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The Effects of Cognitive Task and Change of Height on Postural Stability and Cardiovascular Stress in Workers Working at Height

Author

Listed:
  • Magdalena Cyma-Wejchenig

    (Department of Physical Activity and Health Promotion Science, Poznan University of Physical Education, 61-871 Poznan, Poland)

  • Janusz Maciaszek

    (Department of Physical Activity and Health Promotion Science, Poznan University of Physical Education, 61-871 Poznan, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Marciniak

    (Department of Physical Activity and Health Promotion Science, Poznan University of Physical Education, 61-871 Poznan, Poland)

  • Rafał Stemplewski

    (Department of Physical Activity and Health Promotion Science, Poznan University of Physical Education, 61-871 Poznan, Poland)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of cognitive task and change of height on the postural stability and cardiovascular stress of at-height workers. The study included 32 healthy men aged 25–47. Due to the type of work performed, two groups were identified: at‒height workers, HW ( n = 16), and office workers (mainly work at desk with a computer) OW ( n = 16). The objective measures of postural stability (posturography) and cardiovascular stress (heart rate monitor) were evaluated for both groups at two different platform heights (ground level and 1 m above the ground) with or without cognitive task (backward counting). The increased height and the cognitive task were found to significantly affect measures of postural stability and cardiovascular stress. It was observed that in inexperienced OW employees, higher platform height and performing a cognitive task meant that posture stability significantly decreased, while cardiovascular stress and difficulties in maintaining balance increased. In HW group postural stability is less affected by distress conditions than in OW group.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Cyma-Wejchenig & Janusz Maciaszek & Katarzyna Marciniak & Rafał Stemplewski, 2020. "The Effects of Cognitive Task and Change of Height on Postural Stability and Cardiovascular Stress in Workers Working at Height," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-15, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6541-:d:410608
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kun Hu & Hazhir Rahmandad & Tonya Smith-Jackson & Woodrow Winchester, 2011. "Factors influencing the risk of falls in the construction industry: a review of the evidence," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 397-416.
    2. Marek Sawicki & Mariusz Szóstak, 2020. "Quantitative Assessment of the State of Threat of Working on Construction Scaffolding," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-20, August.
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