Abstract
The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs’ work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness is associated with their WAI. This study sought to provide reference WAI data for Spanish PTs and to evaluate the association between PTs’ muscular fitness and WAI. Data on WAI of 1005 PTs were collected using a questionnaire. A subgroup (n = 68) performed a battery of physical tests including grip strength, push-ups and back-extension endurance. Associations between muscular fitness and WAI were evaluated using logistic regression controlling for various confounders. PTs aged 50 years or older had lower WAI scores than their younger counterparts. PTs with high back-extension endurance scored 3.5 (95% CI) higher in the WAI than those with low endurance. No associations were found between grip strength or number of push-ups and WAI. Our findings seem to highlight the importance of muscular fitness in PTs, especially the back-extension endurance.
Highlights
Work ability is defined as the balance between workers’ resources and the work demands [1]
A significant relationship was found between age and low perceived work ability among registered nurses from 10 different countries, suggesting that besides age itself, this association could be influenced by country-specific attitudes towards older workers, career opportunities, occupational health policies and the age at which pension can be drawn [9]
Interventions among aging physical therapists (PTs) should encourage the improvement of their muscle fitness levels to ensure that their work ability is maintained throughout their working life
Summary
Work ability is defined as the balance between workers’ resources and the work demands [1]. Having good work ability is important for every worker during their whole working life [2]. Poor work ability is associated with early departure from the workforce [3], long-term sick leave, disability pension [4] and even mortality [5]. The Work Ability Index (WAI) is one of the most extensively used tools to estimate work ability and has been widely applied for both clinical and research purposes [1]. The index relies on different spheres of the worker’s life, including individual factors, the organizational structure of their job and the work environment, and it is highly dependent on age. Aging workers are becoming a major concern for public health policies, mainly due to the exit of the workforce before the official retirement age [6], worsening overall health [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
