Correlation between muscle strength, fatigue resistance, work ability and upper limb dysfunction in a sample of workers at a university hospital

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Fonseca ◽  
Thaís Marques Fifolato ◽  
Heloísa Correa Bueno Bueno Nardim ◽  
Ester Rodrigues do Carmo Lopes ◽  
Karen A Kawano Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Fatigue Resistance ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Pain Catastrophising ◽  
Upper Limb Dysfunction

Abstract IntroductionThe upper extremity is related to the functional ability to perform activities of daily living, self-care and work. Complaints in the upper limbs negatively affect these skills, therefore, it is necessary to obtain information about work demands.ObjectiveTo correlate upper limb muscle strength with fatigue resistance, work ability and dysfunction in a sample of workers from a university hospital.MethodsShoulder and elbow strength were assessed by Biodex System 4™, hand grip by JAMAR™, fatigue resistance by Functional Impairment test Hand/Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA), the ability to work by the Work Ability Index and upper limb dysfunction by QUICK-DASH-Br. The Brazilian version of the Pain Catastrophising Scale (B-PCS) was applied in order to analyse the catastrophic profile of the sample. The correlations were analysed by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (rho)(p < 0.05).Results27 workers presented with chronic pain of low intensity, were classified as active and underwent predominantly dynamic work. Muscle strength of abduction (0.49), adduction (0.40), internal rotation (0.44), elbow flexion (0.38) and hand grip (0.68) had a direct correlation with FIT-HaNSA. Only hand grip (-0.52) showed an inverse correlation with upper limb dysfunction. Muscle strength was not correlated with work ability or pain catastrophising.ConclusionThe results suggested that increasing muscle strength may improve fatigue resistance. Also, improving hand grip strength could decrease upper limb dysfunction. In contrast to previous findings, muscle strength was not related to the ability to work or to pain catastrophising, because these factors are not only influenced by physical function, but also by psychosocial functioning.

scholarly journals Association between muscle strength, upper extremity fatigue resistance, work ability and upper extremity dysfunction in a sample of workers at a tertiary hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaís Marques Fifolato ◽  
Heloísa Correa Bueno Nardim ◽  
Ester Rodrigues do Carmo Lopes ◽  
Karen A. Kawano Suzuki ◽  
Natalia Claro da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Fatigue Resistance ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Shoulder Strength ◽  
Ability Index

Abstract Background Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders negatively affect ability to perform activities of daily living, self-care and work. Therefore, outcome measurements that address muscle strength, fatigue resistance, functionality and work physical capacity must be defined to assess and plan specific actions to minimize them. Objective To investigate the association of upper extremity muscle strength with upper extremity fatigue resistance, work ability and upper extremity dysfunction in a sample of workers from a tertiary hospital. Methods Shoulder and elbow isokinetic strength were assessed by Biodex System 4™, isometric hand grip by JAMAR™, upper extremity fatigue resistance by Functional Impairment Test Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA), ability to work by the Work Ability Index and upper extremity dysfunction by the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand QuickDASH-Br questionnaire. The Nordic questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were used for pain description. The associations were analysed by Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho) (p < 0.05). Results Twenty-seven participants: 59.2% women; mean age 46 years old; 70.3% obese/overweight; 62.9% active with predominantly dynamic muscle contraction work. Besides predominance of good to moderate work ability (81.4%) and comorbidities (37%), all participants had symptoms of the upper extremities for at least 12 months, with a predominance of low-intensity in the shoulder (55.5%). In addition, 88.8% reported pain in other segments. Muscle strength of abduction (rho = 0.49), adduction (rho = 0.40), internal rotation (rho = 0.44) and hand grip (rho = 0.68) presented moderate correlation with FIT-HaNSA. Hand grip (rho = − 0.52) showed moderate correlation with upper extremity dysfunction. Conclusions The results of this preliminary study suggested the association of shoulder strength with fatigue resistance. Also, hand grip strength was associated with upper extremity dysfunction and fatigue resistance. No association was found with the Work Ability Index in this sample. So, it is suggested that hand grip and shoulder strength could be outcome measurements used for future interventions focused on upper extremity preventive exercises to improve strength and fatigue resistance of workers at risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Other individual, psychosocial and organizational risk factors must also be considered as influences on upper extremity function.

scholarly journals Work Ability and Employment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Muscle Strength and Lower Extremity Function

