Improvement Work Research Articles

Effect on Key Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Produced by Using Cementitious Materials, Ultrafine Concrete Additives and Fourth Generation Super-Plasticizers

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a flowing concrete that does not require vibration and, indeed, should not be vibrated. Many researchers have adopted different methods for achieving compatibility of SCC till the date.High flow-ability is vital criteria for the application of SCC in construction practices. In this experimental program, high grade SCC mixes were established & evaluated the properties of fresh concrete as well as hardened concrete. M-70 grade at 45 days is targeted with initial strength 3 days (40%) & 28 days (80%). i.e 60 N/mm2 at 28 days. Mixes were prepared by using combinations of cementitious materials – OPC & PFA, hycrete, Metakaolin and fourth Generation Super-plasticizers admixture pure Polycarboxylate ether (PCE base). First of all, optimized percentage doses of hycrete were fixed and same percentage was used for next trials. Criteria for percentage of optimization for hycrete is mainly based on cohesiveness, flow, retention & the strength parameters of initial i.e 3/7 days & 28/45 days. Water to binder ratio and chemical admixture dosage were kept constant i.e 0.26 & 0.65% respectively, for all trials. Initial flow of SCC was observed along with flow at 60 minutes, 90 minutes & 120 minutes intervals.The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect on key properties of Self compacting concrete by four different types of cementitious materials ((blended concrete) such as OPC & PFA, hycrete, Metakaolin and fourth Generation Super-plasticizers admixture pure Polycarboxylate ether (PCE base). This paper has highlighted the effects on properties of fresh SCC such as flowability with desired retention as well as hardened properties like Compressive strength. In this study our main focus is to investigate the effect on flow ability & retention period as well as compressive strength for initial & later age phase of concrete. The results shows overall improvement in workability, minimum two hours retention period, targeted gain in early age as well as later age compressive strength of SCC was observed. Early age desired strength is essentially required for stripping of modern forms like Aluminum shuttering & later age strength is essential for desired concrete grade.

The relationship between workplace characteristics and work ability in residential aged care: What is the role of work-life interaction?

To examine whether the work-life interface (through work-family conflict and overall work-life balance) moderates the relationship between work ability and workplace demands and resources. This study used a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 426 employees working in residential aged care. A paper-based questionnaire was distributed to all permanent and casual employees at eight aged care facilities in Melbourne, Australia, between June - September 2013. Moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS v. 2.13 in SPSS v. 22. As expected, workplace demands and resources directly influenced workers' work ability. In addition, moderate-to-high levels of work-family conflict and low-to-moderate levels of satisfaction with work-life balance combined interactively with particular workplace demands and resources (relationships with management, physical demands, and safety climate) to reduce work ability. This study advances understanding of how work-life balance and work-life conflict can influence work ability levels and shows that addressing the work-life interface may be a legitimate means to improve work ability, potentially leading to continued workforce participation. Staff retention in the residential aged care sector needs to be addressed. One possible means of achieving this is through improving work ability. This study expanded knowledge of how the work-life interface may influence work ability. The research demonstrated that relationships between work ability and particular workplace demands and resources were moderated by the work-life interface. This finding has implications for how human resources managers of residential aged care facilities may improve workforce retention-through facilitating employees to manage the work-life interface better.

Utilization of metalized plastic waste of food packaging articles in geopolymer concrete

The metalized plastics are extensively used by the food packaging industry. The metalized plastic wastes (MPW) are largely unfit for reuse and recycle process and impose harmful impacts to the environment. The MPW may be sustainably utilized in construction materials. The fly ash-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a sustainable construction material in the past few decades. Therefore, a novel combination of MPW and GPC may hold the potential of preparing a greener and sustainable construction material. The objectives were to obtain the optimum dosage of MPW fibers and to evaluate the corresponding response of the fresh and strength properties of the modified GPC. To explore the effectiveness of the addition of MPW into GPC, the life cycle assessment was studied for MPW and the novel composite prepared by combining GPC and MPW. The results exhibited improvement of strength properties of modified GPC specimens due to MPW fibers with a reduced trend of improvement of workability. It was observed that an addition of 1% MPW fibers by volume of the mix showed good performance of the composite for all test conditions. The sustainability assessment of the novel composite demonstrated promising outcomes ensuring the feasibility of usage of MPW into the GPC.

