title: Prognostic value of self-reported work ability and performance-based lifting tests for sustainable return         to work among construction workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate whether performance-based tests have additional prognostic value over         self-reported work ability for sustainable return to work (RTW) in physically demanding work.
  
  
  METHODS
  A one-year         prospective cohort study was performed among 72 construction workers on sick leave for six weeks due to musculoskeletal         disorders. The Work Ability Index (WAI) question regarding "current work ability" was used. Three dynamic         lifting tests were used from a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). Sustainable RTW was the number of days on sick         leave until the first day of returning fully to work for a period of ≥4 weeks. Regression models were built to         calculate the prognostic values.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-reported work ability alone predicted sustainable RTW (R=0.31, R         (2)=0.09, P=0.009). In combination with one lifting test, the explained variance (R         (2)) increased to 0.16 (P=0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combining self-reported work ability and a lifting test nearly         doubled the explained variance for sustainable RTW in physically demanding work, although the strength remained         modest.
authors.affiliation: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, the Netherlands. p.p.kuijer@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: P Paul F M
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Kuijer
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gouttebarge
authors.forename: Haije
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wind
authors.forename: Cor
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van Duivenbooden
authors.forename: Judith K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Sluiter
authors.forename: Monique H W
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Frings-Dresen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018582:Sick Leave