Assessment Of Work Ability Research Articles

Factors Associated with Work Ability in a Population of Dock Workers

Background: Work ability consists in the balance between employee’s capabilities and work demands. It can be measured by the Work Ability Index, a validated questionnaire that has been used in Europe since 1980s. This study is the first evaluating work ability among dock workers, a workforce which carries out complex activities requiring physical and mental engagement (night shifts, irregular shifts, constant demand for attention and concentration and significant physical effort). Objective: It was hypothized that the high strain level affecting this peculiar job may lead to a decrease in work ability. The aim of the study was to assess work ability and investigate if and how much not work-related factors, such as psycho-emotional state, lifestyle, health conditions and socio-demographic aspects, can interfere with it. Psycho-diagnostic protocol consisted of 6 questionnaires, chosen because of fast and effective data collection aiming to worker compliance and simple interpretation of results. Method: A total of 105 workers was engaged in different companies involved in port services. A protocol consisting of 6 questionnaires has been applied individually before the work shift: Work Ability Index (WAI), Effort-reward imbalance questionnaire (ERI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Work ability resulted excellent in 60 subjects and good in 37. No significant correlation between individual characteristics and work ability was found. Our results indicated that work ability was negatively related with emotional states, particularly with anxiety. Univariate and multivariate linear regression model for work ability, have shown a statistically significant correlation with BDI, HAM-A and ERI questionnaires’ results. Conclusion: Our results showed that WAI is a useful tool for routine occupational health surveillance. The association of work ability with psychosocial factors suggests that actions at the workplace adopted by occupational physicians in order to prevent a reduction in working capacity, should have a multidimensional approach evaluating not only individual lifestyle, but also mood states.

Comparison of the work ability index and the work ability score for predicting health-related quality of life.

To compare the relationship of the 7-item Work Ability Index (WAI) and the single-item Work Ability Score (WAS) with individual and work-related factors, and to investigate the predictive role of these two work ability assessments for health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This is a cross-sectional study. 407 of 445 employees working on a construction project in Shiraz, Iran consented to participate in an anonymous survey. 381 surveys were returned completed. Correlation analyses were used to evaluate relationships between WAI and WAS, and the total score and four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, our measure of HRQOL, and individual and work-related variables. Hierarchical multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to compare WAI and WAS in predicting HRQOL and its four dimensions. WAI and WAS were both significant predictors of HRQOL and its four dimensions and the explained variance was very similar. The WAI and WAS explained 46% and 44% of the variance related to the HRQOL, respectively. WAI and WAS explained 36-38% and 35-37% of the variance related to dimensions of the HRQOL, respectively. There were significant relationships of both WAS and WAI with job type, work schedule, smoking, and exercise habit. The WAS and WAI showed a very similar relationship with participants' individual and work-related factors and HRQOL. The Work Ability Score is a valid and suitable measure for assessment of work ability among Iranian workers. Use of this simple measure could be advantageous to reduce demands on research participants and in workability assessments.

Work Ability Assessment in Nursing Workers


 
 
 Objective: To identify the nursing staff of a university hospital's work ability index and point out which factors interfere in the quality of the work of these workers. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey, quantitative, composed of 54 nursing professionals from the medical clinic ward sector of a large hospital in Uberlândia (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Data collection is performed using two tools: sociodemographic questionnaire and Work Ability Index (WAI). The G-Test by Williams was applied to assess the significant association between sociodemographic and occupational variables and those related to the work ability index. It was used the BioEstat® version 5.3 program to perform all analyzes with a significance level of 0.05 (5%). Results: The research showed that nursing professionals had a predominance of good workability (40,7%), the prevalence of young adults, the highest percentage between 31-40 years, 81,5% are women, 50% are in a marital relationship, 63% are open to public tender, and they had no back injuries. It was also found that the only professionals who had a low work capacity were nursing technicians, corresponding to 5,6% of the total percentage. Conclusion: It is known that a hospital environment is a place that favors the illness process of nursing workers. The worker who owns and maintains adequate physical and mental health can perform his duties better and have a better capacity for work, therefore taking better care of the patient.
 
 

Perspectives on returning to work of multiple myeloma patients: A qualitative interview study.