Improvement in Work Ability, Psychological Distress and Pain Sites in Relation to Low Back Pain Prognosis: A Longitudinal Observational Study in Primary Care.

Prospective observational study pooled from two clinical cohorts. To investigate the longitudinal relation between multisite pain, psychological distress, and work ability with disability, pain, and quality of life. Knowledge of prognostic factors is essential for better management of patients with low back pain (LBP). All domains of the biopsychosocial model have shown prognostic value; however, clinical studies rarely incorporate all domains when studying treatment outcome for patients with LBP. A total of 165 patients with nonspecific LBP seeking primary care physiotherapy were included. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate longitudinal relations between the exposure variables and concurrent measures of outcomes at baseline and 3 months. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for minimal important difference in outcome. Higher work ability was associated with less disability -2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.3, -2.0), less pain: -0.4 (95% CI: -0.5, -0.3), and higher quality of life 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.04). Higher psychological distress and number of pain sites were associated with higher disability: 10.9 (95% CI: 7.7, 14.1) and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.4, 3.2) higher pain: 1.9 (95% CI: 1.3, 2.5) and 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2, 0.5), and lower quality of life: -0.1 (95% CI: -0.2, -0.1) and -0.02 (95% CI: -0.03, -0.01), respectively. Improvement in work ability showed consistent associations with successful outcome for disability (odds ratio [OR]: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 18.1), pain (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 12.1), and quality of life (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.4, 15.1) at 3 months. Reduced psychological distress was associated with improvement in pain only (OR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 12.3). More pain sites, higher psychological distress, or lower work ability showed higher disability, more pain, and lower quality of life in patients with LBP. Only improvement in work ability was consistently related to successful outcomes. 2.

Surface functionalization of rubber particles to reduce phase separation in rubberized asphalt for sustainable construction

Application of crumb rubber in asphalt has demonstrated many performance advantages for the pavement industry while bringing a solution for the disposal of the scrap tire. However, the introduction of rubber to asphalt binder has challenges associated with rubber segregation and workability. To address the latter issues, continuous agitation and high mixing temperature is commonly used which increases energy consumption, disintegration of crumb rubber, and emission of greenhouse gases. This paper introduces a newly developed surface activated rubber (SAR) prepared via a hybrid method of microwave treatment and bio-modification to alleviate the associated problems. The properties and performance of SAR were compared with those of conventional crumb rubber modified (CRM) and microwave-activated crumb rubber modified (M-CRM) asphalt. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computational analysis using density functional theory (DFT) indicated successful grafting of biomolecules on the rubber particles. SAR showed 86% reduction in segregation index compared to the other CRM scenarios. Such enhancement was also reflected in a significant improvement in workability of SAR modified binder compared to the other CRM scenarios. Mechanical tests showed high fracture energy (167 J/m2) for SAR modified asphalt, which was approximately three times higher than that of conventional CRM asphalt (57 J/m2).

Stabilization of Soils Using Chemical Admixtures: A Review

Searching for the best soil stabilizer to overcome problems occur by the soft soils are still being the main concern, not only to achieve the required soil engineering properties but also by considering the cost and the effect to the environment. This review paper presents the results of experimental researches on soil stabilization by using the most chemical admixtures, which involved cement, lime and fly ash, and their effectiveness in the engineering properties of soil. Based on the literature review, the results show that addition of these chemical additives lead to significant improvement in workability, strength, durability and mechanical behaviour. On the other hand, it lead to a reduction in shrinkage, plasticity, compressibility and swell characteristics of soil. Also, the curing duration had significantly improved the strength properties of the stabilized soil with chemical additives. Using of each chemical additive and its suitability for a specific soil is highlighted in the research.

