Changes In Physical Capacity Research Articles

Effects of Vocationally Oriented Medical Rehabilitation for Aircraft Maintenance Personnel—A Preliminary Study of Long-Term Effects with 5-year Follow-Up

Changes in the physical capacity, musculoskeletal symptoms, and perceived work ability of Finnish Air Force maintenance personnel were studied after vocationally oriented medical rehabilitation (VOMR). Twenty persons with chronic musculoskeletal symptoms in their back or neck took part in VOMR courses. The measurements were carried out at the beginning of the rehabilitation course and after two follow-up periods (0.5 and 5 years). The subjects worked most of the time in a bent position and often with their backs twisted and their arms above their shoulders. The severity of low-back pain and the number of days of sick leave decreased significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) during the 5-years follow-up. Also the exercise breaks at work increased (p < 0.01). After half a year of medical rehabilitation the measured range of the cervical spine and the dynamic and endurance strength of the upper and lower extremities was greater (p < 0.05-0.001) than at the beginning of the rehabilitation. There were no statistically significant differences in the use of physical therapy, experienced work strain, physical exercise or maximal oxygen consumption during the follow-up. This is a preliminary follow-up study lasting 5 years showed some significant changes in physical capacity, musculoskeletal symptoms and work ability. However, controlled studies are needed to evaluate these preliminary findings of this kind of rehabilitation model.

Physical capacity and work ability among middle-aged women in physically demanding work – a 10-year follow-up study

The aim of this study was to ascertain changes in physical capacity and work ability among middle-aged women (over 45 years of age) who had worked on average 20 years between 1989 and 2000 in physically demanding work. The second aim was to consider whether there were any differences in changes of physical capacity between two different work demand groups (physically vs. mixed mentally and physically demanding work). The total relative changes in physical capacity varied from 33.3% decrease to 5.3% increase, depending on the physical capacity variables. The steepest decreases were in the dynamic strength of the upper limbs, squatting and in aerobic capacity, and only the body mass index increased over 10 years. The perceived work ability decreased from good to moderate among working women over 10 years. It is concluded that women who had physically demanding work had a greater decrease in physical capacity than women in mixed mental and physical work had. This study proposes that in physically demanding o...

Workload and physical capacity among ageing municipal employees—a 16-year follow-up study

The main purpose of this study was to ascertain musculoskeletal and cardiovascular capacity among ageing employees in relation to workload over a period of 16 years. As the more specific aims were to find out firstly if the physical capacity was different among subjects who had high workload compared with subjects who had low workload and secondly if the changes in physical capacity during the follow-up period were different between subjects with high workload than among subjects with low workloadThe data were obtained by physical capacity tests and field measurements (assessments of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular load). The study group consisted of 95 middle-aged subjects who were on average 51.9 years old at the beginning of the follow-up in 1981 and they were all employed. In 1997 they were 67.3 years and 93 of the subjects had retired. The sample represented workers who were employed in municipal occupations in different regions of Finland.During the 16-year follow-up period age-related decline in physical capacity was observed. In general the subjects with low workload had better physical capacity than the subjects with high workload, especially among women. The improvements in physical capacity were more common than declines among subjects with low physical workload over the follow-up period. Among subjects with high physical workload the situation was mostly vice versa. However, the declines in isometric trunk extension strength and in aerobic capacity were more common among subjects with physically low workload than among subjects with high workload. The differences between high and low workload groups in physical capacity were larger among women than among men. It was concluded that physical workload seems to have more wearing effects than training effects on ageing workers. Relevance to industryPhysically heavy work may have no training effect on physical capacity among aged workers. The physically heavy work has to be individually adjusted to correspond to a worker's physical capacity, bearing in mind age-related decline of physical capacity, and thereby preventing the overload of the worker.

Changes in physical capacity as a function of age in heavy manual work

The objective of this study was to assess the changes in the physical capacity as a function of age in power line technicians (PLTs). The physical test was designed to closely represent the essential physical tasks of the occupation that were identified through a detailed job demand analysis. The results from the physical test showed that six out of nine test variables did not demonstrate a statistical difference between the mean scores of young (⩽ 39 years) and old age (50 + years) groups. However the older group scored significantly lower in the aerobic capacity test, one-handed pull down, and both right and left standard handgrip tests. Despite these differences the older PLT appears to meet and exceed the physical requirements necessary to carry out the essential tasks of this trade. However a physical test with a high level of content and construct validity is necessary to accurately evaluate the workers physical capacity in relation to the job demands. Based on the principal of specificity for muscle training and testing, this study has demonstrated that heavy manual work appears to maintain physical capacity specific to the task as age progresses.

Changes in Physical Capacity Among Middle-Aged Municipal Employees Over 16 Years

The purpose of the present study was to identify changes in different components of physical capacity among middle-aged women and men employed in the municipal branch for 16 years. The data were obtained by laboratory measurements and postal questionnaires. The study group consisted of 45 middle-aged subjects, who were on average 51.5 years old at the beginning of the follow-up in 1981 and 67.3 years in 1997. During the 16-year follow-up period, the average physical capacity of these workers decreased by approximately 20%. The study showed that the greatest changes occurred in isometric trunk muscle strength and in the flexibility of the spine, whereas smaller changes were noted in anthropometrics. The decrease of physical capacity was greater among men (range 11.6% to 33.7%) than among women (range 3.3% to 26.7%), although women had more individual variations. On average, people without disease or who were physically active displayed better physical capacity than people with disease or who were physically passive.

Segmentation of fat and muscle from MR images of the thigh by a possibilistic clustering algorithm

Physical training is proved to induce changes in physical capacity and body composition. We propose in this article a fast, unsupervised and fully three-dimensional automatic method to extract muscle and fat volumes from magnetic resonance images of thighs in order to assess these changes. The technique relies on the use of a fuzzy clustering algorithm and post-processings to trustfully process the body composition of thighs. Results are compared on 11 healthy voluntary elderly people with those provided on the same data by a validated method already published, and its reliability is assessed on repeated measures on three subjects. The two methods statistically agree when computing muscle and fat volumes, and clinical implications of this fully automatic method are important for medicine, physical conditioning, weight-loss programs and predictions of optimal body weight.

Multimethod assessment of treatment process in chronic low back pain: comparison of reported pain-related anxiety with directly measured physical capacity

Although cognitive behavioural treatments (CBT) have proven efficacy in improving symptom management, pain-related distress, physical performance and return to work, few studies have examined the relationship between changes in behavioural process variables during treatment and improvement in outcome variables following treatment. We designed a multimethod assessment strategy to test the relative contribution of changes in physical capacity and pain-related anxiety to treatment outcome variables. Low back pain patients ( n=59) were treated with an intensive programme of physical exercise and CBT. Comparisons from pre- to post-treatment showed significant improvement in pain severity, interference, affective distress, activity level, and depression. Improvements in pain-related anxiety were associated with improvements in all outcome variables except interference. Of three physical capacity composite scores, improvement in only one (lumbar extension and flexion capacity) was associated with improvements in all outcome variables except interference. Further analyses demonstrated that the relationship between changes in pain-related anxiety and treatment outcome were independent of changes in physical capacity performance. Changes during treatment in pain-related anxiety may be more important than changes during treatment in physical capacity when predicting the effect of treatment on behavioural outcome measures. These results are discussed in the context of how to improve assessment of the chronic pain patient and improve the effectiveness of multidisciplinary CBT.