ObjectiveMultiple myeloma (MM) is a rare and incurable disease. Because new treatments improved survival rates, return to work (RTW) became more relevant to MM patients of working age. Also, (health care) experts may be confronted with specific obstacles in guiding MM patients' RTW. Therefore, we aimed to qualitatively explore perspectives and experiences of MM patients and (health care) experts regarding RTW and participation at work.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients (N = 9) and (health care) experts (N = 15). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes resulted from the interviews with patients and (health care) experts: (1) severity of diagnosis and treatment impact RTW, (2) step‐by‐step reintegration facilitates RTW, (3) meaning of work differs between MM patients and experts and (4) lack of tailored counselling by experts.ConclusionAlthough MM patients' work ability may be limited due to the severity of diagnosis and side effects from treatment, most patients consider RTW important. Both patients and (health care) experts emphasise the benefits from early work ability assessment (in the hospital setting) and specialised RTW counselling, especially in those with physically demanding jobs.

Validation of the German version of the work and social adjustment scale in a sample of depressed patients

BackgroundDepression is one of the key factors contributing to difficulties in one’s ability to work, and serves as one of the major reasons why employees apply for psychotherapy and receive insurance subsidization of treatments. Hence, an increasing and growing number of studies rely on workability assessment scales as their primary outcome measure. The Work and Social Assessment Scale (WSAS) has been documented as one of the most psychometrically reliable and valid tools especially developed to assess workability and social functioning in patients with mental health problems. Yet, the application of the WSAS in Germany has been limited due to the paucity of a valid questionnaire in the German language. The objective of the present study was to translate the WSAS, as a brief and easy administrable tool into German and test its psychometric properties in a sample of adults with depression.MethodsTwo hundred seventy-seven patients (M = 48.3 years, SD = 11.1) with mild to moderately severe depression were recruited. A multistep translation from English into the German language was performed and the factorial validity, criterion validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and floor and ceiling effects were examined.ResultsThe confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed the one-factor structure of the WSAS. Significant correlations with the WHODAS 2–0 questionnaire, a measure of functionality, demonstrated good convergent validity. Significant correlations with depression and quality of life demonstrated good criterion validity. The WSAS also demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .89), and the absence of floor and ceiling effects indicated good sensitivity of the instrument.ConclusionsThe results of the present study demonstrated that the German version of the WSAS has good psychometric properties comparable to other international versions of this scale. The findings recommend a global assessment of psychosocial functioning with the sum score of the WSAS.Trial registrationISRCTN identifier: ISRCTN28972230. Date of registration June 26th 2018.

Measurement Properties of the Work Ability Score in Sick-Listed Workers with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Purpose Chronic musculoskeletal pain can have a major impact on ability to work. The work ability score is a commonly used single-item question to assess work ability but has not been fully validated yet. The aim of the present study was to evaluate test-retest reliability, agreement, construct validity, and responsiveness of the work ability score among sick-listed workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods Data of sick-listed workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain was routinely collected at seven rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. Assessments included a set of questionnaires, administered at admission and discharge from a fifteen-week vocational rehabilitation program. Test-retest reliability was determined with the intraclass correlation coefficient. For agreement, the standard error of measurement and smallest detectable changes were calculated. Construct validity was assessed by testing hypotheses regarding Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Area under the curve obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve and minimal clinically important change were determined for the total sample and work ability score baseline tertile groups to assess responsiveness. Results In total, 34 workers were analyzed for reliability and agreement, 1291 workers for construct validity, and 590 responded to the responsiveness questionnaire. Reliability reached an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.89; 95% CI 0.77-0.94, a standard error of measurement of 0.69 points, and the smallest detectable change of 1.92 points. For construct validity, six of the seven predefined hypotheses were not refuted. The area under the curve was 0.76 (95% CI 0.71-0.81) allowing for discrimination between stable and improved workers, with a minimal clinically important change of 2.0 points for the total sample. Conclusion The work ability score showed good measurement properties among sick-listed workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Mini-ICF-APP Inter-Rater Reliability and Development of Capacity Disorders Over the Course of a Vocational Training Program\u2014A Longitudinal Study

