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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 25-03-2024 | Original Article

Association between physical fitness and perceived work ability among Finnish population: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Valtteri Pohjola, Katariina Sarttila, Markus Kuusela, Riku Nikander, Annamari Lundqvist, Jouni Lahti

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

Objective

This cross-sectional study aims to examine association between different components of physical fitness and perceived work ability among working age population.

Methods

The population-based study sample included 2050 participants aged 18–74 from the Finnish national Health 2011 study. Physical fitness was assessed by the single leg stand test, the modified push-up test, the vertical jump test and the six-minute walk test, and perceived work ability was assessed via interview. Logistic regression was used for examining the associations between physical fitness and work ability.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, marital status, educational level, work characteristics, total physical activity, daily smoking, BMI and number of diseases), odds ratios indicated that good work ability was more likely among those who had better balance in single leg stand test (OR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.07–2.24), and who belonged in the high fitness thirds in six-minute walking test (OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.24–3.49) and in vertical jump test (OR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.23–5.12) compared to lowest third. Moreover, moderate (OR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.02–3.05) to high fitness (OR = 2.87; 95% CI 1.40–5.92) in modified push-up test increased the likelihood of good work ability compared to lowest third.

Conclusion

These study results indicate that good musculoskeletal as well as cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with better perceived work ability. Promoting physical fitness in individual and societal level may be potential targets for maintaining good work ability in working age population.

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Title: Association between physical fitness and perceived work ability among Finnish population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Valtteri Pohjola
Katariina Sarttila
Markus Kuusela
Riku Nikander
Annamari Lundqvist
Jouni Lahti
Publication date: 25-03-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-024-02058-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Association between physical fitness and perceived work ability among Finnish population: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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