Muscle performance, work ability and physical functioning in middle-aged men

Smolander, Juhani; Sörensen, Lars; Pekkonen, Mika; Alén, Markku

doi:10.1093/occmed/kqp122

Cited by 12 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…This study has highlighted a significant association between physical performance and work ability by investigating a comprehensive physical profile that encapsulates strength, flexibility and several gross motor, fine motor and balance tests. Our modest correlations between work ability and strength and flexibility have also been reported in previous studies (r=0.16 to 0.368, p<0.05) 16–20 33. However, previous studies have assessed the flexibility of only a single joint20 and limited strength measures such as grip16 19 33 or knee strength 17 18 33.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Our modest correlations between work ability and strength and flexibility have also been reported in previous studies (r=0.16 to 0.368, p<0.05) 16–20 33. However, previous studies have assessed the flexibility of only a single joint20 and limited strength measures such as grip16 19 33 or knee strength 17 18 33. Few studies have investigated the relationships between multiple functional measures and work ability.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

“…Those that investigated functional measures such as balance also reported greater associations with work ability (OR 3.6 to 6.5, 95% CI 1 to 12.7) than with strength or flexibility and hypothesised that functional measures give a more global representation of health than measures of a single muscle or joint in isolation 18 21. Comparison with other studies investigating physical performance and work ability is difficult; this is due to the collection of information on physical capabilities by self-report33 and the use of tests not yet validated such as the Five Step Test21 33 or functional balance assessments on a wooden plank 16–18 21…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A decrease in physical performance, whether due to age or injury, can have work-related implications including increased absenteeism and greater risk of workplace accidents 14 15. While this decline in physical performance has been accepted as a contributing factor to reduced work ability,16–21 few studies have investigated the association between work ability and measures that assess an individual’s physical capabilities. Existing studies investigating this association are limited by lack of gender and occupational diversity, exclusion of older workers and limited range of validated physical tests 16–21…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Normative reference values and physical factors associated with work ability: a cross-sectional observational study

et al. 2020

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ObjectivesTo establish normative reference values for work ability in healthy Australian adults using the Work Ability Score and investigate the association of physical performance factors.MethodsThe Work Ability Score was collected from 720 participants aged 18–101 years from the 1000 Norms Project. Physical performance was evaluated by assessing isometric strength of 13 muscle groups; flexibility of six joints; and 11 functional measures categorised as gross motor, fine motor and balance tasks. Correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify physical performance factors independently associated with work ability.ResultsAge-stratified reference values were generated for work ability. Work ability increased during young adulthood (18–44 years) and declined from middle adulthood (45–64 years) into older adulthood (≥65 years), with no sex differences. Greater gross motor function and balance correlated with work ability (r=−0.498 to −0.285; p<0.001). Multiple regression identified younger age, being employed and a faster timed up and down stairs test as significant independent factors associated with work ability (r2=0.333, p<0.001).ConclusionsReference data can be used to identify individuals with low work ability. This study has identified physical factors associated with work ability that can potentially be targeted to maintain longevity in work. Physical tests such as the timed up and down stairs test may assist in the development of objective job-specific screening tools to assess work ability, supplementing subjective evaluation.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Normative reference values and physical factors associated with work ability: a cross-sectional observational study

et al. 2020

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“…RA is associated with loss of muscle mass and diminished strength. In healthy individuals, only a weak association between muscle strength and workability could be found [9]. The influence of strength on the work ability of RA patients has yet to be determined.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Workability and Muscle Strength in Patients With Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Survey Study Protocol

