The effects of a work hardening program on cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength.
METHODS
This study analyzed improvements in cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength after a 6-week work hardening program.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to document fitness gains after a 6-week work hardening program.


BACKGROUND
Studies expounded on the success of a functional restoration approach in return-to-work rates, but few documented the physical fitness gains of a work hardening program.


METHODS
Thirty-one subjects from the Rehability Center in Lubbock, Texas, who were diagnosed with lower back dysfunction, completed the 6-week study. A submaximal cycle ergometer protocol was used to determine patients' cardiovascular fitness levels, and the Arcon Static Strength Testing Device was used to measure static strength. Pre- and post-tests were identical.


RESULTS
A paired Student's t test was used to analyze the significance of difference from pre- to post-testing. For cardiovascular fitness there was a 28% improvement, t(29) = 5.56, P < 0.001; there was a 76% improvement for the static arm lift, t(29) = 7.86, P < 0.001; there was a 57% improvement in the static pull, t(29) = 9.53, P < 0.001; and an 89% improvement in the static push, t(29) = 9.08, P < 0.001.


CONCLUSIONS
Analyzed data clearly show a marked improvement in cardiovascular and muscular fitness. There was not a difference in fitness levels between those who returned to work and those who did not, which suggests return-to-work rates are not entirely based on level of fitness.
Robert
J J
JJ
Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA.
Blide
R W
RW
McWhorter
K
K
Coursey
C
C
D000328:Adult; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness; D014937:Work; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation