Oxygen Consumption (V’O2) and physical Strainas measured by the occupational activity of cleaning personnel

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine the physical effort and energy expenditure needed over a working period of 45–60 min, specifically for the occupational activity of cleaning. The effort was demonstrated in absolute terms (V’O2), in relation to the involved person’s maximum physical capacity (peak V’O2) and in relation to the individual aerobic-anaerobic threshold (V’O2 at VT1, the point when lactate starts to accumulate but can be cleared). In addition to this, the aim was to verify the suitability of portable ergospirometry in determining the occupational workload in a real-life setting.MethodsThirty-five cleaners performed a bicycle ergospirometry to determine their maximum physical capacity (peak V’O2 = L/min) and their aerobic-anaerobic threshold (V’O2 at the Ventilatory Threshold 1 [VT1]). This was followed by portable ergospirometry lasting 45–60 min while pursuing regular cleaning activities.ResultsPerformance V’O2 (the average oxygen consumption over 45–60 min of work- time) was 1.06 L/min or 4.4 METs. This was scarcely lower than the individual V’O2 at VT1 and approached 45% of the maximum physical capacity (peak V’O2). In addition, there was positive feedback regarding the wearability of the portable device. The dropout rate was low.ConclusionThe occupational activity of cleaning was defined as a “committed activity”, performed close to the upper limit of the continuous physical capacity (approaching V’O2 at VT1). The positive feedback and a low dropout rate proved good acceptance of portable ergospirometry in this field of work over a 45–60 min period.

Pneumologische Bewertung und Begutachtung im Spiegel von Beanspruchungskriterien

“…Eine eigene Studie [18] bediente sich dieser Methode zur Beschreibung der Arbeitslast und deren Bewältigung beim Reinigungspesonal in Reha-Kliniken auf der Insel Borkum (2018) 1 . Das Ziel der Studie war es, über einen Zeitraum von 45 -60 Minuten die Leistung und den Energieverbrauch zu bestimmen, der bei Reinigungsarbeiten (am Beispiel von Reha-Kliniken = Housekeeping) erforderlich ist.…”

Comparison of physical workload and physical work capacity among municipality cleaners in Shiraz to determine number of workers needed to counterbalance physical workload

“…The energy consumed by the cleaners during work was estimated to be 4.12 ± 1.01 kcal min −1 . Although several studies have been performed on the aerobic capacity of domestic workers [ 17 , 18 , 40 ], no studies have yet been conducted to estimate energy consumption and heart rate during work [ 11 , 13 , 32 , 46 – 48 ]. In a survey conducted by Anjos et al [ 49 ] on Brazilian solid waste collection workers, the average energy consumed during work was estimated to be 5.4 ± 1.4 kcal min −1 , which is higher than the results of the present investigation.…”

“…In a survey conducted by Preisser et al on 65 municipality cleaners in three separate groups consisting of two separate waste collection workers and one group of Hamburg city cleaners in Germany, the mean oxygen uptake was estimated to be over 30% VO 2 -max in all participants [ 11 , 13 ]. In the same vein, Frohlich et al performed a study on cleaners in Hanover, Germany, and concluded that the physical workload of the staff exceeded the permitted level [ 11 ].…”

“…Due to work difficulty and walking over long distances, the physical workload is one of the most important ergonomic risk factors amongst cleaners. Therefore, the job of cleaners is often considered to be difficult and excruciating [ 4 , 11 – 13 ].…”

“…Indeed, the studies carried out abroad on assessing the physical workload of municipality workers have focused on waste collection workers or domestic cleaning workers [ 12 , 24 , 30 – 33 ]. As a result, studies on assessing the physical workload of the cleaner population are scarce [ 11 , 13 ]. The present study was undertaken among municipality cleaners in Shiraz with the following objectives: Determining the VO 2 -max and PWC Assessing the physical workload by determining energy expenditure, heart rate, and Rating of Perceived Exertion 6–20 (RPE 6–20) Borg scale during work Determining the association between “PWC”, and “energy expenditure during work” with demographic/occupational variables Comparison of “energy expenditure during work” and “PWC”, and determining the number of municipality cleaners needed to reduce the physical workload …”