AIMS The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal pain as a risk factor for reduced work ability. METHODS In total, 1449 workers participated in the study, 64% were younger workers (<45 years old, M 31.4); 36% were ageing workers (≥45 years old, M 50.3), Their health condition was established on the basis of (a) subjective feeling of health on a 5-point s...

BACKGROUND Limited data exist on the associations between muscle performance and work ability measures in working age adults. AIMS To evaluate how the results of simple muscle performance tests correlate with self-reported work ability and physical functioning in middle-aged men. METHODS Muscle performance was measured with handgrip, sit-up, arch-up, squatting and lifting tests. The Physica...

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus infection and interferon treatment are often associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms and poor health-related quality of life. To evaluate the Silybin-vitamin E-phospholipids complex effect on work ability and whether health related factors (anxiety and depression) were associated with work ability in subjects with chronic hepatitis C treated with Pegylated-Inte...

BACKGROUND Maintaining the ability of workers to cope with physical and psychosocial demands at work becomes increasingly important in prolonging working life. AIMS To analyse the effects of work-related factors and individual characteristics on work ability and to determine the predictive value of work ability on receiving a work-related disability pension. METHODS A longitudinal study was...

BACKGROUND With increasing age, physical capacity decreases, while the need and time for recovery increases. At the same time, the demands of work usually do not change with age. In the near future, an aging and physically changing workforce risks reduced work ability. Therefore, the impact of different factors, such as physical activity, on work ability is of interest. Thus, the aim of this st...

This cross-sectional study conducted between March and June 2006 examined stress at work and work ability of 180 people with different workplaces within an oil company. Office, laboratory, and oil-field workers were invited to complete the "Occupational Stress Assessment Questionnaire--the Oil Industry Version and Work Ability Index (WAI) Questionnaire". The overall response rate was 69.4%, and...

BACKGROUND Employees with physically heavy work have an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders leading to reduced work ability. AIMS To investigate if a high level of musculoskeletal pain or pain-related fear of movement was associated with low productivity among employees with physically heavy work and differing work ability levels. METHODS The study was conducted at a Danish producti...