A group intervention to promote work ability in patients with head and neck cancer

Despite high distress the majority of head and neck cancer patients does not use any psycho-oncological counselling or psychotherapeutic support. Additionally, patients with head and neck cancer have an increased risk of not returning to work compared to other cancer patients. Therefore, we have developed a group intervention program which aims at improving work ability in patients with head and neck cancer as well as their quality of life, self-efficacy and psychological well-being. In a randomized controlled trial head and neck cancer patients either receive a group intervention or socio-legal counselling. Male head and neck cancer patients with elevated levels of psychological and work-related distress are included. The group intervention consists of eight sessions. Groups are led by both a psychotherapist and a former head and neck cancer patient (peer). Feasibility and acceptability of the group intervention were tested by means of a pilot group. Each session was evaluated by pilot group participants. Semi-structured interviews were used to assess relevance of content and practicability. 113 patients were personally addressed, of which four patients participated in the pilot group. Patients reported that the intervention fit very well with their daily life and expressed satisfaction with it. Three patients emphasized the importance of the peer. The presence of the peer as identification figure seems to be of crucial importance. To increase recruitment numbers inclusion criteria will be modified and participation costs will be reduced.

Work ability and work functioning: measuring change in individuals recently returned to work

PurposeTo assess: (1) whether work ability and work-functioning instruments can detect relevant changes in their respective parameters following a return to work (RTW) and (2) what proportion of those returning to work show changes in their work ability and work functioning.MethodsA total of 1073 workers who returned to work after at least 2 weeks of sick leave were invited to fill out three questionnaires in the first 8 weeks after RTW. These consisted of an appraisal of general, physical, and mental/emotional work ability (scores 0–10) and a work-functioning questionnaire (scores 0–100). Minimal Important Change (MIC) was defined to determine the proportion of people, whose scores had changed at weeks 5 and 8 following RTW. The Smallest Detectable Change (SDC) was determined to put the MIC in perspective of measurement error.ResultsOf all participants, 235 were eligible for the analysis. All MIC values were below the SDC and thus not suitable for use. The SDC for work ability was 2.2 and 19.9 for work functioning. In the first 5 weeks after RTW, 10–15% showed a relevant, measurable improvement in work ability, and work functioning based on the SDC margins.ConclusionsBoth instruments were unable to identify change after RTW adequately. We can conclude that 10–15% of individuals showed improvement in work ability and work functioning in the first 5 weeks after RTW when SDC is used.

A novel synthesis method for MgB2 superconducting wires with kilometer-grade length

We have successfully synthesized kilometer-length 6 + 1 filamentary MgB2 wires reinforced and toughened by Nb/Cu composite with in-situ powder-in-tube method, and for the first time innovatively applied the rapidly heating and quenching (RHQ) to the treatment of MgB2 wires, directly realizing the superconductivity of quenched MgB2 wires as well as the improvement of workability, thus avoiding the necessary annealing program in the conventional process. The results show that the phase composition of samples is mostly MgB2 after treatment with heating current at 350 A, except for a small amount of impurities. Most importantly, at 5 T and 20 K, the critical current density is still as high as 1.34 × 103 A cm−2, which fully meets the requirements of practical applications. This may be due to the relatively uniform distribution and compact MgB2 grains. This method is entirely possible to replace the traditional preparation technology and widen the market application prospect of MgB2.

Impact of Tumarkin attacks on complaints and work ability in Ménière's disease.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the occurrence of Tumarkin attacks in patients with Ménière'sdisease (MD), and to study its association with reported complaints, severity of consequences, and also self-reported work ability. The study used a cross-sectional design. Data obtained from the Finnish Ménière Federation using an electronic survey was analyzed. 602 people with MD responded to the survey (62% response rate) with a mean age of 56.7 years and a mean duration of the disease 12.4 years. 49% of the respondents experienced Tumarkin attacks, which lasted for a few seconds to a few minutes. There were significant differences in complaints reported by MD patients with and without Tumarkin attacks. Respondents with Tumarkin attacks experienced various consequences, including tripping, falls, fear, anxiety, problems in dyadic life, and even transient loss of consciousness. Respondents with Tumarkin attacks had more frequently applied for pension than those not having Tumarkin attacks. On an average, respondents with Tumarkin attacks had less self-reported working ability when compared to those without Tumarkin attacks. The current study results suggest various differences in terms of complaints reported, severity of consequences, and the self-reported working ability in MD patients with and without Tumarkin attacks. Hearing healthcare professionals must examine Tumarkin attacks and their consequences in patients with MD during clinical examinations. In addition, the therapy should focus on alleviating the consequences and improving work ability.

