title: Workplace cohort studies in times of economic instability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A prospective study directed to musculoskeletal health in the manufacturing workforce.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 36-month longitudinal study using mixed method; surveys with work and non-work psychosocial variables, physiologic measurements physical performance, interviews and focus groups, and direct observation of work activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Changing economic conditions introduced barriers requiring recruiting a larger number of study sites. Study adherence was unexpectedly high. Coincident with their economic concerns, participants perceived an increase in workplace stress, but not physical demand. New instruments were added to assess economic effects on retirement planning and the physical and emotional costs of caregiving responsibilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The economic conditions required adaptive alterations in design due to workforce volatility but presented opportunities for studying the link between working conditions and health. Nevertheless, study size expectations were met through an adaptive approach that suggests a potential effect of the economy on health and well-being.
authors.affiliation: Ergonomics Technology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cherniack
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dussetschleger
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Farr
authors.forename: Alicia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dugan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057172:Economic Recession; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D066192:Manufacturing Industry / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology; D017132:Workplace
keywords: aging workforce; economic instability; manufacturing; mixed methods; musculoskeletal health (MSH); work and retirement