et al. 2017

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BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic conditions not only fundamentally affect patients’ quality of life and physiological needs but are also negatively associated with work ability. The costs of poor work ability, which, in sum, are more than treatment costs, pose an economic burden to society and patients. Work ability in RA appears to be multifactorial; symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness play a major role, as these directly affect functional disability. Also, RA patients typically suffer from reduced muscle strength. Lower extremity function and grip strengths especially impair their quality of life. However, the role of muscle strength and disease activity as determinants of work ability have not yet been studied.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to compare work ability in working-age participants with seropositive RA and with high and low disease activity; the secondary objective is to evaluate the association of muscle strength, functional ability, and frailty with work ability.MethodsThis monocentric cross-sectional study will be conducted at a rheumatologic outpatient clinic and day hospital with approximately 100 seropositive RA patients aged <65 years. A clinical disease activity index as a measure for rheumatoid disease activity will be assessed during the patients’ routine visits at the clinic. Work ability, frailty, and functional disability will be evaluated with (self-reported) questionnaires as well as with physical tests (Work Ability Index/Score; Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index; Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe Frailty Instrument; Short Physical Performance Battery). Muscle strength will be determined with dynamometer measurements of isometric hand grip strength and quadriceps femoris muscle contraction strength. Sleep quality (Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale) and sexual functioning as physiological needs will additionally be determined with self-reported questionnaires.ResultsFor this study funding has already been awarded and enrollment has been completed. Data are currently being evaluated.ConclusionsThis study will evaluate the association of work ability with modifiable parameters such as muscle strength and functional ability. It will provide further insights into work ability in RA and its associated risk factors. Any evidence of association will motivate further research, and the findings might encourage interventions focused specifically on improving muscle strength and lower extremity function to positively affect work ability.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02581852); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02581852 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6oNcelHtQ)

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Adolescent Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Future Work Ability

Laakso,

Ortega,

Huotari

et al. 2024

JAMA Netw Open

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ImportanceAlthough research indicates that low fitness in youth is associated with a higher risk of chronic disability in men, the association of fitness in adolescence with work ability in working men and women remains unknown.ObjectiveTo examine the associations of adolescent health-related physical fitness with future work ability.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis 45-year observational cohort study, conducted in Finland, examined the direct and indirect longitudinal associations of objectively measured health-related fitness in adolescence (in 1976) with self-reported work ability and sickness absence in early middle age (in 2001) and the Work Ability Index in late middle age (in 2021). A countrywide stratified random baseline sample included fitness measurements for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (running 1.5 km for girls and 2 km for boys), musculoskeletal fitness (MF; standing broad jump and sit-ups for both sexes, pull-ups for boys, and flexed-arm hang for girls), and height and weight, from which body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Structural equation modeling–based path analysis, adjusted for age and sex at baseline and for educational level, work-related physical strain, and leisure-time physical activity in late middle age, was conducted. Data analysis was performed from January to July 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresSelf-reported work ability was measured with structured questions in early middle age and with the validated Work Ability Index in late middle age.ResultsThe final sample from longitudinal analyses (1207 individuals; 579 [48%] male individuals) consisted of participants with fitness measurement from age 12 to 19 years, and work ability assessment from age 37 to 44 years and/or age 57 to 64 years. Higher adolescent CRF was associated with higher work ability (839 participants; β = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.22; P = .03) and lower sickness absence (834 participants; β = −0.07; 95% CI, −0.12 to −0.02; P = .004) in early middle age and, indirectly, mediated by work ability in early middle age, with a higher work ability at the end of working age (603 participants; β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.08; P = .04). The results remained consistent in both sexes and after adjustment for the confounders. Neither MF nor BMI was associated with work ability (MF, 1192 participants; β = −0.07; 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.03; BMI, 1207 participants, β = 0.09; 95% CI, −0.004 to 0.19) or sickness absence (MF, 1185 participants, β = 0.02; 95% CI, −0.03 to 0.06; BMI, 1202 participants, β = −0.03; 95% CI, −0.09 to 0.03) in early middle age or with late middle age work ability, mediated by work ability in early middle age (MF, 603 participants, β = −0.02; 95% CI, −0.06 to 0.01; BMI, 603 participants, β = 0.03; 95% CI, −0.004 to 0.07).Conclusions and RelevanceThese findings suggest that low CRF in youth is associated with poor work ability at the middle and end of working life, which highlights the informative and prognostic value of CRF assessment early in youth. Enhancing CRF in the first decades of life might contribute to better work capacity and productivity in the labor force, which would have implications for health, quality of life, society, and the economy.

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Muscle performance, work ability and physical functioning in middle-aged men

Abstract: The study failed to provide support for the use of muscle performance tests in work-related fitness evaluations in middle-aged men employed in physical jobs.

Cited by 12 publications

References 4 publications

Normative reference values and physical factors associated with work ability: a cross-sectional observational study

Normative reference values and physical factors associated with work ability: a cross-sectional observational study

Workability and Muscle Strength in Patients With Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Survey Study Protocol

Adolescent Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Future Work Ability

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