We found moderate-quality evidence that workplace interventions reduce time to first RTW, high-quality evidence that workplace interventions reduce cumulative duration of sickness absence, very low-quality evidence that workplace interventions reduce time to lasting RTW, and moderate-quality evidence that workplace interventions increase recurrences of sick leave. Overall, the effectiveness of workplace interventions on work disability showed varying results. Workplace interventions reduce time to RTW and improve pain and functional status in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. We found no evidence of a considerable effect of workplace interventions on time to RTW in workers with mental health problems or cancer.We found moderate-quality evidence to support workplace interventions for workers with musculoskeletal disorders. The quality of the evidence on the effectiveness of workplace interventions for workers with mental health problems and cancer is low, and results do not show an effect of workplace interventions for these workers. Future research should expand the range of health conditions evaluated with high-quality studies.

During their reproductive years the hormone levels in women fluctuate due to the menstrual cycle. The four hormonal markers of the menstrual cycle (oestrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH)) change continuously throughout the cycle. These fluctuations in female steroid hormones affect the autonomic nervous system and metabolic functions (Florini, 1987). Therefore certain physiological parameters and athletic performance could change along with the menstrual cycle phases (Becker et al. 1982). However, the influence of the menstrual cycle phase on exercise performance, particularly muscle strength, is unclear. Sarwar et al. (1996) tested skeletal muscle strength, relaxation rate and fatiguability of the quadriceps during the menstrual cycle. They found no changes in these parameters for women taking oral contraceptives. For women not taking oral contraceptives, however, the quadriceps were stronger, more fatiguable and had a longer relaxation time at mid-cycle (day 12-18). Phillips et al. (1996) reported a higher adductor pollicis strength during the follicular phase than during the luteal phase, with a rapid decrease in strength around ovulation. They suggested that oestrogen has a strengthening action on skeletal muscle, although the underlying mechanism is not clear. Greeves et al. (1999), however, reported the highest quadriceps strength during the mid-luteal phase and found a positive relationship between strength and progesterone concentration. Several other studies have found no changes in skeletal muscle strength over the menstrual cycle (DiBrezzo et al. 1991;Quadango et al. 1991;Lebrun et al. 1995;Gür, 1997).The main problem in the measurement of maximum voluntary strength is ensuring that the contraction truly reflects the maximum force-generating capacity of the muscle. Even well-motivated subjects may not always reach full neural activation of their muscles (Rutherford et al. 1986). The extent of neural activation can be evaluated by applying a superimposed electrical stimulus to the muscle during the performance of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). When comparing strength over a period of time, such as in menstrual cycle research, it is especially important to ensure maximal neural activation during each test.A further problem encountered in research on the influence of the menstrual cycle on physical performance is the timing of the testing. It is difficult to predict the exact phases of the menstrual cycle and the concurrent reproductive hormone concentrations. Counting days 1. The influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on skeletal muscle contractile characteristics was studied in 19 regularly menstruating women. Muscle function was measured when (i) oestrogen and progesterone concentrations were low (menstruation), (ii) oestrogen was elevated and progesterone was low (late follicular phase), and (iii) oestrogen and progesterone were both elevated (luteal phase).2. Maximal isometric quadriceps strength, fatiguability and electrica...

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Evaluation of an mHealth intervention aiming to improve health-related behavior and sleep and reduce fatigue among airline pilots by van Drongelen A, Boot CRL, Hynek H, Twisk JWR, Smid T, van der Beek AJ The MORE Energy mHealth (mobile) intervention was effective in reducing self-reported fatigue and improving sleep quality and health behavior. This randomized controlled trial showed that it is possible to change behavior, sleep, and fatigue outcomes through an mHealth intervention. Therefore, providing tailored and specific advice can be beneficial for employees coping with irregular working hours and accompanying circadian disruption. Affiliation 557Original article Scand J Work Environ Health. 2014;40(6):557-568. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3447 Evaluation of an mHealth intervention aiming to improve health-related behavior and sleep and reduce fatigue among airline pilots Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an mHealth intervention (intervention using mobile technology) consisting of tailored advice regarding exposure to daylight, sleep, physical activity, and nutrition, and aiming to improve health-related behavior, thereby reducing sleep problems and fatigue and improving health perception of airline pilots.Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 502 airline pilots. The intervention group was given access to both the MORE Energy mobile application (app) with tailored advice and a website with background information. The control group was directed to a website with standard information about fatigue. Healthrelated behavior, fatigue, sleep, and health perception outcomes were measured through online questionnaires at baseline and at three and six months after baseline. The effectiveness of the intervention was determined using linear and Poisson mixed model analyses.Results After six months, compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement on fatigue (β= -3.76, P<0.001), sleep quality (β= -0.59, P=0.007), strenuous physical activity (β=0.17, P=0.028), and snacking behavior (β= -0.81, P<0.001). No significant effects were found for other outcome measures.Conclusions The MORE Energy mHealth intervention reduced self-reported fatigue compared to a minimal intervention. Some aspects of health-related behavior (physical activity and snacking behavior) and sleep (sleep quality) improved as well, but most did not. The results show offering tailored advice through an mHealth intervention is an effective means to support employees who have to cope with irregular flight schedules and circadian disruption. This kind of intervention might therefore also be beneficial for other working populations with irregular working hours.

