Physical Work Demands Research Articles

Revelation of muscle energy technique and positional release technique in mitigating low back pain, disability, and hyperlordosis in patients with low back pain: A comprehensive review

Background. Low back pain, often known as LBP, is a complicated ailment that has many associated risks, including those related to age, gender, lifestyle, social and psychological background, physical demands of work, social support, pain perception, and much more. Its frequency steadily rises with age and is typically nonspecific or mechanical in nature, with axially abnormal loading that might cause ache in the lower lumbar region. Strain-counter strain (SCS) or positional release technique (PRT) and muscle energy technique (MET) are identified as eligible management for LBP; however, in which way both techniques help to control LBP is to be evaluated. Objectives. To discuss the potential role of MET and PRT in reducing LBP and to find the space between previous and current practice of MET and PRT in correcting the lordosis angle in the lumbar region and disability in LBP patients. Methods. English-language articles were searched online, using the PEDro, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Keywords were MET, PRT, LBP, and lumbar lordosis. The articles were published from 2001 to 2022, of which 100 were found to be relevant and 20 to meet the inclusion criteria. They included LBP-related articles with MET and PRT techniques of management, excluding those not related to lumbar lordosis or to those two techniques. Conclusion. Based on the 20 articles reviewed, it was concluded that MET and PRT played a significant role in decreasing participants’ LBP pain, lordosis angle, and functional impairment.

Impact of COVID-19 on Management, Quality and Satisfaction of Health Organizations

Abstract The hospital health care professionals are the frontline fighting COVID-19 considering they are responsible for all the care provided to patients during all the time they spend at the hospital for diagnosis, treatment or recovering of the COVID-19 disease and other diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COViD-19 at the hospital management level and, also, to understand how psychosocial environment, and satisfaction of Health Professionals were affected. A case study was performed in a Portuguese Hospital. Data were collected at one hospital under study at two different occasions: the first before the pandemic (November 2019) and the second almost two years after the pandemic started (November 2021). Regarding data collection, 37.0% of participants responded in the occasion 1 (n = 296) and 63.0% responded in the occasion 2 (n = 503). The instrument for the Assessment of Global Management of Health Organizations (AGMHO) Comparing timings pre and during pandemic COVID-19, it was found that the participants in the pre- COVID-19 era showed stronger organizational culture, higher quality of life, better psychosocial environment regarding content/leadership and higher job satisfaction when compared to the participants during pandemic COVID-19. On the other hand, participants in the second occasion were found to have higher psychosocial risks related to mental health when compared to participants in the pre- COVID-19 phase. The results obtained allow us to identify priorities in terms of promoting well-being and satisfaction of professionals and overall wellbeing of the health organization, namely intervention in leadership relationships and psychosocial risks at work related to the physical and psychological demands of work, stress management and a more active and involved role for the professional. Key messages • This knowledge facilitates labelling and prioritizing the promotion of well-being and satisfaction of professionals and overall wellbeing of the health organization. • The product is a comprehensive diagnostic model of the factors influencing the results in health organizations.

Effect of a smartphone self-management digital support system for low-back pain (selfBACK) among workers with high physical work demands - secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate whether physical work demands modify the effect of the selfBACK app, which is designed to support self-management of low-back pain. In a secondary analysis of the selfBACK trial with 346 employed participants, we stratified into low (N=165) and high physical work demands (N=181). Outcomes included the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (0-24), a numeric rating scale for low-back pain intensity (0-10), the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (0-60), and work ability (0-10). Intervention effects were assessed at three- and nine-month follow-ups using a linear mixed model. At three months, high physical demand workers with selfBACK showed a significant reduction in pain intensity [-0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.3- -0.2] compared to usual care. By nine months, the high physical demands workers with selfBACK reported reduced pain-related disability (-1.4, 95% CI -2.7- -0.1), improved pain self-efficacy (3.5, 95% CI 0.9-6.0), and lower pain intensity (-1.0, 95% CI -1.6- -0.4) compared to usual care. Low physical demands workers with selfBACK also improved pain self-efficacy [2.8 (95% CI 0.3-5.3)] compared to usual care. The impact of selfBACK was more noticeable among workers with high physical demands compared to their low physical demand counterparts, but no statistically significant differences were found in any outcome. The selfBACK intervention had consistent effects across workers with high and low physical work demands, indicating that these demands did not modify its impact. Both groups experienced similar positive effects, highlighting the intervention's effectiveness across varying levels of physical work demands.

