤ 44 years) and older (≥ 45 years) workers, as well as the moderating effect of age on the associations between capacity and demands, were analysed per sector. Results Compared to younger workers, older workers had similar strength and lower aerobic capacity; older construction workers had similar demands while older healthcare workers had higher demands. Compared to younger workers, older employees had unfavourable muscle activity patterns; %HRR had a tendency to be lower for older construction workers and higher for older healthcare workers. Among construction workers, age moderated the associations between shoulder strength and arm elevation (p = 0.021), and between aerobic capacity and occupational physical activity (p = 0.040). Age did not moderate these associations among healthcare workers. Conclusions In both sectors, the level of occupational physical demands and the higher relative physical strain in older employees require addressing to promote sustainable work participation among an aging population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00420-018-1377-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L Merkus
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus Koch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Wærsted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaj Bo Veiersted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rasmussen CL, Nabe-Nielsen K, Jørgensen MB, Holtermann A. The association between occupational standing and sedentary leisure time over consecutive workdays among blue-collar workers in manual jobs. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 92:481-490. [PMID: 30426207 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blue-collar workers spend much leisure time sedentary, which is associated with numerous health impairments. The extensive sedentary leisure time among blue-collar workers could be caused by fatigue from physically demanding work, like stationary standing. Occupational stationary standing is prevalent in many blue-collar jobs and has been shown to induce fatigue. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between occupational standing and sedentary leisure time over several workdays among blue-collar workers. METHODS This study used data from 925 workers from Danish workplaces within cleaning, transportation, manufacturing, construction, road maintenance, garbage disposal, and health service. Eligible workers wore accelerometers for 2-5 consecutive workdays. A linear regression was used to investigate the association between percent of work time spent standing and leisure time spent sedentary. A multilevel growth model was used to assess the association between standing during work and sedentary leisure time over consecutive workdays. RESULTS We found no association between percent of work hours spent standing and percent of leisure time spent sedentary (coef. = 0.01, p = 0.84). The results showed an increase in the workers' sedentary leisure time over a week (coef. = 0.70, p < 0.01). However, this increase was not associated with consecutive workdays exposed to occupational standing (coef. = 0.02, p = 0.42). CONCLUSION In this study, we found no support of a positive association between occupational standing and sedentary leisure time. This lack of association could be attributable to a low variation in sedentary leisure time or the chosen definition and measurement of occupational standing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rasmussen CL, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Bauman A, Gupta N, Nabe-Nielsen K, Jørgensen MB, Holtermann A. Does Physically Demanding Work Hinder a Physically Active Lifestyle in Low Socioeconomic Workers? A Compositional Data Analysis Based on Accelerometer Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071306. [PMID: 29933644 PMCID: PMC6068990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is strongly associated with socioeconomic position (SEP). Few studies have investigated if demanding occupational physical activity (OPA) could impede a physically active lifestyle in low SEP groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between OPA and LTPA among low SEP men and women. We used cross-sectional data from 895 low SEP workers who wore accelerometers for 1–5 consecutive workdays. The associations between the relative importance of activities performed during work and leisure time were assessed using compositional regression models stratified on sex. Compositional isotemporal substitution models were used to assess the implication of increasing occupational walking, standing, or sitting on LTPA. We found dissimilarity in LTPA between the sexes, with men spending more waking leisure time sedentary than women (men ~67%, women ~61%), suggesting women performed more household tasks. In men, the associations between OPA and LTPA were weak. In women, the strongest association was observed between the relative importance of occupational walking and leisure time standing (β^ = −0.16; p = 0.01), where reallocating 15 min work time to occupational walking showed an expected decrease in leisure time standing of 7 min. If this time was spent on additional sedentary leisure time, it could have adverse health consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Adrian Bauman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marie Birk Jørgensen
- Department of Forensic Science, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gupta N, Christiansen CS, Hanisch C, Bay H, Burr H, Holtermann A. Is questionnaire-based sitting time inaccurate and can it be improved? A cross-sectional investigation using accelerometer-based sitting time. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013251. [PMID: 28093433 PMCID: PMC5253534 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the differences between a questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time, and develop a model for improving the accuracy of questionnaire-based sitting time for predicting accelerometer-based sitting time. METHODS 183 workers in a cross-sectional study reported sitting time per day using a single question during the measurement period, and wore 2 Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers on the thigh and trunk for 1-4 working days to determine their actual sitting time per day using the validated Acti4 software. Least squares regression models were fitted with questionnaire-based siting time and other self-reported predictors to predict accelerometer-based sitting time. RESULTS Questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based average sitting times were ≈272 and ≈476 min/day, respectively. A low Pearson correlation (r=0.32), high mean bias (204.1 min) and wide limits of agreement (549.8 to -139.7 min) between questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time were found. The prediction model based on questionnaire-based sitting explained 10% of the variance in accelerometer-based sitting time. Inclusion of 9 self-reported predictors in the model increased the explained variance to 41%, with 10% optimism using a resampling bootstrap validation. Based on a split validation analysis, the developed prediction model on ≈75% of the workers (n=132) reduced the mean and the SD of the difference between questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time by 64% and 42%, respectively, in the remaining 25% of the workers. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that questionnaire-based sitting time has low validity and that a prediction model can be one solution to materially improve the precision of questionnaire-based sitting time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Christiana Hanisch
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Bay
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hermann Burr