BackgroundThe aims of the present study were to: 1) gain insight into reasons for working beyond the statutory retirement age from older workers’ perspectives, and 2) explore how the domains of the research framework Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM) can be applied to working beyond retirement age.MethodsA qualitative research design included individual interviews (n = 15) and three focus groups (n = 18 participants) conducted with older workers aged 65 years and older continuing in a paid job or self-employment. Interview participants were recruited from an existing STREAM cohort study. Focus group participants were recruited from companies and employment agencies. The data were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThe most important motives for working beyond retirement age were maintaining daily routines and financial benefit. Good health and flexible work arrangements were mentioned as important preconditions. The themes emerging from the categorization of the motives and preconditions corresponded to the domains of health, work characteristics, skills and knowledge, and social and financial factors from the STREAM research framework. However, our analysis revealed one additional theme—purpose in life.ConclusionThis study offers important new insights into the various preconditions and motives that influence working beyond retirement age. In addition, the five domains of the STREAM research framework, including the additional domain of ‘purpose in life’, seem to be applicable to working beyond retirement age. This knowledge contributes to the development of work-related interventions that enhance older workers’ motivation to prolong their working lives.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of a worksite social and physical environment intervention on need for recovery (i.e., early symptoms of work-related mental and physical fatigue), physical activity and relaxation. Also, the effectiveness of the separate interventions was investigated.MethodsIn this 2×2 factorial design study, 412 office employees from a financial service provider participated. Participants were allocated to the combined social and physical intervention, to the social intervention only, to the physical intervention only or to the control group. The primary outcome measure was need for recovery. Secondary outcomes were work-related stress (i.e., exhaustion, detachment and relaxation), small breaks, physical activity (i.e., stair climbing, active commuting, sport activities, light/moderate/vigorous physical activity) and sedentary behavior. Outcomes were measured by questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Multilevel analyses were performed to investigate the effects of the three interventions.ResultsIn all intervention groups, a non-significant reduction was found in need for recovery. In the combined intervention (n = 92), exhaustion and vigorous physical activities decreased significantly, and small breaks at work and active commuting increased significantly compared to the control group. The social intervention (n = 118) showed a significant reduction in exhaustion, sedentary behavior at work and a significant increase in small breaks at work and leisure activities. In the physical intervention (n = 96), stair climbing at work and active commuting significantly increased, and sedentary behavior at work decreased significantly compared to the control group.ConclusionNone of the interventions was effective in improving the need for recovery. It is recommended to implement the social and physical intervention among a population with higher baseline values of need for recovery. Furthermore, the intervention itself could be improved by increasing the intensity of the intervention (for example weekly GMI-sessions), providing physical activity opportunities and exercise schemes, and by more drastic environment interventions (restructuring entire department floor).Trial RegistrationNederlands Trial Register NTR2553

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a worksite mindfulness-related multi-component health promotion intervention on work engagement, mental health, need for recovery and mindfulness.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial design, 257 workers of two research institutes participated. The intervention group (n = 129) received a targeted mindfulness-related training, followed by e-coaching. The total duration of the intervention was 6 months. Data on work engagement, mental health, need for recovery and mindfulness were collected using questionnaires at baseline and after 6 and 12 months follow-up. Effects were analyzed using linear mixed effect models.ResultsThere were no significant differences in work engagement, mental health, need for recovery and mindfulness between the intervention and control group after either 6- or 12-months follow-up. Additional analyses in mindfulness-related training compliance subgroups (high and low compliance versus the control group as a reference) and subgroups based on baseline work engagement scores showed no significant differences either.ConclusionsThis study did not show an effect of this worksite mindfulness-related multi-component health promotion intervention on work engagement, mental health, need for recovery and mindfulness after 6 and 12 months.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register NTR2199