Work-Related Fear-Avoidance Beliefs and Risk of Low-Back Pain: Prospective Cohort Study Among Healthcare Workers.

Low-back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition among healthcare workers, negatively affecting well-being and work ability. Research has identified fear-avoidance beliefs, i.e., the belief that physical activities worsen or prolong pain, as a key psychological factor in LBP. Given the physical demands of healthcare work, understanding the link between fear-avoidance and LBP is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. This study investigated the prospective association between fear-avoidance beliefs and risk of increased LBP intensity and duration in hospital workers. Fear-avoidance beliefs and LBP were assessed in 1933 healthcare workers from 389 departments at 19 hospitals at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Associations between baseline work-related fear-avoidance beliefs (FABW) and LBP intensity and duration at follow-up were analyzed using cumulative logistic regression, adjusting for various factors including age, sex, baseline LBP, education, seniority, patient transfers, psychosocial work environment, and lifestyle. Moderate and high FABW was associated with higher odds of increased pain intensity (OR: 1.37 [95% CI 1.09-1.73] and 1.85 [95% CI 1.18-2.88], respectively) and prolonged pain duration (OR: 1.37 [95% CI 1.05-1.78] and 2.27 [95% CI 1.50-3.44], respectively). A sensitivity analysis including only female nurses showed similar results, with the high FABW group having significantly higher odds of increased pain intensity (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.84-4.72) and duration (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.55-4.49). Fear-avoidance beliefs increase the risk of LBP intensity and duration among healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for interventions dealing with psychological aspects of LBP.

Examining the effect of maintenance work on employees’ physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being, in industrial settings

This study examines the impact of maintenance work on the physical, mental health, and overall well-being (PMHOW) of employees in some industry types in South Eastern Nigeria. The research aims to enhance occupational health standards and support interventions for industrial maintenance workers. It identifies the stressors that maintenance workers face (physical work demands, high-pressure work environment, shift work and irregular work hours, lack of recognition and support, exposure to hazardous conditions, job complexity and technical challenges, and; monotony and repetitive tasks), these stressors affect employees’ health and well-being through musculoskeletal disorders, mental fatigue, increased risk of accidents, stress, anxiety, and burnout to mention but a few, it proposes strategies for mitigating them which include ergonomic practices, realistic workloads, supportive work culture, adequate staffing etc. Employee Satisfaction Survey was conducted across targeted industries. Based on survey results, employees' perceptions of variances in work characteristics reveal a mix of stable and fluctuating trends. This information helped identify which work characteristics were consistently experienced and which ones vary significantly among employees. Euclidean Distance assessment carried out also aided in identifying areas of intervention by focusing on specific groups of related work characteristics to enhance the work environment and promote better health outcomes. To enhance the mental and physical well-being of maintenance workers, organizations should implement comprehensive strategies that are tailored to the unique stressors and challenges of their work. This approach will not only boost job satisfaction but also contribute to a more efficient and healthier workforce.

Prognostic factors for return to work in patients affected by chronic low back pain: a systematic review.

Chronic low back pain (LBP) represents a leading cause of absenteeism from work. An accurate knowledge of complex interactions is essential in understanding the difficulties of return to work (RTW) experienced by workers affected by chronic LBP. This study aims to identify factors related to chronic LBP, the worker, and the psycho-social environment that could predict and influence the duration of an episode of sick leave due to chronic LBP.Studies reporting the relation between prognostic factors and absenteeism from work in patients with LBP were included. The selected studies were grouped by prognostic factors. The results were measured in absolute terms, relative terms, survival curve, or duration of sick leave. The level of evidence was defined by examining the quality and the appropriateness of findings across studies in terms of significance and direction of relationship for each prognostic factor.A total of 20 studies were included. Prognostic factors were classified in clinical, psycho-social, and social workplace, reaching a total of 31 constructs. Global conditions with less favorable repercussions on worker's lives resulted in a delay in time to RTW. Older age, female, higher pain or disability, depression, higher physical work demands, and abuse of smoke and alcohol have shown strong level of evidence for negative outcomes.High global health well-being, great socioeconomic status, and good mental health conditions are decisive in RTW outcomes. Interventions that aim at RTW of employee's sick-listed with LBP should focus on psycho-social aspects, health behaviors, and workplace characteristics.

Work and Retirement Among Women: The Health and Employment After Fifty Study.