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Munch Nielsen C, Gupta N, Knudsen LE, Holtermann A. Association of objectively measured occupational walking and standing still with low back pain: a cross-sectional study. ERGONOMICS 2017; 60:118-126. [PMID: 26968200 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2016.1164901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study investigated the association of objectively measured walking and standing still time at work with low back pain (LBP) intensity among blue-collar workers. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHODS 187 workers attached two accelerometers for diurnal standing still and walking measurements, which were categorised using tertiles. Workers' self-reported LBP intensity (scale 0-9) was categorised into low (0-5) and high pain (6-9). RESULTS Of the 187 workers, 17% reported a high level of LBP. Results of the multi-adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated a negative association between walking and high LBP intensity (OR 0.24 CL 95% 0.07 to 0.79). The results between standing still and high LBP intensity were mixed and non-significant. CONCLUSION Blue-collar workers who walk more at work tend to have low LBP. These results should be verified using objective measures in a prospective design. Practitioner Summary: Most studies on the association of occupational walking and standing still with LBP have used poor self-reported measures. This study investigated the association of objectively measured time spent walking and standing still at work with LBP among blue-collar workers. A significant negative association between walking and LBP was found. However, because of the cross-sectional design, these results should be further investigated in prospective studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Munch Nielsen
- a Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload , National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen Ø , Denmark
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- a Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload , National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen Ø , Denmark
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- b Department of Public Health , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen K , Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- a Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload , National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen Ø , Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Heavy Physical Work: Cardiovascular Load in Male Construction Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:356. [PMID: 27023574 PMCID: PMC4847018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13040356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
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˙O2max, but not with work ability, musculoskeletal pain or subjective general health.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gupta N, Hallman DM, Mathiassen SE, Aadahl M, Jørgensen MB, Holtermann A. Are temporal patterns of sitting associated with obesity among blue-collar workers? A cross sectional study using accelerometers. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:148. [PMID: 26872944 PMCID: PMC4752751 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-2803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about associations of temporal patterns of sitting (i.e., distribution of sitting across time) with obesity. We aimed investigating the association between temporal patterns of sitting (long, moderate and brief uninterrupted bouts) and obesity indicators (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and fat percentage), independently from moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total sitting time among blue-collar workers. Methods Workers (n = 205) wore Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers on the thigh and trunk for 1–4 working days. Using the validated Acti4 software, the total sitting time and time spent sitting in brief (≤5 mins), moderate (>5 and ≤30 mins), and long (>30mins) bouts on working days were determined for the whole day, and for leisure and work separately. BMI (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and fat percentage were objectively measured. Results Results of linear regression analysis adjusted for multiple confounders indicated that brief bouts of sitting was negatively associated with obesity for the whole day (BMI, P < 0.01; fat percentage, P < 0.01; waist circumference, P < 0.01) and work (BMI, P < 0.01; fat percentage, P < 0.01; waist circumference, P < 0.01), but not for leisure. Sitting time in long bouts was positively associated with obesity indicators for the whole day (waist circumference, P = 0.05) and work (waist circumference, P = 0.01; BMI, P = 0.04), but not leisure. Conclusions For the whole day as well as for work, brief bouts and long bouts of sitting showed opposite associations with obesity even after adjusting for MVPA and total sitting time, while sitting during leisure did not show these associations. Thus, the temporal distribution of sitting seems to influence the relationship between sitting and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Lerso Parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - David M Hallman
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, SE-80176, Gävle, Sweden.
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, SE-80176, Gävle, Sweden.
| | - Mette Aadahl
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup Hospital, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark. .,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marie Birk Jørgensen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Lerso Parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Lerso Parkalle 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Villumsen M, Samani A, Jørgensen MB, Gupta N, Madeleine P, Holtermann A. Are forward bending of the trunk and low back pain associated among Danish blue-collar workers? A cross-sectional field study based on objective measures. ERGONOMICS 2014; 58:246-258. [PMID: 25374330 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.969783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between the duration of objectively measured forward bending of the trunk and low back pain (LBP) intensity among 198 Danish blue-collar workers (male = 115; female = 83). The duration of forward bending of ≥ 30°, ≥ 60° and ≥ 90° was divided into high (the highest tertile) and low-moderate (the remaining tertiles) categories. High (>5) and low ( ≤ 5) pain intensities were categorised from a self-reported 0-9 scale. Results of multi-adjusted logistic regressions indicated no significant positive associations between forward bending and LBP intensity. On the contrary, higher duration of forward bending of ≥ 30° was associated with lower LBP intensity during all day (OR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15-1.02; p = 0.05) and work (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.17-1.15; p = 0.09). This indication of a negative association may be explained by fear-avoidance behaviour of the blue-collar worker, job crafting or healthy worker effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morten Villumsen
- a Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology , Aalborg University , Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, DK-9220 Aalborg , Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lunde LK, Koch M, Knardahl S, Wærsted M, Mathiassen SE, Forsman M, Holtermann A, Veiersted KB. Musculoskeletal health and work ability in physically demanding occupations: study protocol for a prospective field study on construction and health care workers. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:1075. [PMID: 25318646 PMCID: PMC4203897 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kaj Bo Veiersted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, 0336 Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oldenburg M, Wilken D, Wegner R, Poschadel B, Baur X. Job-related stress and work ability of dispatchers in a metropolitan fire department. J Occup Med Toxicol 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/s12995-014-0031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|