Improvement of menopausal symptoms and the impact on work ability: A retrospective cohort pilot study

ObjectiveIn this study we aimed to pilot test the hypothesis that in women who are severely bothered by their menopausal complaints, improvement of menopausal symptoms is associated with an improvement in self-perceived work ability. Study designThis retrospective cohort study assessed the work ability of first-time attendees (n = 31) of a menopause clinic at baseline (T0) and 3–9 months follow-up (T1). All patients received care as usual according to local protocol, no interventions were applied by the researchers. Self-reported questionnaire data assessing work ability (Work Ability Index; WAI) and menopausal symptoms (Greene Climacteric Scale; GCS) were used. Main outcome measuresMultiple linear regression was used in an exploratory analysis to examine the relationship between change in WAI score (ΔWAI) and change in menopausal symptoms (ΔGCS), after adjustment for potential confounders. Additional exploratory univariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of change in WAI score with change in the different GCS domains and with type of treatment. ResultsTwenty-seven out of 31 women reported improvement in work ability at follow-up (T1) (M = 30.73, SD = 6.42 respectively, M = 34.86, SD = 5.98). All women reported to be less bothered by their menopausal symptoms at T1 (M = 26.57, SD = 8.69 respectively, M = 14.73, SD = 6.36). Multivariate linear regression demonstrated a significant association between the WAI and GCS change scores after correction for confounders (beta ΔGCS = 0.283, p = 0.014). After additional adjustment for WAI at baseline, this association was no longer significant (beta ΔGCS = 0.172, p = 0.164). Change in GCS depression domain (ΔGCS depression) was significantly associated with ΔWAI, although after correction for WAI at baseline the effect of ΔGCS depression was no longer significant (beta = 0.855, p = 0.113). The WAI and GCS change scores were highly correlated, as a result their coefficients were not statistically significant separately. ConclusionsTreatment aimed at alleviating menopausal symptoms in symptomatic women could lead to improvement of menopausal symptoms along with improvement in work ability. Improvement of depressive symptoms seem particularly important for this outcome.

Follow-up of the effectiveness of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis 5 years after the end of psychoanalysis: Minor differences in psychiatric symptoms and work ability

BackgroundPsychoanalysis (PA) has been suggested to yield further continued symptomatic and functional improvement after the end of treatment. MethodsPost-treatment work ability, psychiatric symptoms, and need for treatment were compared between PA and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy during a five-year follow-up. The study sample consisted of 169 outpatients, suffering from long-standing mood or anxiety disorder. ResultsA slightly greater reduction in psychiatric symptoms and improvement in work ability were found in the PA group. LimitationsThis was a naturalistic study. ConclusionsPA may not be a standard treatment in a patient population like this.

Breast Reconstruction May Improve Work Ability and Productivity After Breast Cancer Surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate work ability and productivity in women who had undergone different types of surgical treatment for breast cancer, as well as breast reconstruction after mastectomy. This cross-sectional study assessed 152 women between 30 and 60 years of age, who worked outside the home in formal or informal jobs, or as self-employed. Thirty-eight of them had no history of breast cancer (control group), and 114 had undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer at least 1 year before their enrollment in the study, and were allocated as follows: mastectomy group (n = 38), breast-conserving surgery group (n = 38), or breast reconstruction breast reconstruction group (n = 38). The validated Brazilian versions of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health questionnaire and Work Limitations Questionnaire were self-administered. The groups were homogeneous regarding age, education level, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Patients in the mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery groups showed reduced work performance and productivity compared with women in the breast reconstruction and control groups (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0006, respectively). In addition, women in the mastectomy group had more difficulty in performing activities of daily living compared with those in other groups (P = 0.0121). Women who had undergone mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery had decreased work ability and productivity compared with women without a history of breast cancer and to those who had undergone breast reconstruction.

Performance of sodium silicate free geopolymers from metakaolin (MK) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA): Effect on tensile strength and microstructure

The objective of the present work is to study the effect of RHA on the performance of fresh and hardened metakaolin geopolymer pastes with focus on tensile strength and microstructure. The metakaolin was partially substituted by 12.5–50% RHA in the solid mixes and reacted with 10 M sodium hydroxide solution at ambient conditions of 20 ± 3 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity using a liquid/solid ratio of 0.95. Physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of raw materials were determined. Fresh geopolymer pastes were tested for consistency and setting. Hardened products at 7 and 28 days of curing underwent tensile strength measurements according to ASTM C 307-03 (2012). SEM/EDX and thermogravimetric analyses were done on samples at 28 days of curing. Geopolymer pastes in which MK was substituted with up to 25% RHA showed improvement in workability and tensile strength compared to the mixture of MK with no RHA as substitution. Microstructural observations and SEM/EDX analyses of hardened pastes suggested that, the presence of RHA affected Si/Al ratios of geopolymers, with consequences on their polycondensation reactions products. Enhancement of tensile strength resulted from the densification of the matrix and the reduction of the negative effect of drying shrinkage and associated micro-cracks.

Effects on work ability, job strain and quality of life of monitoring depression using a self-assessment instrument in recurrent general practitioner consultations: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND:Depression reduces individuals’ function and work ability and is associated with both frequent and long-term sickness absence.OBJECTIVE:Investigate if monitoring of depression course using a self-assessment instrument in recurrent general practitioner (GP) consultations leads to improved work ability, decreased job strain, and quality of life among primary care patients.METHODS:Primary care patients n = 183, who worked. In addition to regular treatment (control group), intervention patients received evaluation and monitoring and used the MADRS-S depression scale during GP visit at baseline and at visits 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Work ability, quality of life and job strain were outcome measures.RESULTS:Depression symptoms decreased in all patients. Significantly steeper increase of WAI at 3 months in the intervention group. Social support was perceived high in a significantly higher frequency in intervention group compared to control group.CONCLUSIONS:Monitoring of depression course using a self-assessment instrument in recurrent GP consultations seems to lead to improved self-assessed work ability and increased high social support, but not to reduced job strain or increased quality of life compared to TAU. Future studies concerning rehabilitative efforts that seek to influence work ability probably also should include more active interventions at the workplace.

Treatment Efficacy, Clinical Utility, and Cost-Effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation Treatments for Persistent Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.

Study Design:Systematic review.Objectives:To review the current literature on the treatment efficacy, clinical utility, and cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation (MBR) for patients suffering from persistent (nonspecific) lower back pain (LBP) in relation to pain intensity, disability, health-related quality of life, and work ability/sick leave.Methods:We carried out a systematic search of Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed Central, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for English- and German-language literature published between January 2010 and July 2017. Study selection consisted of exclusion and inclusion phases. After screening for duplication, studies were excluded on the basis of criteria covering study design, number of participants, language of publication, and provision of information about the intervention. All the remaining articles dealing with the efficacy, utility, or cost-effectiveness of intensive (more than 25 hours per week) MBR encompassing at least 3 health domains and cognitive behavioral therapy–based psychological education were included.Results:The search retrieved 1199 publications of which 1116 were duplicates or met the exclusion criteria. Seventy of the remaining 83 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria; thus 13 studies were reviewed. All studies reporting changes in pain intensity or disability over 12 months after MBR reported moderate effect sizes and/or p-values for both outcomes. The effects on health-related quality of life were mixed, but MBR substantially reduced costs. Overall MBR produced an enduring improvement in work ability despite controversy and variable results.Conclusions:MBR is an effective treatment for nonspecific LBP, but there is room for improvement in cost-effectiveness and impact on sick leave, where the evidence was less compelling.

Early workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice improved work ability at 1-year follow-up-WorkUp, a randomised controlled trial in primary care.

