Nutra-ergonomics: influence of nutrition on physical employment standards and the health of workers.
The importance of ergonomics across several scientific domains, including biomechanics, psychology, sociology, and physiology, have been extensively explored. However, the role of other factors that may influence the health and productivity of workers, such as nutrition, is generally overlooked. Nutra-ergonomics describes the interface between workers, their work environment, and performance in relation to their nutritional status. It considers nutrition to be an integral part of a safe and productive workplace that encompasses physical and mental health as well as the long-term wellbeing of workers. This review explores the knowledge, awareness, and common practices of nutrition, hydration, stimulants, and fortified product use employed prior to physical employment standards testing and within the workplace. The influence of these nutra-ergonomic strategies on physical employment standards, worker safety, and performance will be examined. Further, the roles, responsibilities, and implications for the applicant, worker, and the employer will be discussed within the context of nutra-ergonomics, with reference to the provision and sustainability of an environment conducive to optimize worker health and wellbeing. Beyond physical employment standards, workplace productivity, and performance, the influence of extended or chronic desynchronization (irregular or shift work) in the work schedule on metabolism and long-term health, including risk of developing chronic and complex diseases, is discussed. Finally, practical nutra-ergonomic strategies and recommendations for the applicant, worker, and employer alike will be provided to enhance the short- and long-term safety, performance, health, and wellbeing of workers.
a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine. Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
Jane
J
Shearer
b Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Terry E
TE
Graham
c Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland QLD 4072, Australia.
Tina L
TL
Skinner
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001628:Beverages; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D000072001:Diet, Healthy; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004651:Employment / Q000592:standards*; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000592:standards*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000592:standards*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012307:Risk Factors; D013654:Taurine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards
D000596:Amino Acids; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D005227:Fatty Acids; D013654:Taurine; D002110:Caffeine
chronic disease; ergonomics; ergonomie; health; maladie chronique; normes de travail physique; nutra-ergonomics; nutriergonomie; nutrition; performance; physical employment standards; santé