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Berner ◽  
Sandra Haider ◽  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Thomas Lamprecht ◽  
Karl Heinrich Fenzl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Lower Extremity Function ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Extremity Function ◽  
Knee Extensor Strength

Objective. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between muscle strength, lower extremity function, employment status, and work ability in RA patients. Methods. One hundred seropositive RA outpatients of working age were included in this cross-sectional study. Employment status was assessed by interview and work ability by the Work Ability Index-Single Item Scale (WAS). Muscle strength was determined using dynamometer measurement of isometric hand grip and knee extensor strength. Lower extremity function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Regression models estimate the association between unemployment, work ability and muscle strength, and lower extremity function, controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Results. Forty-one percent of the RA patients were not gainfully employed, and their median work ability had a good WAS value (7.00 [4.00-7.00]). Patients with better knee extensor strength (OR=1.07, 95% CI [1.02-1.12) and better physical performance (OR=1.71, 95% CI [1.18-2.49]) had a significantly better chance of gainful employment. The odds for hand grip strength remained significant when adjusted for sociodemographic (OR=1.5, 95% CI [1.00-1.09]), but not for disease-specific variables. Better hand grip strength (β=0.25, p=0.039) and better knee extensor strength (β=0.45, p=0.001) as well as better lower extremity function (SPPB) (β=0.51, p<0.001) remained significantly associated with work ability following adjustment for sociodemographic and disease-specific variables. Conclusions. The association of employment status and work ability with parameters of physical fitness suggests that improvement in muscle strength and lower extremity function may positively influence work ability and employment in individuals with RA.

Physical Activity in Aging Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Rezarta Stena ◽  
Klara Hysenaj ◽  
Mitilda Gugu Karoli ◽  
Armelda Teta ◽  
Gjergji Doka
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Trunk Flexibility

It is known that worldwide populations are aging, and also that physical activity can play an important role in minimizing impairments characteristic of old age. Adopting a more active lifestyle and doing regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance exercises, daily walking etc. have been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters in older adults. We assessed a potential participant from Elbasan (Albania), 67 years, for eligibility to participate in a 5 month training program. The subject gave written informed consent before inclusion.The following parameters were measured at the beginning (baseline) and end of the training period: BMI, body fat percentage, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility and range of motion, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, as well as VO2 max, directly and/or an estimate using the Rockport fitness test estimate. An initial evaluation was carried out just before starting the training (baseline). A second evaluation was made 5 months after starting the program of physical exercise (post training). Each evaluation included the recording of health related events, such as any changes in previous symptoms, as well as measurements of balance, flexibility, body composition, coordination, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, to detect any changes that might have been induced specifically by physical activity. The subject’s attendance and participation in the program was also recorded. Range of motion for each part evaluated (trunk, hip, cervical region and shoulder) is improved about 15-20° degree. BMI, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, VO2 max are also improved after training program. Following a training program or a regular physical activity in older adults minimise impairments characteristics in this age and cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters. According to the low importance shown in my country for the physical activity in older adults, I want to emphasize the importance of state structures involvement and the sensibilization of this group of age to stimulate an actively participation in physical training programs followed by professionals for bests life parameters. A higher investment for this age group, building as many facilities as possible for activation and spending quality free time, hiring more physiotherapists in nursing homes will increase life motivation and improve the quality and the parameters of living.

Força dos Músculos Rotadores do Ombro em Indivíduos Saudáveis/ Rotator Cuff Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
Paulo José Oliveira Cortez ◽  
José Elias Tomazini ◽  
Mauro Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Average Strength ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
The Right