The Mini-ICF-APP is an established instrument in social medicine, especially in the context of work ability assessment. In this study, the 13 capacity dimensions of Mini-ICF-APP were tested for its inter-rater reliability in the context of a vocational training program for persons with chronic and mental health problems in Switzerland. Also, the development of capacity impairments was investigated over the course of the long-term vocational training programs.61 training reports on chronically ill persons with mental health impairments were collected within a vocational training program in 2018–2019. Capacity impairment of the trainees were assessed at the beginning of the intervention (t0), after three months (t1) and after 6 to 9 months (t2) by a job attendant and a consultant at each of the three time points. Inter-rater reliabilities for each time point have been calculated. Development of capacity impairment over the course of the vocational training were investigated by variance analysis with repeated measurements.The inter-rater reliability increased in all 13 Mini-ICF-APP capacity dimensions over the course from t0 to t2. Spearman correlation in each capacity dimension reached sufficient values (r = 0.55*–0.97**). There was no statistically significant change of capacity impairment over the course of the vocational training. Ten capacity dimensions showed a decreasing tendency, three showed a tendency to improve capacity levels.Through repeated application and training programs the capacity raters seem to be able to improve reliability of their assessments. The phenomenon of slight increase of capacity impairments over the time may be due to the fact that context and rater’s knowledge on participants and context demands changed over the time.

Kirjatun työkykytiedon tärkeys ja hyödyllisyys työterveyshuollossa – kyselytutkimus työterveyshuollon ammattilaisille

Työurien pidentämisessä oleellista on, että työkyvyn heikkenemisen merkit havaitaan terveydenhuollossa mahdollisimman varhain, jotta työkyvyn tuen toimenpiteet voidaan aloittaa mahdollisimman oikea-aikaisesti. Tässä tärkeä rooli on potilastietojärjestelmillä, joiden hyödyntämiseen vaikuttaa, kuinka rakenteisesti tiedot on niihin kirjattu. Terveydenhuoltolain (1326/2010) mukaan kunnan on seurattava asukkaittensa terveyttä ja hyvinvointia sekä niihin vaikuttavia tekijöitä väestöryhmittäin. Keskeisessä asemassa siinäkin on tieto. Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on selvittää työterveyshenkilöstön näkemyksiä työkykytiedon tärkeydestä ja hyödyllisyydestä potilastyössä, kirjaamistavasta potilastietojärjestelmässä sekä sopivuudesta valtakunnalliseksi väestötason seurantatiedoksi.
 Tutkimusaineisto kerättiin joulukuussa 2019 sähköpostikyselyllä, joka sisälsi asenneväittämiä kirjattavista työkykytiedoista. Kysely lähetettiin 332 työterveyshuollon ammattilaiselle, joista kyselyyn vastasi 91 henkilöä.
 Tärkeinä työkykytietoina pidettiin psyykkistä ja fyysistä suorituskykyä, työkyvyttömyysaikaa, potilaan ja ammattilaisten arvioita työkyvystä, työn kuormitustekijöitä sekä työhön paluun suunnitelmaa. Suurin osa vastaajista kertoi hyödyntävänsä työkykytietoja potilastyössään ja uskoi tietojen olevan hyödyllisiä myös muille potilasta hoitaville terveydenhuollon ammattilaisille. Työkykytiedoista sopivimpia kansallisiksi työkykyä kuvaaviksi seurantatiedoiksi olivat sairauden diagnoosi tai hoidon syy, terveysriski, työkyvyttömyysaika sekä potilaan ja ammattilaisen arviot työkyvystä. Potilastietojärjestelmissä yleisin kirjaamistapa työkykytiedoille oli vapaamuotoinen.
 Tiedon hyödyntämisessä kaikki lähtee kirjaamisesta. Tiedon pitää olla yhtenäisesti määriteltyä ja rakenteista. Lisäksi potilastietojärjestelmien tulee mahdollistaa tiedon kirjaaminen mahdollisimman sujuvasti osana vastaanoton kulkua. Myös väestötasoista seurantaa varten tulisi tieto kerätä sieltä, missä se luonnollisesti syntyy osana asiakas- ja potilastyötä.

