Work - Volume 62, issue 1

Authors: da Silva, Gabrielle Cerqueira | Cavalcante Neto, Jorge Lopes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Quality of life is important at all ages, but maintaining a high quality of life is especially crucial to improve the functional capabilities of elder populations. AIM: To investigate the relationship between quality of life and the functional capabilities of elderly Brazilian women participating in the Open University for senior citizens (UATI) in the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 51 elderly women was performed along with the completion of sociodemographic, WHO Quality of life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and WHO Quality of life – OLD (WHOQOL-OLD) questionnaires, and standardized functional capacity tests. …RESULTS: The one-way ANOVA with a post hoc Tukey test showed interactions between functional capacity tests and the intimacy, autonomy, and death or dying domains of the WHOQOL-OLD. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the relationship between regular physical activity, improved functional capability, and quality of life, as demonstrated by better performances in the functional capacity tests resulting in a wider perception of quality of life for most of the senior women involved. Show more

Keywords: Aging, well-being, physical fitness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182844

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 97-106, 2019

Authors: Park, Se-Jin | Subramaniyam, Murali | Lee, Kyung-Sun | Lee, Hee-Ran | Min, Seung-Nam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is important for the designers and manufacturers to produce products with good usability and fit. The Korean anthropometric database is important as Korean industries focus on developing products with better usability. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how well the present national Size Korea anthropometric database adopted by companies and industries in Korea, in particular how well the dynamic anthropometric data are adopted. METHODS: The investigation methodology consisted of three stages: literature review, expert review and in-depth interviews. The literature review was based on a PubMed search. An online survey of 1,000 Korean civilians was carried out …using a questionnaire developed by experts in anthropometry. Finally, industry professionals and professors participated in in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The anthropometric data appear to be used mainly by universities and research institutions in Korea. Many industries including the automobile, medical, shipping, mattress and construction industries need dynamic anthropometric data, such as range of motion, angle between body parts, spinal curvature, centre of pressure and so on. CONCLUSIONS: The Size Korea database-building process needs to be modified to take into account the needs of companies and industries. Show more

Keywords: Dynamic anthropometry, Size Korea database, range of motion, industrial application

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182845

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 107-116, 2019

Authors: Lee, Kyung-Sun | Hwang, Jaejin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Grip strength is an objective measure of a person’s hand functionality and upper limb strength. In Asia, there is a lack of normative data for grip strength among the population, especially in South Korea. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the grip strength in various body postures and gender in the adult South Korean population. METHODS: A total of 100 male and 64 female subjects participated in this study. Their grip strengths were measured using a standard adjustable Jamar handle dynamometer. RESULTS: The results showed that their grip strength differed …statistically by gender, handedness, and posture. Their gender and right-hand length were the most significant predictors of their grip strength. The Asian population, including South Korea, showed a lower grip strength than the European and American populations in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the maximal isometric grip strength is affected by gender, handedness, posture, and population. Thus, gender-, population-, and posture-specific grip strength data are essential for clinical and industrial applications. Show more

Keywords: South Korean population, dynamometer, hand strength, anthropometry, normative data

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182846

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 117-123, 2019

Authors: Rortvedt, Daniel | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Telehealth is an accepted service-delivery model in a variety of health professions, including occupational therapy. Telehealth holds potential for school-based occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, consultation, monitoring, and supervision. As the use of telehealth becomes prevalent, it will be important to describe the benefits and barriers to potential types of occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, consultation, monitoring, and supervision delivered via a telehealth service-delivery model. Querying stakeholder perceptions of telehealth may help guide additional precipitating factors that have not yet been explored. OBJECTIVE: This study gathers information regarding perceptions, perceived barriers, and benefits of the use of telehealth in …school-based occupational therapy practice. METHODS: School-based occupational therapy practitioners (OTP), district administrators, and related technology staff were invited to complete a survey intended to explore attitudes about the use of telehealth. RESULTS: 28.57% of respondents stated that their districts were likely to adopt the use of telehealth. Participants noted perceived barriers and benefits to the use of telehealth. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary feedback regarding school-based OTP and administrator perceptions of telehealth as a component of school-based OT practice. Show more

Keywords: Pediatrics, telerehabilitation, telemedicine, telepractice, end-user acceptance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182847

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 125-131, 2019

Authors: Linden, Michael | Rotter, Max

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: One reaction to injustice or humiliation is embitterment, a disabling emotion, which can hinder the pursuit of functional solutions for problems in life. Unemployment can be experienced differently, depending on the subjective appraisal of the cause, how a person came to being laid off, the consequences, and especially feelings of injustice. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to explore the frequency and correlates of embitterment in unemployed persons in contrast to general psychological distress. METHODS: Self rating on the Posttraumatic Embitterment Scale (PTED scale), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and a …survey on the unemployment status of 102 randomly selected persons who were waiting in a German unemployment agency office. RESULTS: A score of ≥6 on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was found in 40.2% of the sample, indicating severe psychological distress. Unemployment was seen as a severe, or very severe burden by 56% of participants, and judged as unjust by 40% of participants. An elevated score above 2 on the Posttraumatic Embitterment Scale was found in 25.5% participants. Appraisal and duration of unemployment, feelings of injustice, and age were related to embitterment, but not psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Embitterment is a destructive emotion in reaction to unemployment, which can impair functional coping. Show more

