Work - Volume 40, issue 2

Authors: Naghii, M.R. | Almadadi, M. | Zarchi, A.A. Karimi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Cardiovascular/Coronary Heart Disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The most important risk factors for CVD are well-established and are strongly influenced by lifestyle changes. Clearly, physical activity has been shown to be extremely important in reducing the burden of this disease. The aim of this case-control study was to examine the association between intensity of activities and CVD risk factors in healthy military personnel. Participants: Two group of …subjects (active [engaging in three session of field exercises/week] =50, and inactive [with no experience of field exercise]=50) were classified by a questionnaire containing demographic, health history, type and level of physical activity, and employment information. Methods: Anthropometric indices, lipid-lipoprotein profile, arterial pressures, and fasting blood glucose were assessed. Independent sample t-tests were used for comparison. Results: Physically active subjects had significantly (⩽ 0.05) lower measures of body mass indices (except height), lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP), risk factor (TC/HDL ratio), atherogenic index (LDL/HDL ratio), and higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was normal in both groups. Conclusions: To reduce the risk factors of developing CVD and preventing its progression significantly, it clearly serves to underscore the beneficial properties of physical activity and to promote its effectiveness as a support for healthier lifestyles in the community and particularly among military personnel. The findings of this study substantiate the need for physical exercise to reduce signs and symptoms associated with CVD risk, even among a young, healthy, generally active population. Further, that these results would appear to corroborate the concept of increasing physical activity, including aerobic activity, as a preventative measure. Show more

Keywords: Field exercise, activity, inactivity, anthropometry, lipids, military personnel

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1222

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 217-227, 2011

Authors: Reineholm, Cathrine | Gustavsson, Maria | Ekberg, Kerstin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Few workplace health promotion (WHP) interventions are designed to improve work conditions. Methods for measurement of work conditions are often developed from a risk factor perspective rather than a WHP perspective. More knowledge is needed on the work conditions that promote health in order to develop a good work environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the Demand Control Support model, the Effort Reward Imbalance model and the Job Characteristic Inventory …are correlated, if the subscales predict health and to analyze which combination of subscales is the most useful predictor of health longitudinally. Participants: The study used questionnaire data from 662 civil servants at baseline and at follow-up 2 years later. Method: The data were analysed by multiple regressions. Results: A new model; effort, reward, and variety, was found having a higher predictive power to predict health than the original models. Conclusions: To promote health at work, social relations and health-mediating work conditions are important because these conditions may buffer health. Health can be assumed to be a resource that is created in everyday activities and interactions in workplaces, and there is a need to develop health measure instruments based on holistic health theories. Show more

Keywords: Work conditions, job stress models, health, workplace health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1223

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 229-237, 2011

Authors: Zhang, Xing | Smith, Derek R. | Zheng, Yuxin | Wang, Rui-Sheng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the prevalence, distribution and correlates of occupationally-related psychosomatic complaints among a previously understudied workforce. Participants: A selection of 336 public health professionals working in Beijing, China. Methods: A self-reporting questionnaire survey was used (99% response rate). Results: The incidence of ocular discomfort was relatively high for health professionals aged below 60 years, headache or dizziness was mostly reported by the older age groups, insomnia or sleep disorders …were common among those aged 30–39 years, while self-reported depression or emotional instability were concentrated in younger staff. Regression analyses revealed that age, personal life habits, family status, work conditions and occupational environment were related to eye discomfort, headache, dizziness, insomnia, sleep disturbance, depression or emotional instability. Moreover, undertaking a busy work schedule of long duration and work-induced stress were major correlates for illness and other subjective symptoms. On the other hand, having a friendly working atmosphere and a high interest in one's work were negatively correlated with psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, our study suggests high-intensity work and various other occupational factors may be strongly related to psychosomatic symptoms among health professionals in China. Show more

Keywords: Workplace stress, psychosocial risk factors, occupational health, health care workers, Chinese workforce

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1224

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 239-245, 2011

Authors: Lee, Jung-Hoon | Yoo, Won-Gyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the changes in left and right gluteal pressures and posterior inclination angles between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) on both sides after continuous cross-legged sitting. Methods and participants: Fourteen young adults (nine males and five females) were recruited. The statistical significance of differences in parameters between before and after continuous cross-legged sitting was tested by paired t-tests. …Results: After sitting in a right-crossed-leg position for 10 minutes and then returning to a upright sitting posture, the subjects' right gluteal pressure increased significantly compared to before cross-legged sitting (p< 0.05). After sitting in a right-crossed-leg position and then returning to an upright standing posture, the posterior inclination between the right ASIS and PSIS increased significantly compared to before cross-legged sitting (p< 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that continuous cross-legged sitting may cause malalignment of the pelvis after the cross-legged sitting period. Show more

Keywords: PALM, pelvic deformation, seated workers, Teskcan

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1225

Citation: Work, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 247-252, 2011