A Decision-Making Tool for Planning O&M Activities of Offshore Wind Farms Using Simulated Actual Decision Drivers

Safe and cost-efficient planning Operation&Maintenance (O&M) activities for the turbines of Offshore Wind Farms is crucial for the offshore wind industry. The execution of the planned tasks depends on the workability at sea. Workability assessments aim to find time periods, called weather windows, during which the personnel can execute the job at hand safely. Traditionally, weather windows analyses are based on thresholds applied on relevant metocean conditions in the area of interest, commonly wave height, wave period and wind speed. In this way, tasks are planned in windows during which the forecast metocean conditions do not exceed the defined thresholds. This paper presents a numerical tool that provides weather windows based on more direct measures of workability, that is seasickness on board during the trip to the turbines and bow motions, which endanger crew transfers from vessel to turbine. When assessing weather windows, such parameters better describe the actual decision drivers in a real operational setting than mere metocean thresholds, which are, in practical cases, discretionally judged by the O&M operator upon experience. Therefore, the reliability of workability predictions can increase, leading to financial gains for the wind industry and safer environment for O&M operators. The paper shows an application of the tool, where a full O&M scenario is simulated. The scenario comprises the transit from the port to the offshore site, the work carried out on the turbine and the transit back to the port. In particular, the application highlights the key capability of the tool of calculating vessel motions, which are elaborated to produce weather windows. With its low computational time-demand, the tool aims to support the decision-making processes that produce short- and long-term O&M plans.

Predictive validity of general work ability assessments in the context of sickness insurance.

ObjectiveThe activity ability assessment is a Swedish method for assessing general work ability, based on self-reports combined with an examination by specially trained physicians, and, if needed, extended assessments by occupational therapists, physiotherapists and/or psychologists. The aim of this study was to analyse the predictive validity of the activity ability assessment in relation to future sick leave.DesignAnalysis of assessments in 300 case files, in relation to register data on sick leave.SubjectsPeople on sick leave (n =300, 32% men, 68% women; mean age 48 years; assessment at mean sick leave day 249).MethodsUnivariate and multivariate statistics.ResultsSelf-rated work ability was the only factor with predictive value related to future sick leave. Physicians’ evaluations lacked predictive value, except where the person had a limitation in vision, hearing or speech that was predictive of future decisions by the Social Insurance Agency. No sex differences were identified.ConclusionThe predictive value of the activity ability assessment for future sick leave is limited, and selfrated work ability is more accurate compared with an extensive insurance medical assessment. Self-rated work ability may be more holistic compared with insurance medicine assessments, which may be overly focused on individual factors. A practical implication of this is that the inclusion of contextual factors in assessment procedures needs to be improved.LAY ABSTRACTThis study investigates whether assessments of general work ability (i.e. a person’s ability to work in any job) can predict future sick leave. The assessment method was developed in the Swedish sickness insurance system, and consists of a self-assessment, and assessments by physicians and other healthcare professionals. The results show that assessments generally fail to predict sick leave, with the exception of the person’s own assessment, which is broader and takes more aspects into account. These results can be used to improve assessment methods, where it is especially important to pay attention to a person’s whole situation.

Capacidade para o trabalho em trabalhadores de um instituto de pesquisa

O estudo objetivou avaliar a capacidade para o trabalho (CT) e analisar os fatores associados à capacidade inadequada em funcionários de um instituto de pesquisa, segundo o vínculo empregatício. Realizou-se uma pesquisa transversal com 515 servidores e terceirizados de uma instituição de pesquisa no Estado do Pará. Utilizou-se um questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas, funcionais e o Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT). A média do ICT do grupo dos servidores foi 40,9, e a CT inadequada somou 20,7%. Para os terceirizados, os valores foram 44,3 e 5,1%, respectivamente. A análise múltipla dos servidores mostrou que apenas as variáveis sexo e idade permaneceram significativas. Para os terceirizados, nenhuma variável apresentou significância estatística. As categorias profissionais com maior prevalência de ICT inadequado foram: entre os servidores, os pesquisadores; entre os terceirizados, os trabalhadores da manutenção. Os resultados demonstram que as diferenças existentes entre esses funcionários estão fortemente relacionadas ao vínculo empregatício.

Natalizumab is associated with early improvement of working ability in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: WANT observational study results.

