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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 18-02-2023 | Care | Original Article

Increased physical workload in home care service is associated with reduced recovery from work

Authors: Satu Mänttäri, Pihla Säynäjäkangas, Kirsikka Selander, Jaana Laitinen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2023

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated the physical workload of home care service workers and determined whether the different intensities of physical work strain experienced by home care nurses have different impacts on their recovery from work.

Methods

Physical workload and recovery were measured among 95 home care nurses based on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) recordings during one work shift and the following night. Differences in the physical work strain were compared between younger (≤ 44-year-old) and older (≥ 45-year-old) employees and between morning and evening shifts. To determine the effects of occupational physical activity on recovery, HRV at all time points (during the workday, when awake and asleep, and whole measurement) in relation to the amount of occupational physical activity was examined.

Results

The average physiological strain during the work shift, measured as metabolic equivalent (MET), was 1.8 ± 0.5. Moreover, the occupational physical demands in relation to maximal capacity were higher for the older employees. The results of the study showed that a higher occupational physical workload reduced the HRV of home care workers during the workday, leisure time, and sleep.

Conclusions

These data indicate that increased occupational physical workload is associated with reduced recovery among home care workers. Therefore, decreasing occupational strain and ensuring sufficient recovery is recommended.

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Title: Increased physical workload in home care service is associated with reduced recovery from work
Authors: Satu Mänttäri
Pihla Säynäjäkangas
Kirsikka Selander
Jaana Laitinen
Publication date: 18-02-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Care
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2023
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-023-01960-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Increased physical workload in home care service is associated with reduced recovery from work

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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