Women increasingly work beyond age 50+ but their occupational health is under-researched. To investigate what jobs older contemporary women do, when they exit their jobs and what factors predict job exit. Data came from the Health and Employment After Fifty cohort, which recruited women aged 50-64 at baseline in 2013-14 and has followed them up annually collecting: demographic, lifestyle and work information. Exits from employment were mapped longitudinally over five follow-ups. Time-to-first event Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for job exit. At baseline, 4436 women participated, 64% of whom were working. The proportions of women working at 50-54, 55-60 and over 60 years were 86%, 79% and 38%, respectively. Amongst all women, after adjustment for age, managing comfortably financially and not coping with the mental demands of the job were associated with exit. Risk factors for job exit differed in the age bands: 50-54; 55-59 and >60 years, reflecting socio-economic status, markers of health (musculoskeletal pain and poor self-rated health) and work factors (under-appreciation, job dissatisfaction, temporary/permanent contracts, coping with work's physical demands). Factors contributing to exit from work among older women differ by age group, after controlling for perceived financial position, age and mental demands of the job. A number of work characteristics predict job exit and suggest that employers can play an important role in supporting women to continue working until older ages. Identification and treatment of musculoskeletal pain could also enable work amongst older women.

Occupational tasks associated with shoulder pain and upper extremity disability: a cross-sectional study in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project

BackgroundShoulder pain is a leading cause of disability. Occupations requiring high upper extremity demands may put workers at greater risk of shoulder injury and resulting pain. We examined associations of occupation with shoulder pain and upper extremity disability in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.MethodsWork industry and occupational tasks for the longest job held were collected from participants. At follow-up ranging from 4–10 years later, participants were asked about shoulder symptoms (pain, aching, or stiffness occurring most days of 1 month in the last year) and given a 9-item, modified Disabilities Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire to categorize disability from 0–4 (none-worst). Logistic regression and cumulative logit regression models were used to estimate associations with prevalent shoulder symptoms and with worse disability category, respectively. Models were adjusted for cohort, age, sex, race, education and time to follow-up. Sex- and race-stratified associations were evaluated.ResultsAmong 1560 included participants, mean age was 62 years (standard deviation ± 9 years); 32% were men, and 31% were Black. Compared to the managerial/professional industry, higher odds of both shoulder symptoms and worse upper extremity disability were seen for most industrial groups with physically demanding jobs, particularly the service industry. Work that often or always required lifting/moving > 10 lbs. was associated with higher odds of shoulder symptoms. Work that sometimes or always required heavy work while standing was associated with higher odds of shoulder symptoms, and this association was stronger among men and White workers.ConclusionPhysically demanding occupations were associated with increased occurrence of shoulder pain and disability. Mitigating specific physical work demands may reduce shoulder-related disability.

Impact of individual and work factors on the heat-related consequences among power plant workers in a hot region

ABSTRACT Prolonged exposure to hot environments increases the probability of heat load that may cause occupational heat strain to workers. This study investigates the impact of individual and work-related factors on the heat-related consequences among power plant workers in a hot region. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. The collecting data tool was a validated self-reported 26 item questionnaire and completed in 534 individuals. We used logistic regression, Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and maximum likelihood evaluations for data analysis. The findings indicated that age, work environment, physical work demands and drinking fluids during work hours are significant with heat exposure perception, heat-related symptoms, and work performance (P-value<0.05). Further, the male workers aged 40-49 are more prone to heat-related symptoms (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18-2.13). The importance of addressing heat stress in occupational settings is necessary and informing strategies to help workers adapt to heat in hot workplaces.

Defining a systems framework for characterizing physical work demands with wearable sensors.

Measuring the physical demands of work is important in understanding the relationship between exposure to these job demands and their impact on the safety, health, and well-being of working people. However, work is changing and our knowledge of job demands should also evolve in anticipation of these changes. New opportunities exist for noninvasive long-term measures of physical demands through wearable motion sensors, including inertial measurement units, heart rate monitors, and muscle activity monitors. Inertial measurement units combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to provide continuous measurement of a segment's motion and the ability to estimate orientation in 3-dimensional space. There is a need for a system-thinking perspective on how and when to apply these wearable sensors within the context of research and practice surrounding the measurement of physical job demands. In this paper, a framework is presented for measuring the physical work demands that can guide designers, researchers, and users to integrate and implement these advanced sensor technologies in a way that is relevant to the decision-making needs for physical demand assessment. We (i) present a literature review of the way physical demands are currently being measured, (ii) present a framework that extends the International Classification of Functioning to guide how technology can measure the facets of work, (iii) provide a background on wearable motion sensing, and (iv) define 3 categories of decision-making that influence the questions that we can ask and measures that are needed. By forming questions within these categories at each level of the framework, this approach encourages thinking about the systems-level problems inherent in the workplace and how they manifest at different scales. Applying this framework provides a systems approach to guide study designs and methodological approaches to study how work is changing and how it impacts worker safety, health, and well-being.