The Work Ability in Natalizumab-Treated MS Patients (WANT) study assessed work ability, quality of life, and cognitive processing speed during natalizumab treatment. WANT was a 1-year, prospective, multicenter observational study conducted in Italy. Inclusion criteria included relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), natalizumab treatment, full-time worker status, and loss of working hours due to MS as measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for MS (WPAI:MS). The primary endpoint was change in WPAI:MS domain scores after 1 year on natalizumab. Secondary endpoints included change in annualized relapse rate (ARR), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) score, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) score. At enrollment, the 91 patients had a mean age of 38.3 (standard deviation [SD], 9.0) years and a mean ARR of 1.5 (SD, 0.8). After 1 year, improvements were observed in all WPAI:MS domains, with significant reductions in Absenteeism (-4.2 [SD, 26.0], p = 0.0190) and Work Productivity Loss (-7.2 [SD, 28.6]; p = 0.0456). These changes were accompanied by a low ARR (0.1), and 87.9% of patients were relapse free. Significant improvement was observed in MSIS-29 physical and psychological domains (reductions of 2.8 [SD, 11.6; p = 0.0295] and 6.3 [SD, 15.6; p = 0.0007], respectively) and SDMT score (increase of 2.4 [SD, 7.9; p = 0.0006]). Adverse events were reported in 32 of 104 patients (30.8%). The reductions in Absenteeism and Work Productivity Loss and the improved physical and psychological functioning reported after 1 year of natalizumab treatment in real-world settings extend our understanding of natalizumab's effects on patient-centric and health economics outcomes.

Work Ability Assessment and Its Relationship with Cardiovascular Autonomic Profile in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) negatively impacts quality of life. The excessive increase in cardiac sympathetic modulation during standing, which characterizes POTS patients, leads to many symptoms and signs of orthostatic intolerance. Little is known about the consequences of the disease on work performance and its relationship with individual autonomic profiles. Twenty-two POTS patients regularly engaged in working activity (20 females, age 36 ± 12 years) and 18 gender- and age-matched controls underwent a clinical evaluation and filled out the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. POTS patients completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS31) questionnaire, underwent continuous electrocardiogram, blood pressure and respiratory activity recordings while supine and during a 75° head-up tilt (HUT). A power spectrum analysis provided the index of cardiac sympatho-vagal balance (LF/HF). WAI scores were significantly reduced in POTS patients (29.84 ± 1.40) compared to controls (45.63 ± 0.53, p < 0.01). A significant inverse correlation was found between individual WAI and COMPASS31 scores (r = −0.46; p = 0.03), HUT increase in heart rate (r = −0.57; p = 0.01) and LF/HF (r = −0.55; p = 0.01). In POTS patients, the WAI scores were inversely correlated to the intensity of autonomic symptoms and to the excessive cardiac sympathetic activation induced by the gravitational stimulus.

Einfluss von verhaltens- und verhältnispräventiven Maßnahmen auf die Arbeitsbewältigungsfähigkeit in der Sekundär- und Tertiärprävention im Setting Büro (Bildschirmarbeitsplatz)

Effect of behavioural and situational prevention on work ability in secondary and tertiary prevention in an office setting (display screen equipment (DSE) workstation) Objectives: The subject of work ability is becoming increasingly important in light of changing work requirements in parallel with an ageing workforce. It is already noticeable that a large number of employees do not work until the statutory retirement age due to physical and mental complaints (Statista Research Department 2019). A lack of movement (sedentary behaviour), unilateral repetitive strain and a workspace that is not ergonomically designed to individual requirements all play a decisive role in an office setting. This study investigated the effect of the Sedus ergo+ concept (combination of situational and behavioural prevention) on the work ability of health-impaired office workers. Methods: The data of n = 21 employees were collected over 12 weeks in a pre-post test design in order to assess work ability (single parameter of the Work Ability Index [WAI]). The distribution of the data was examined and the data were analysed by using the t-test for dependent samples or Wilcoxon test. Results: With regard to the work ability score (WAS), the study showed that current work ability increased by 26.57 % (p &lt; 0.001). The assessment of current work ability in relation to the physical and mental demands of the job showed an increase of 16.88 % and 8.64 % respectively (p &lt; 0.05 and p = 0.141 respectively). A similar result was found with regard to the estimated impairment of job performance due to sickness, with an increase of 14.22 % (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: It can be assumed that measures which take account of behavioural and situational prevention as well as the individual requirements of employees in workspace design have positive effects in terms of physical and mental health and work ability. Keywords: work ability – prevention – health promotion – sedentary behavior – display screen equipment (DSE) workstation