Workplace involvement in rehabilitation for patients with musculoskeletal pain may improve work ability. Convergence Dialogue Meeting (CDM) is a model aimed at helping the patient, the care giver, and the employer to support work ability and return-to-work. Our aim was to study the effect on work ability when adding a workplace dialogue according to CDM in physiotherapy practice for patients with pain in ordinary primary care. We conducted a prospective pairwise cluster randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02609750) in primary care involving 20 primary care rehabilitation units with 1-year follow-up. Adult patients with acute/subacute neck and back pain, worked ≥4 weeks past year and not currently on sick leave or no more than 60 days of sick leave and considered at-risk of sick leave were included (n = 352). All patients received structured physiotherapy and the intervention was the addition of CDM, delivered by the treating physiotherapist. The main confirmatory outcome, work ability (defined as working at least 4 consecutive weeks at follow-up), was assessed by a weekly short text message question on number of sick leave days past week. Work ability was reached by significantly more patients in the intervention group (108/127, 85%) compared with the reference group (127/171, 74%) (P = 0.02). The intervention increased the odds of having work ability at 1-year follow-up, also after adjustment for baseline health-related quality of life (odds ratio 1.85, confidence interval 1.01-3.38). We conclude that an early workplace dialogue in addition to structured physiotherapy improved work ability significantly.

Study The Effect of Traditional Iraqi Stabilizers (Cement and Lime) on Some Properties of Iraqi Clay Soils

This study provides practical results in the use of the composite from sulfate resistance Portland cement (PC) and Quicklime (LQ) to improve and stabilize of soils in Al - Zaafaraniya site in Baghdad governorate and the Garma Ali site in Al Basra governorate, Iraq. PC and LQ were added in percentages of 2,4,6,8 and 10% and 2 and 4%, by dry weight, respectively. Laboratory tests to determine Atterberg,s limits, standard proctor test, USC test and UUU test (unconsolidation, undrained and unsaturated) were conducted. The results achieved a significant improvement in workability, unconfined compressive strength and shear strength. The results of the unconfinedicompressiveistrength test and UUU test for natural and improved soil reveal that the shear strength increase as lime and cement content increase and with increasing curing (0, 7 and 28)days

Work ability of recyclers: a study with workers of small-sized cities in Brazil

This research aimed to identify the relationship between the work ability index (WAI) of recyclers and their working conditions. To this end, 63 workers from the recycling materials area participated in this quantitative research study. The research took place in three small towns located in Sao Paulo State, Brazil using the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. The results show that there were no significant differences (p-value > 0.05) between regions and between the technologies used in the recycling processes (mechanical aid-conveyor). The covariates age, marital status and gender did not show statistical significance (p>0.05) on the responses for the WAI questionnaire. An important additional finding of the research was a positive future outlook by the respondents of the questionnaire - despite the hard work in harmful conditions. The small number of participants in the research, the similarity of work conditions in the three locations and similarity of socio-demographic aspects of the participants may explain part of the results. The research raises some interesting points that may contribute to public policies for recyclers and improvement of work ability knowledge.Keywords: Aging; Work; Recycling; WAI

Factors associated with work ability following exercise interventions for people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

To investigate the efficacy of exercise interventions and factors associated with changes in work ability for people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders. Secondary analysis of a single-blind, randomized multi-centre controlled trial. Interventions were conducted in Swedish primary care settings. A total of 165 individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders grade II-III. Participants were randomly allocated to neck-specific exercise, neck-specific exercise with a behavioural approach, or prescribed physical activity interventions. Work ability was evaluated with the Work Ability Index at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. The neck-specific exercise with a behavioural approach intervention significantly improved work ability compared with the prescribed physical activity intervention (3 months, p = 0.03; 6 months, p = 0.01; 12 months, p = 0.01), and neck-specific exercise at 12 months (p = 0.01). Neck-specific exercise was better than the prescribed physical activity intervention at 6 months (p = 0.05). An increase in work ability from baseline to one year for the neck-specific exercise with a behavioural approach group (p< 0.01) was the only significant within-group difference. Higher self-rated physical demands at work, greater disability, greater depression and poorer financial situation were associated with poorer work ability (p<0.01). This study found that neck-specific exercise with a behavioural approach intervention was better at improving self-reported work ability than neck-specific exercise or prescribed physical activity. Improvement in work ability is associated with a variety of factors.