Randomized controlled trial investigating the role of yoga at workplace in improving fatigue, burnout, pain, strength, and quality of life among blue-collar workers.

Due to the physical demands of work, blue-collar workers (BCW) frequently experience fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and burnout. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and utility of introducing yoga-based loosening exercises (YLE) at the workplace for improving fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and burnout among BCW. One hundred and twenty-eight BCW were randomized into a yoga group that received 40 minutes of supervised YLE daily, 5 days a week, for 1 month, followed by 1 month of unsupervised practice at home or a waitlisted control group. The Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), Visual Analog Scale for pain, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), sit-and-reach test (SRT), handgrip strength dynamometer, and the Short Form-8 (SF-8) questionnaire were measured at baseline, at the end of the first month, and at follow-up after the first month. All the participants adhered well to the YLE (≈86% at the workplace, ≈70% at home). Compared to the controls, the yoga group reported significant reductions in fatigue, pain, and burnout and significant improvements in flexibility, strength, and quality of life (P < 0.001) at all the time points. Our findings demonstrate that workplace yoga programs for BCW are feasible and can considerably reduce fatigue, pain, and burnout and improve their quality of life.

138 Inflammatory Neuropathy in the Military: Effects on Readiness and Retention

INTRODUCTION: Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), or Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, is a complex, multifocal presumed inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system. Presentation varies widely though it classically presents following a precipitating event and begins with a period of sudden onset pain followed by functional loss and atrophy. Prognosis is generally favorable with recovery rates near 80% by 2-3 years. Currently, no data exists on the natural history or surgical management of NA in the active duty (AD) military population, who are subject to uniquely physical work demands. As such, the impact of NA on military readiness and retention remains poorly understood. METHODS: AD service-members with a clinic ICD-10 diagnosis of NA were identified from the MHS medical record between the years 2011-2022 and data were obtained retrospectively through individual chart review. RESULTS: Over an eleven-year period, forty-one active duty patients were identified (27 males, 12 females, average age 39.6) with an ICD-10 diagnosis of NA. Average time to diagnosis from symptom presentation was 152 days (SD 177). Workup included EMG/NCS in nearly all patients, but advanced imaging in only 9/41 (22%). Ten patients underwent surgical intervention (7 nerve transfers, 1 neurolysis only, 1 tendon transfer, 1 cervical spine decompression). Full recovery was observed for 13/41 (32%) patients while 26/41 (63%) gained only partial improvement (two with unknown recovery/lost in follow-up). Only 1/10 (10%) surgical patients had full recovery. Eight patients underwent a medical board evaluation and were discharged from military service (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Neuralgic amyotrophy is a complex disease with a prolonged recovery course that can impact military readiness and active duty retainment.

Individual and organizational interventions to promote staff health and well-being in residential long-term care: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials over the past 20 years

BackgroundStaff in residential long-term care (RLTC) experience significant physical and mental work demands. However, research on specific interventions to promote staff health and well-being in RLTC facilities is limited. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on health promotion interventions among RLTC staff.MethodsA comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted on studies published between January 2000 and April 2023. Four electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PsychArticles via EBSCO. The review followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool (RoB 2).ResultsA total of 26 publications, referring to 23 different interventions with a randomized controlled design were included. Among these interventions, ten used training/educational approaches, six used behavioral approaches, and seven employed a multimodal approach. Significant improvements in health and well-being outcomes were found in four interventions using a training/educational approach, three interventions using a behavioral approach, and four interventions using a multimodal approach. Within the interventions studied, twelve specifically targeted the reduction of job demands, while only one intervention exclusively addressed job resources among RLTC staff. Furthermore, ten interventions addressed primary outcomes that encompassed both job demands and job resources.ConclusionCurrent evidence for health promotion interventions among RLTC staff is still limited, but research suggests that there is potential to improve certain outcomes related to RLTC staff health and well-being. Future research is recommended to contemplate a tailored intervention design that encompasses both individual-level and organizational-level approaches, and gender-specific physiological and sociological characteristics of RLTC staff. Moreover, detailed reporting of the development process, and research on the interaction between job demands and resources of RLTC staff are also recommended.

