The influence of the tasks characteristics in physical performance and psychosocial aspects of workers.
The work and life conditions have influence on the health and life quality of workers. Physically active persons can demonstrate a life style that are and affect the physical performance, psychosocial aspects and work capacity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical activity level and work capacity in different tasks characteristics, one with more physical exertion and other with more cognitive exertion. A total of 193 workers from an institution of higher education and 457 workers from a metallurgical industry participated in the current study. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short) and Work Ability Index (WAI). The results indicated that both groups were classified as having high level of physical activity while only few of them were considered sedentary (less than 27%). However, the group of metallurgical workers had greater indices (82%) than the workers from higher education institution (74%). Overall, the workers reported their work ability as moderate to excellent, suggesting that overall they are satisfied with their working and health conditions. It can be concluded that even though workers performed tasks with different demands (cognitive versus physical), they demonstrated similar level of physical activity as well as work ability.
Masters in Physical Therapy Program, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, R Cesário Galeno, 448 São Paulo, Brazil. rosipadula@gmail.com
Rosimeire Simprini
RS
Padula
Juliana Neves
JN
Rosina
Cristina Maria Nunes
CM
Cabral
Sandra Maria Sbeghen Ferreira
SM
de Freitas
Luciana Dias
LD
Chiavegato
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D009043:Motor Activity; D016272:Occupational Health; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012574:Schools; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D057566:Self Report; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult