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Accelerometer-Measured Physical Behavior and Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Indicators of Work Ability

Author

Listed:
  • Pauliina Husu

    (The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, FI-33500 Tampere, Finland)

  • Kari Tokola

    (The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, FI-33500 Tampere, Finland)

  • Henri Vähä-Ypyä

    (The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, FI-33500 Tampere, Finland)

  • Harri Sievänen

    (The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, FI-33500 Tampere, Finland)

  • Tommi Vasankari

    (The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, FI-33500 Tampere, Finland
    Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Military Medicine, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Work ability (WA) reflects an individual’s resources, work demands, and related environment. Self-reports have shown that higher physical activity (PA) is associated with better WA. This study investigated associations of accelerometer-measured (24/7) physical behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with WA. In the FinFit2017-population-based study, the physical behavior of 20–69-year-old working Finns was measured in terms of PA, standing, and sedentariness using validated MAD-APE algorithms based on raw triaxial accelerometer data. During waking hours, the accelerometer was hip-worn, while during the time in bed (TIB), it was worn on the non-dominant wrist. CRF was measured with a 6 min walk test. WA was assessed by four questions excerpted from the Work Ability Index (WAI), called the short WAI (sWAI). Participants ( n = 1668, mean age 46.6, SD = 10.9, 57% women) scored on average 23.3 on the sWAI (range 6–27), with a higher value indicating a better WA. More minutes in standing ( p = 0.001) and in moderate ( p = 0.004) and vigorous PA ( p < 0.001) as well as a higher step number ( p < 0.001) and better CRF ( p < 0.001) were associated with a higher sWAI value. More time spent lying down ( p < 0.001) and in high-movement ( p < 0.001) and total TIB ( p = 0.001) was associated with a lower sWAI. Detailed analysis of 24/7 physical behavior can be utilized in identifying individual-related indicators of WA.

Suggested Citation

  • Pauliina Husu & Kari Tokola & Henri Vähä-Ypyä & Harri Sievänen & Tommi Vasankari, 2023. "Accelerometer-Measured Physical Behavior and Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Indicators of Work Ability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:7:p:5414-:d:1116760
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Väisänen & Lena. V. Kallings & Gunnar Andersson & Peter Wallin & Erik Hemmingsson & Elin Ekblom-Bak, 2021. "Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Occupational Groups—Trends over 20 Years and Future Forecasts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Oili Kettunen & Timo Vuorimaa & Tommi Vasankari, 2014. "12-Mo Intervention of Physical Exercise Improved Work Ability, Especially in Subjects with Low Baseline Work Ability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-11, April.
    3. Melanie Ebener & Hans Martin Hasselhorn, 2019. "Validation of Short Measures of Work Ability for Research and Employee Surveys," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-15, September.
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