The determinants of mental well-being of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

In this study, the objective is to understand the causal factors that influence the mental well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, using Karasek’s Job Demand Control Social Model (JDCS) as the research framework. For this purpose the database Eurofound’s Living Working and COVID-19 survey is used; it was carried out using sampling design techniques in all 27 countries of the European Union. A sample of 4626 employees in the health sector is used, and structural equation models are specified to analyze causality. The analysis revealed significant associations between several factors: physical and mental work demands (p < 0.001), availability of personal protective equipment (p = 0.035), support from supervisors (p < 0.001), support from peers (p < 0.001), and age (p < 0.007). These findings, offering valuable insights into understanding and improving the management of health institutions, can serve as a foundation for developing strategies to support and enhance the mental health of healthcare professionals. Ultimately, this benefits both the workforce and the quality of healthcare services provided, particularly in preparing for potential future crises.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND POSTURAL STABILITY AMONG INDONESIAN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Introduction: The higher workloads experienced by construction workers reflect the higher physical demands of construction work. Prolonged workloads are responsible for up to 60% of chronic fatigue, diseases, and injuries among construction workers. Individuals need to develop their balance to support physical activity in order to improve their quality of life. Abnormalities in the balance of construction workers is associated with an increased risk of falls. Aims: This preliminary study aims to assess the relationship between physical activity and postural stability among Indonesian construction workers. Methods: A total of 118 healthy male construction workers without health problems were recruited for this study. Their physical activity levels were measured using the Baecke questionnaire for work, sports, and leisure time, while their postural balance was assessed using the one-leg standing test. Results: This study found a significant difference between physical activity in sports and during leisure time compared to activity at work (F 2.234 = 149.3, p &lt; 0.0001). In addition, this study found a weak correlation between physical activity at work and postural stability among construction workers (p = 0.006, r = -2,498). Conclusion: These preliminary findings indicated that construction workers had higher levels of physical activity at work. However, no correlation was found with postural stability. Further research is needed to investigate larger sample sizes with similar characteristics.

Musculoskeletal complaints, physical work demands, and functional capacity in individuals with a brachial plexus injury: An exploratory study.

Musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) may be more common in individuals with brachial plexus injury (BPI), whose physical work demands exceed their functional capacity (FC). (a) To assess the concurrent validity of five methods for measuring upper extremity work demands and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). (b) To explore the relations between MSCs, physical work demands, and FC in individuals with BPI. This study had a descriptive correlational design. Physical work demands of 16 individuals with BPI (12 males, 6 one-handed workers) were assessed during work using five assessment methods and the DOT. Spearman correlation coefficients between work demand methods were determined. FC was assessed using the functional capacity evaluation one-handed (FCE-OH). A questionnaire was used to examine MSCs. The relationship between MSCs, physical work demands and FC was analyzed visually, using Spearman correlation coefficients, and by comparing FCE-OH results to FCE reference values. Spearman correlation coefficients for the DOT and four out of five assessment methods for determining work demands on upper extremities were significant and moderate (four combinations: r = 0.65-0.79) to strong (five combinations: r = 0.81-0.94). Correlations of the fifth method with the other methods were weak to fair. No significant relationships were found between MSCs, physical work demands and FCE-OH results. The relationships between MSCs, physical work demands, and FC are evidently complex and require further investigation. In this small sample the concurrent validity of the DOT and four methods for determining work demands on upper extremities was moderate to good.

Work-Related Health Conditions Among American Nurses: A Scoping Review.

Working in the nursing profession is hazardous, and nurses report poor health. Risk factors associated with poor health outcomes have been documented. However, the extent of literature exploring the prevalence of health conditions among American nurses that may be attributable to their work has not been examined. A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations was conducted of peer-reviewed quantitative studies to answer the question: What are health conditions experienced by American nurses that may be attributable to their work as nurses? Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. Due to the methods used in many articles, studies of the prevalence of health conditions among the nursing population were lacking. Health conditions studied broke into six categories: (a) work-related injuries and hazards; (b) unhealthy lifestyles; (c) mental health conditions; (d) burnout; (e) fatigue, sleep, and migraines; and (f) reproductive health. The role of work in the health conditions studied varied from an immediate impact on health (e.g., a needlestick or injury) to a cumulative impact (e.g., scheduling or workplace demands). Within the work demands, the physical environment; physical, emotional, and cognitive demands of work; and shiftwork were all frequently identified as antecedents that could be further explored and addressed to improve nurse health. Healthcare systems should seek to address the hazards and exposures that may be linked to health conditions in the nursing workforce. Understanding and mitigating the impact of the pandemic and nursing work on the workforce's health is crucial to the solvency of the workforce. Occupational health practitioners should assess for workplace hazards and exposures.