Occupational therapists’ competencies utilised in Danish job centres

Background Twenty-nine out of 94 Danish job centres employ occupational therapists (OTs) and numbers are increasing. Occupational therapy (OT) vocational rehabilitations are diverse, and a more specific description of OT practice within this field is lacking. Aims To explore how OTs employed at Danish job centres describe their own competencies and what they perceive that their colleagues from other professions request from them. Material and Methods Firstly, working diaries were obtained from 16 OTs working in job centres and analysed using content analysis. Secondly, semi-structured interviews were performed and analysed using systematic text condensation. Results The 16 OTs described four areas of competencies to their profession’s practice within job centres; client-centeredness; a holistic approach; work ability assessments and ergonomics and adaptation. The OTs perceived that their colleagues requested their work ability assessment skills and their competencies as health professionals. Conclusion The OTs had a client-centered and holistic focus on the citizens’ whole life situation and used their health professional education and knowledge of ergonomics and adaptation to strengthen their work ability assessments. Significance The OTs perceived that they had competencies that supplemented the competencies of the interdisciplinary team. The results therefore support the inclusion of OTs within job centres.

Occupational health physicians as users of electronic health records.

Electronic health records (EHRs)' purpose is to facilitate the documentation of patient data and to improve the exchange of information between the professionals involved in a patient's care. To investigate occupational health (OH) physicians' experiences of EHRs and the factors hampering work. An electronic questionnaire was sent to physicians working in OH services in April 2017 and a total of 342 OH physicians participated in the study. The results were reported as quantities and percentages. The survey text was analysed using data-driven content analysis. The respondents considered their EHR stable in terms of technical features but the routine tasks with EHR were not straightforward. Also, the documentation of patient data for statistical purposes took an unreasonable amount of time and the access to patient data from other organizations was poor. Instead, a well-functioning feature of EHRs were electronic prescriptions. The factors, which hampered respondents' work, were constant or frequent time pressure, too little time to do their job properly and a stress caused by uncompleted tasks. This study showed that the usability problems of EHRs were the slowness, unexpected downtimes and difficulties in obtaining patient data. Also, respondents felt very often a lack of time in their work. OH physicians' work is best supported by EHRs that consider their specific role in healthcare, i.e. the assessment of work ability, the co-ordination of care and rehabilitation and support for return to work.

Effects of six month personalized endurance training on work ability in middle-aged sedentary women: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTo test the effects of guided endurance training on work ability in middle-aged female hospital workers of various occupations.MethodsWe randomized 265 healthy, sedentary, middle-aged women (45–65 years) to an endurance training group (EG 210 min/week) or a wait-list control group (CG). At baseline and at 6-month follow-up, we assessed work ability (Work Ability Index [WAI]), physical activity (Freiburger activity questionnaire) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. To examine the influence of baseline work ability, participants were divided into poor-moderate (WAI 1, 7–36 points, n = 83), good (WAI 2, 37–43 points, n = 136) and excellent (WAI 3, 44–49 points, n = 46) WAI subgroups.ResultsCardiorespiratory fitness improved significantly after 6 months in the EG but not in the CG. The WAI total score increased significantly in the EG (38.3 ± 5.0 to 39.8 ± 4.9 points) but not in the CG (39.4 ± 4.7 to 39.3 ± 4.9 points), with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.01). In the EG, only the poor-moderate subgroup (WAI 1, 33.0 ± 2.9 to 36.6 ± 4.8 points, p < 0.05) increased the WAI total score, with this increase being significantly higher compared to the good (WAI 2, 40.2 ± 2.1 to, 40.4 ± 3.7 points) and excellent (WAI 3, 45.6 ± 1.5 to 45.7 ± 1.8 points) subgroup.ConclusionsA 6-month guided exercise training intervention significantly increases cardiorespiratory fitness with concomitant improvements in work ability in middle-aged previously sedentary hospital employees. Women with low baseline work ability seem to particularly benefit from the intervention, which implies that similar interventions may be particularly beneficial for this group of individuals.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trails Register Identifier: DRKS00005159. Registered 25 September 2013.

