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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-07-2019 | Original Article

Cumulative physical workload and mobility limitations in middle-aged men and women: a population-based study with retrospective assessment of workload

Authors: Anne Møller, Minna Mänty, Lars L. Andersen, Volkert Siersma, Rikke Lund, Ole Steen Mortensen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the association between exposure to physical workload throughout working life and risk of mobility limitations in midlife in a population-based Danish cohort.

Methods

The study was cross-sectional with a retrospective exposure assessment, and data were from a questionnaire used in the Copenhagen Aging and Biobank. Cumulative physical workload was estimated by combining information about the participants’ employments and data from a job exposure matrix. Daily amount of lifting was standardised in ton-years (lifting 1000 kg/day/year) and grouped in 5 exposure groups (no/minor (1–2 ton-years)/low (3–10 ton-years)/moderate (11–20 ton-years)/high exposure (> 20 ton-years)). The outcome was self-reports of mobility limitations (running 100 m, walking 400 m, and climbing stairs to the 2nd floor) in midlife. The association between exposure and outcome was analysed using logistic regression models.

Results

We included 4996 men and 2247 women, mean age 56 years. 21% of men and 10% of women were in the highest exposure-group (> 20 ton-years). Higher cumulative exposure was associated with higher odds for mobility limitations. Exposure to more than 20 ton-years compared to no exposure increased the odds for limitations in walking, age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI: 2.4–4.3) for men, 2.3 (1.4–3.8) for women. Corresponding results for running: 2.5 (2.2–3.0) for men, 1.6 (1.2–2.2) for women, and for limitations in climbing stairs: 4.2 (3.3–5.2) for men, 1.7 (1.2–2.4) for women. Results were attenuated when confounders were added.

Conclusions

Exposure to physical workload throughout working life is associated with higher odds for mobility limitations in midlife.

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Title: Cumulative physical workload and mobility limitations in middle-aged men and women: a population-based study with retrospective assessment of workload
Authors: Anne Møller
Minna Mänty
Lars L. Andersen
Volkert Siersma
Rikke Lund
Ole Steen Mortensen
Publication date: 01-07-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01399-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Cumulative physical workload and mobility limitations in middle-aged men and women: a population-based study with retrospective assessment of workload

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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