Physical performance in persons with spinal cord injuries after discharge from rehabilitation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in physical capacity and performance of activities of daily living (ADL) during the postrehabilitation period of persons with spinal cord injuries and to determine the factors explaining the changes in physical capacity. Nine subjects with tetraplegia and 11 subjects with paraplegia were measured at time of discharge from rehabilitation (t1) and on average 1.2 yr later (t2). Physical capacity was measured as maximal isometric strength (F(iso)), sprint power output (P30), maximal power output (POmax), and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Physical strain and performance time were measured during standardized ADL (ascending ramp, passing door, making transfer, washing hands). P30 and POmax showed a significant increase at t2, whereas F(iso) and VO2peak remained unchanged. Sport activity was the most important independent variable explaining relative changes in P30 and POmax, showing on average larger values in active subjects. Other independent variables that were significantly related to changes in physical capacity were the occurrence of illness and having a tetraplegia (negatively associated with changes in P30 and VO2peak), and incompleteness of the lesion and an increased body mass (positively associated with changes in F(iso)). Increase in physical capacity was found to coincide with decrease of the physical strain and performance time of ADL, reflected in significant negative correlation coefficients for some tasks. It is concluded that physical capacity and performance of ADL improved or remained constant during the first year after rehabilitation and that sport participation is associated with improvements in physical capacity. Results of this study underline the importance of being physically active during the period after rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injuries.

Changes in lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles in persons with spinal cord injuries during the first 2 years post-injury.

To investigate changes in lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the first 2 years post-injury, and to determine whether changes in risk profiles were associated with sport activity and/or changes in physical capacity parameters. Risk profiles and physical capacity were investigated in 19 subjects with recent SCI during rehabilitation (t1) and +/- 1 year after discharge from rehabilitation (t2). Changes in total plasma cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein-A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein-B (ApoB) concentrations, the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, ApoA1/ApoB and HDL-C/ApoA1, and physical capacity (maximal isometric strength, sprint power output, maximal power output, aerobic power). Risk profile parameters changed towards more favorable values at t2, except for HDL-C (P=0.06), TG and HDL-C/ApoA1. Sport activity and changes of the physical capacity were the most important determinants of changes in lipid and (apo)lipoprotein profiles, showing more favorable values with larger increases of the physical capacity and in persons who were physically active. Results show that the lipid and (apo)lipoprotein profiles improve in persons with SCI during the first 2 years post-injury, and that improving the physical capacity or being physically active can improve the lipid and (apo)lipoprotein profiles.

Cognitive and physical capacity process variables predict long-term outcome after treatment of chronic pain.

Cognitive-behavioral and physical therapies are incorporated into multidisciplinary chronic pain programs because changes in pain cognitions and physical capacity may represent therapeutic processes that facilitate favorable outcome. Decreases in depression, however, may explain treatment responses more parsimoniously. Measures of pain helplessness, lifting capacity, walking endurance, depression, pain severity, and activity level were collected from 94 chronic pain patients at pre- and posttreatment and at 3- to 6-month follow-up evaluations. Decreases in pain helplessness were linked to pain severity reduction, whereas walking endurance increases were related to improvements in activity levels and downtime even after controlling for effects of depression decreases. Thus, cognitive and physical capacity changes that occur through pain treatment may make unique contributions to long-term outcome.

Changes in physical strain and physical capacity in men with spinal cord injuries.

To determine longitudinal changes in physical capacity and physical strain during activities of daily living (ADL), 37 men with spinal cord injuries (C4/5-L5) performed an exercise test and various ADL on two occasions (T1 and T2; interval 34.5 +/- 1.5 months). Parameters of physical capacity were aerobic power (VO(2peak)) and maximal power output (PO(max)). Physical strain was estimated by the heart rate response relative to the heart rate reserve. VO(2peak) at T2 (1.75 +/- 0.55 1*min(1)) did not significantly differ from that at T1 (1.67 + 0.47 1*min(-1)). Absolute PO max improved (P < 0.05) from 64.9 +/- 25.9 (T1) to 71.7 +/- 27.2 W (T2), whereas relative PO(max) did not change. Activity level, time since injury, change in body mass, and occurrence of rehospitalization were the most important predictors of changes in physical capacity. Changes in relative VO(2peak) were related (P < 0.05) to changes in strain during transfers to the shower wheelchair (r = -0.39) and shower seat (r = -0.46), and during the curb ascent (r = -0.47). In conclusion, the hypothesized decline in physical capacity did not occur over the 3-yr period. Maintenance of physical capacity, which may in part be achieved through sport participation and improved medical care, together with avoidance of excessive body mass, may be useful to prevent high levels of strain during ADL.