Keywords: Injustice, humiliation, mental health, appraisal, work place

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182848

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 133-138, 2019

Authors: Pierce, Jane | Legg, Stephen | Godfrey, Jonathan R. | Kawabata, Emily

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Electric adjustable height desks (EAHD) have been promoted as an opportunity for desk based workers to stand at work but there is limited evidence that they have an effect on light physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to determine if there would be a change in light physical activity with the introduction of EAHD. The secondary objective was to assess if there was an associated change in leisure time activity. METHODS: Activity levels were measured by step counts, self-reported activity levels and pre- and post-trial recall levels. Statistical analysis of the data was performed …with the software R. Generalised linear models were fitted to the data. A Poisson regression was used for count data. Statistical hypotheses were deemed significant if their p values were less than 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant (p  < 0.001) effect on step counts associated with allocation of EAHD and a significant (p  < 0.001) increase in self-reported activity for the Intervention (EAHD) group. Having an EAHD was associated with increased activity during leisure (p  = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Activity levels, especially light physical activity, were significantly increased with the allocation of an electric adjustable height desk. This pilot study showed that the environmental change of introduction of electric adjustable height desks into an office workplace can increase physical activity and reduce sitting durations. There is limited evidence that the increase in work activity has a positive impact on leisure time activity. Show more

Keywords: Sitting, standing, work, workstations, physical ergonomics, sit/stand

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182849

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 139-150, 2019

Authors: Corbière, Marc | Zaniboni, Sara | Dewa, Carolyn S. | Villotti, Patrizia | Lecomte, Tania | Sultan-Taïeb, Hélène | Hupé, Julie | Fraccaroli, Franco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several factors impact work productivity in employees with a psychiatric condition. OBJECTIVE: In the context of social firms (SFs) the goal of this study is to test a theoretical model to predict work productivity across time, while considering worker and workplace factors. METHODS: 222 people with a psychiatric disability employed in SFs were enrolled in a longitudinal study (6 month follow up) and completed the baseline battery of questionnaires on health (severity of symptoms), individual (self-esteem as a worker) and organizational factors (organizational constraints and supervisory support), and their work productivity (also measured at follow-up). …Path analysis was used to test the hypothetical model, assessing individual and organizational factors in the context of social firms that could facilitate or hamper work productivity in the immediate term (T1), as well as the stability of work productivity in the middle/long term (T2 or 6 month follow up). RESULTS: Work productivity of people with a psychiatric disability was affected negatively by severity of the symptoms, organizational constraints, and positively by self- esteem as a worker at T1. The stability of work productivity was significant across time (T2). Supervisor support was only related to work productivity at 6 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of the supportive workplaces for people with mental disorders that SFs provide, and the stability of work productivity across time. Supervisor support seems to have a delayed impact on work productivity. In future studies, researchers could determine how individual and organizational variables influence job tenure of employees with a psychiatric disability. Show more

Keywords: Health, individual and organizational factors, job tenure, supervisor

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182850

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 151-160, 2019

Authors: El Ghaziri, Mazen | Storr, Carla L. | Simons, Shellie R. | Trinkoff, Alison M. | McPhaul, Kathleen M. | London, Matthew | Johnson, Jeffrey V. | Lipscomb, Jane

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is a global problem that includes actions collectively defined as bullying as perpetrated by a work colleague. PURPOSE: Two distinct studies were conducted to assess the feasibility of using an abridged 6-item scale within the 21- item Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) designed to assess workplace bullying. METHODS: The pilot study was a psychometric review of the 21-item NAQ-R, and the main study was conducted to determine the reliability and the validity of using a 6-item version. Cronbach’s alpha assessed the internal consistency of the two versions of the NAQ-R. Validity was assessed using …logistic regression with theoretically related constructs with a pilot study (n  = 420) using the 21-item scale, followed by the main study (n  = 11,874) using the 6-item version. RESULTS: Both the pilot study (21-item)and the main study (6-item) versions of the NAQ-R demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.93–0.86, respectively). Similar to the 21-item, the 6-item version had a significant impact on the intent to remain on the job, being personally affected, and supported the protective role of the organizational climate against exposure to negative acts. CONCLUSION: This study supports using the 6-item NAQ-R, which can reduce respondent burden and streamline data gathering and analysis. Show more

Keywords: Bullying, negative acts questionnaire-revised, psychometrics, public sector, measurement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182851

Citation: Work, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 161-171, 2019