Risks, solutions and implementation of a participatory ergonomic intervention in 16 day nurseries: A process evaluation of the TOY wait-list cluster-randomized controlled trial

More evidence-based initiatives to reduce physical work demands during childcare work to prevent ill health and promote the ability to care for the children among childcare workers are needed. In a process evaluation performed alongside a two-arm, cluster-randomized study with a waiting-list control among 16 day nurseries lasting 20-weeks that significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain-related sickness absence we investigated 1) risk factors and solutions perceived by the childcare workers, and 2) implementation of the intervention. Most of the perceived risk factors were categorized as physical (70 %) with most of the suggested solutions also being categorized as physical (61 %). The remaining risk factors were categorized as organizational risk factors (16 %) and psychosocial risk factors (13 %). The remaining solutions were distributed almost equally between the organizational (20 %) and psychosocial categories (19 %). About half (51 %) of the action plans showed high implementation success. Of 16 workshops, 100 % were delivered with a fidelity of 83 %. Average participation, exposure, responsiveness and implementation were 68 %, 56 %, 83 % and 47 %. The implementation score differed for timing of intervention but not for nursery characteristics. This study showed that complex and diverse participatory ergonomic interventions should focus on physical, organizational and psychosocial factors to have a positive effect.

Physical and psychosocial work demands associated with pain and disability among skilled male Arab waiters.

Physical and psychosocial demands (e.g., serving, cleaning, fulfilling orders) can lead to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP). To assess the prevalence of WRMSP in the upper quadrant and lower back among skilled male Arab waiters; to evaluate the disability related to WRMSP; to evaluate the association between work demands and WRMSP with related disability. 100 skilled male Arab waiters working full-time, aged 18-60, participated in the cross-sectional study. Participants completed basic demographics and working conditions; the NDI; QuickDASH; the OswestryQ; workload, burnout, and job satisfaction at work; the adjusted NordicQ; and the TaskQ, compiled especially for this study. A 12-month pain prevalence, pain frequency, and work avoidance were high: neck- 42%, 60.5%, 89.5%; shoulders -53%, 78.2%, 94.4%; elbows- 46%, 78.6%, 83.3%; lower back- 45%, 44%, 78.7%, respectively. Pain prevalence in at least one site was 83%. The OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI revealed mild-moderate pain and disability (14.85/50, 25.54/75, 13.74/50, respectively). Burnout score was positively associated with OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI. Job satisfaction was negatively associated with 12 months of pain in the lower back, hands, arms, shoulders, and hands (NordicQ). TaskQ was positively associated with OswestryQ. Male Arab waiters who work in physically and psychologically challenging conditions report high levels of WRMSP with a high frequency and related work avoidance. Many of them must keep their jobs as they are their families' primary or sole providers. It is possible that they are trying to prevent more severe disabilities in the future by ensuring temporary rest and pain prevention.

Health and job-related factors associated with work ability in older working populations of Korea.

Knowledge about determinants of workability is crucial for designing interventions to increase the participation of older employees in the workforce and maintain or increase their productivity levels at work. This study explored the impact of health conditions and job characteristics on poor work ability. This study used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2014 to 2020, which is a nationally representative population-based panel study of Korean citizens aged ≥45 years. The KLoSA survey assessed subjective work ability using work ability score. The participants were asked if they had been diagnosed with any underlying diseases by a physician. The job characteristics were assessed in terms of working conditions and satisfaction. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for workers' health-related variables and job characteristics associated with poor work ability. The results showed that workers' health-related factors were associated with poor work ability; poor vision (OR = 1.52) and bad hearing ability (OR = 2.37); low gripping strength (OR = 2.29); poor self-rated health (OR = 3.77) and various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, liver disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, mental illness, arthritis, prostate disease, gastrointestinal disease and disc disease. Additionally, high physical work demands (OR = 1.51) and low job satisfaction (OR = 4.23) were highly correlated with poor work ability. The findings addressing poor work abilities caused by individuals' health- and job-related factors can help prioritize worker health management and the development of more effective human capital investment strategies at the workplace.