Introdução: A diminuição da capacidade de exercer esforços por parte dos músculos rotadores pode criar uma variedade de problemas. O conhecimento preciso do nível de força muscular de um indivíduo é importante, tanto para a avaliação da capacidade funcional ocupacional, como para uma apropriada prescrição de exercícios atléticos e de reabilitação. Percebe-se escassez de informação sobre as articulações do ombro, bem como os fatores envolvidos na força muscular dessa região. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a força gerada pelos músculos do manguito rotador entre o membro superior direito e o membro superior esquerdo em indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 22 sujeitos do sexo masculino, com idade de 18 e 19 anos, militares, saudáveis e sem história clínica de patologia ortopédica ou qualquer tipo de lesão no sistema musculoesquelético. Foram aplicados dois testes de força: Rotação Interna e Rotação Externa. Resultado : A força média de rotação interna no membro superior direito (MSD) foi maior que a força média de rotação interna no membro superior esquerdo (MSE) (p=0,723) e a força de rotação externa no MSD foi menor que a força média de rotação externa no MSE (p=0,788). Não houve diferença estatística na comparação dos valores de força de todos os testes de força isométrica. Conclusão: Para amostra estudada e metodologia utilizada na avaliação da força muscular, não houve diferença estatística na comparação da força gerada pelos músculos do manguito rotador do membro superior direito e do membro superior esquerdo.Rotator Cuff Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals Introduction: Decreased ability to exert efforts by the rotator muscles can create a variety of problems. The precise knowledge of the level of muscular strength of an individual is important for both the functional capacity evaluation for occupational as an appropriate exercise prescription and rehabilitation of athletic. It is perceived scarcity of information on the shoulder joints as well as factors involved in muscle strength in this region. Objective: Develop a device for measuring the strength generated by the muscles of the upper limbs and the verification of efficiency and adaptability of this device through a comparative study of muscle strength in healthy subjects. Methods: The study included 22 male subjects, aged 18 and 19 years, military personnel, body mass between 57.7 and 93 kg (71.8 ± 9.45 kg) and height between 1.67 and 1.90 m (1.75 ± 0.06 m), healthy and without a history of orthopaedic disease or any kind of damage to the musculoskeletal system. Three strength tests were applied: Internal Rotation and External Rotation. For each type of effort three maximum voluntary contractions were required for 10 seconds, with an interval of 30 seconds between each contraction.  Results: Internal rotation in the right upper limb (RUL) was higher than the average strength of internal rotation in the left upper limb (LUL) (p = 0, 723) and the external rotation strength in RUL was lower than the average strength of external rotation in the LUL (p=0,788).  No statistical difference in comparing the strength values of all isometric strength tests. Conclusion: For sample and methodology used to assess muscle strength, there was no statistical difference in comparing the force generated by the muscles of the rotator cuff of the right and left upper limb.

scholarly journals Work ability in nursing: relationship with psychological demands and control over the work

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1298-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Prochnow ◽  
Tânia Solange Bosi de Souza Magnago ◽  
Janete de Souza Urbanetto ◽  
Carmem Lúcia Colomé Beck ◽  
Suzinara Beatriz Soares de Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Ability ◽  
High Strain ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Nursing Professionals ◽  
Psychological Demands

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the association between psychological demands, control over the work and the reduction of work ability of nursing professionals. METHOD: this cross-sectional study involved 498 nursing professionals of a university hospital in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data collection was carried out in 2009 using the Brazilian versions of the Work Ability Index and Job Stress Scale, with logistic regression models used for the data analysis. RESULTS: the prevalence of 43.3% for reduced work ability and 29.7% for high-strain in the job (high psychological demand and low control) were observed. The chances for professionals presenting reduced work ability under high-strain were higher and significant when compared to those classified as being under low-strain, even after adjusting for potential confounders, except for age and gender. CONCLUSION: a high prevalence of reduced work ability was observed. This evidence indicates the need for investigation and detailed analysis of the psychosocial aspects of the professionals with regard to the health/disease process of nursing professionals.

scholarly journals Employment Status and Work Ability in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11776
Author(s):  
Veruscka Leso ◽  
Vincenzo Carnovale ◽  
Paola Iacotucci ◽  
Daniela Pacella ◽  
Rosaria Romano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Career Counseling ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Work Ability Index

Improvements in the survival and clinical outcomes of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients raised questions about their workforce participation and capacity to work. One hundred and ninety-six outpatients, attending the Adult CF Center of an Italian University Hospital, were enrolled between May 2020 and March 2021. The patients’ personal and clinical characteristics, employment status, and profession were assessed. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire—Revised and the work ability index (WAI) were employed to assess CF health-related quality of life and the employee’s perception of their ability to work, respectively. Among the enrolled patients, 98 (50%) were employed. The non-working subjects were significantly younger (mean age ± standard deviation: 30 ± 10 vs. 37 ± 10 years) and were diagnosed with CF significantly earlier (9 ± 13 vs. 17 ± 18 years) than the employed subjects. The vast majority of CF workers (82.6%) were employed in tertiary professions. A general good work ability perception was determined in the employed population. Aging and being employed for >15 years could significantly predict a reduction in work ability, while a better quality of life was a positive predictor for its enhancement. Although further research is necessary, these results may introduce interdisciplinary CF healthcare management that includes a work function assessment, formal career counseling, and job guidance to support the personal, social and professional lives of CF patients.

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