Work Capacity clinical trials

Physical Workload and Work Capacity Across Occupational Groups

Background: Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles resulting in energy expenditure (Caspersen, 1985). According to classical work physiology, energy expenditure was considered as basis for assessing the severity of manual work (Grandjean 1991). Steele et. al. found blue collar workers to report significantly more walking activity, daily step counts and MET min/week than professionals and white collar workers. However, the energy cost of physical activity may not necessarily be equivalent to body movement. Therefore, modern concepts include also other aspects reflecting the amount of workload. Soer et. al. applied an evaluation system consisting 12 work-related tests to establish functional capacity in healthy employees. The assessment included various lifting and energetic tasks as well as coordination exercises. In occupational rehabilitation a balance between workload and work capacity is necessary for professional reintegration. Thus, it is of great value to evaluate a wide range of work requirements across occupational groups in terms of energy expenditure, physical activity and aerobic capacity. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the amount of physical activity and energy expenditure during a normal working day with focus on differences between occupational groups. Method: To analyze the situation in Switzerland, 300 healthy and full-time employed adults between 18-65 years will be investigated in the Basel region. Participants will be stratified by occupational category according to the ISCO-88 and will then be merged into 3 groups with low-, moderate- and high-intensity occupational activity. By wearing the SenseWear Mini Armband on 7 consecutive days, average daily energy expenditure, activity duration at different intensities and step counts will be assessed during work-time. In addition, individual's aerobic capacity will be determined by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Outlook: This study is expected to provide detailed information about physical work requirements with regard to professional reintegration. For developing adequate intervention and treatment strategies, it is of great value to evaluate performance criteria across occupational groups.