The work ability index and functional capacity among older workers

Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy

Rosimeire S. Padula¹  Maria L. C. Comper¹  Suzana A. Moraes¹  Catherine Sabbagh¹  Wagner Pagliato Junior¹  Monica R. Perracini¹ 

关键词: aging;    work;    occupational health;    work ability;    functional capacity;    physical therapy;    envelhecimento;    trabalho;    saúde do trabalho;    capacidade para o trabalho;    capacidade funcional;    fisioterapia;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1413-35552013005000107

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

BACKGROUND:Decreases in functional ability due to aging can impair work capacity and productivity among older workers.OBJECTIVE:This study compares the sociodemographics, health conditions, and physical functioning abilities of young and old workers as well as correlates of physical functioning capacity with the work ability index (WAI).METHOD:This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined employees of a higher education institution (HEI) and those of a metallurgical industry. Older workers (50 years old or above) were matched for gender and occupation type with younger workers (less than 50 years old). The following evaluations were applied: the multidimensional assessment questionnaire (which included sociodemographic, clinical, health perception, and physical health indices), the WAI, and a battery of physical functional tests.RESULTS:Diseases and regularly used medications were more common among the group of aging workers. The WAI did not differ between groups (p=0.237). Both groups showed similar physical functional capacity performances with regard to walking speed, muscle strength, and lower limb physical functioning. Aging workers showed a poorer performance on a test of right-leg support (p=0.004). The WAI was moderately correlated with the sit-to-stand test among older female workers (r=0.573, p=0.051).CONCLUSIONS:Unfavorable general health conditions did not affect the assessment of work ability or most of the tests of physical functional capacity in the aging group.

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