title: Are there any job resources capable of moderating the effect of physical demands on work ability? A study among kindergarten teachers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is recognized that teaching in a preschool context is physically demanding. Despite this, the consequences of physical demands on psychophysical health (including work ability) are significantly understudied among kindergarten teachers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study is to examine (a) the association between physical demands and work ability and (b) whether psychosocial job resources buffer the negative impact of physical demands among kindergarten teachers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 426 kindergarten teachers employed in the municipal educational services of a city in northwest Italy filled out a self-reported questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High association was found between physical demand and work ability. Moderated hierarchical regressions showed that decision authority, skill discretion, reward and meaning of work buffer the hampering effect of physical demands and work ability. No buffering effects were observed for support from superiors and colleagues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study has relevant, practical implications, highlighting the importance of investing in interventions encompassing a holistic perspective (e.g., psychosocial and ergonomic) in order to effectively combat the hampering effect of physical demands on work ability.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9026-9334
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Viotti
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Italy.
authors.forename: Mara
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6780-4746
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6780-4746
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Converso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D065840:Protective Factors; D012201:Reward; D000070777:School Teachers; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D016526:Workload
keywords: job resources; kindergarten teachers; physical demands; work ability