Four-Year Longitudinal Changes in Physical Capacity of Men With Acute Radiation Syndrome 853

It has been suggested that persons with Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) are prone to marked reductions in physical capacity due to the negative effects of poor physical health. To investigate whether a reduction in physical capacity could indeed be observed, 227 male subjects (age 37.5 + 5 yrs) diagnosed with ARS following the Chernobyl accident performed an annual symptom limited grade exercise test during the years 1989-1992. VO2 measurements were made during a discontinuous, incremental cycle ergometer test (50 W/4 min). Oxygen consumption was determined by open-circuit spirometry, blood pressure was obtained by auscultation and heart rate via a 12-lead EKG. Relative to physical activity, exercise was limited to light to moderate walking and cycling during the three week in-patient clinic visit each year. Mean VO2 peak was 23.8+ 3.5 ml/kg/min at year 1989 with a significant decrease noted at year 1992 (P < 0.05). A similar significant decrease (P< 0.05) was found for power output (PO) during the same time period (136W to 116W). Although not significant, reductions in MHR and SBP were also noted during the four year period. These results indicate that in this unique subject population the expected decrease in physical capacity was confirmed. In addition to the environmental radiation-induced decrement there will also be the confounding variables (biological, environmental, and psychological) that impact the physical health of this group.

FACTORS AFFECTING LEARNING IN OLDER ADULTS

The author has gleaned from the literature a number of conclusions one can make regarding the aging of older adults and then drawn implications of these conclusions for those who plan, design, and conduct educational experiences for elders. These conclusions have been grouped under several headings: Major Changes in Physical Capacities, Changes in Sensory Capacities, Changes Related to Speed and Timing, Attitudinal Changes, Learning Capacity and Performance, Changes in Memory, and Changes in Adjustment Ability and Morale.

Changes in physical capacity, heart size and function in patients after myocardial infarction, who underwent a 4-to 6-week physical training program.

From findings in 1,200 coronary patients after myocardial infarction, it was shown that a stationary course of treatment in a rehabilitation center, where a gradually intensifying, individually adapted physical training program is administered, can lead to statistically highly significant improvements in the functional efficiency of the heart, as well as in physical capacity, in a short period of 4-6 weeks. It should be stressed that these positive effects can be demonstrated in the early stages of rehabilitation from infarction, that is, directly following discharge from the hospital, in the same way as in a late course of treatment of the repeated therapy; it is also important to point out that similar favorable results were obtained for older groups as for younger ones under all parameters, within the same time. A 6-week training period is more effective than a 4-week one.

CAPITAL FORMATION AND FINANCING TRENDS IN MANUFACTURING AND MINING, 1900–1953*

DURING THE FIRST HALF of this century, the manufacturing and mining sector showed a more pronounced growth than the economy as a whole. The combined output of manufacturing and mining rose from $11.7 billion in 1900 to $224.3 billion in 1948 (in current prices). Around 1900, slightly more than one-fifth of national income originated in these industries; in the twenties their share rose to roughly one quarter of the total; in recent years it has been nearly one third.' The pronounced growth in output obviously required rapid expansion of capital facilities. In discussing capital expansion, the distinction between reported book values and the values adjusted for price changes should, of course, be borne in mind. When attention is directed to changes in physical capacity, an adjustment for price changes is required. On, the other hand, when the financial aspects of investment are studied, unadjusted money flows are of prime importance.2 For comparison's sake, both sets of values are