Intelligent Robotics Incorporating Machine Learning Algorithms for Improving Functional Capacity Evaluation and Occupational Rehabilitation.

Introduction Occupational rehabilitation often involves functional capacity evaluations (FCE) that use simulated work tasks to assess work ability. Currently, there exists no single, streamlined solution to simulate all or a large number of standard work tasks. Such a system would improve FCE and functional rehabilitation through simulating reaching maneuvers and more dexterous functional tasks that are typical of workplace activities. This paper reviews efforts to develop robotic FCE solutions that incorporate machine learning algorithms. Methods We reviewed the literature regarding rehabilitation robotics, with an emphasis on novel techniques incorporating robotics and machine learning into FCE. Results Rehabilitation robotics aims to improve the assessment and rehabilitation of injured workers by providing methods for easily simulating workplace tasks using intelligent robotic systems. Machine learning-based approaches combine the benefits of robotic systems with the expertise and experience of human therapists. These innovations have the potential to improve the quantification of function as well as learn the haptic interactions provided by therapists to assist patients during assessment and rehabilitation. This is done by allowing a robot to learn based on a therapist's motions ("demonstrations") what the desired workplace activity ("task") is and how to recreate it for a worker with an injury ("patient"). Through Telerehabilitation and internet connectivity, these robotic assessment techniques can be used over a distance to reach rural and remote locations. Conclusions While the research is in the early stages, robotics with integrated machine learning algorithms have great potential for improving traditional FCE practice.

Research of corrosion processes in body material of electrical dehydrator

The task was set of determining the dependence of the quantitative indicator of the corrosion rate of the material of the body of the electric dehydrator on the composition of the aggressive medium, the development of measures to improve the quality of the assessment of workability and the assessment of the residual life, as well as ensuring the protection of the parts of the body of the electric dehydrator from exposure to the most aggressive working phases during operation. For research, rectangular samples were made of low-alloy steel 09G2S with dimensions of 20x20 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. To quantify corrosion wear, the samples were immersed for different times in three model media: ordinary water with different NaCl concentrations; the water, which has stood up from oil, with various concentration of NaCl; oil-water emulsion with an oil content in the water in the range from 7.7% to 95%. It was shown that the maximum corrosion wear is observed in a model medium, which is separated water with salt dissolved in it and characteristic of the lower bottom and lower zones of the electric dehydrator body.

Development and content validity of the Abilitator: a self-report questionnaire on work ability and functioning aimed at the population in a weak labour market position

BackgroundThe unemployed have lower work ability and poorer health than the employed. This situation deteriorates when unemployment continues. The long-term unemployed often have co-morbidities and face many other challenges. This increases the need for a multidimensional assessment of work ability and functioning in different service settings. In this study, we describe the development and analyse the content validity of the Abilitator, a self-report questionnaire on work ability and functioning for those in a weak labour market position.MethodsThe Abilitator was developed in 2014–2017. Its construct was assessed by members of academic expert panels (n = 30), practical expert panels of professionals (n = 700) and target group clients (n = 28). The structure and the content of the questionnaire was co-developed in 29 workshops and adjusted twice based on the expert panels’ feedback. The Abilitator was also implemented among target group clients (n = 3360) in different services and projects. During its development the Abilitator was linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The content validation process followed the guidelines recommended by the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) panel.ResultsThe construct of the Abilitator combines the multidimensional and biopsychosocial models of work ability and functioning. It also includes aspects of social inclusion and employability. It evaluates social, psychological, cognitive and physical functioning, and the ability to cope with everyday life. The content of these concepts was validated by the academic and practical expert panels. The Abilitator’s 79 ICF codes covered 57% of the Generic, 77% of the Brief Vocational Rehabilitation, and 8% of the Minimal Environmental ICF Core Sets. When compared with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), the direct equivalences of the ICF codes were 36 and 44%, respectively.ConclusionThe Abilitator sufficiently comprehensively covers the relevant aspects to enable the assessment of the overall work ability and functioning of the population in a weak labour market position.