Physical capacity in relation to present and past physical load at work: Astudy of 484 men and women aged 41 to 58 years

Background A negative association has previously been reported between long -lasting physically heavy work and some measures of physical capacity. This relationship was further investigated in a 24-year follow-up study of 484 middle-aged men and women from the general population. Methods A questionnaire was administered in 1993 concerning retrospective r ecall of physical work loads and physical training in the time span between 1970 and 1993. Laboratory, tests performed in 1993 included tests of muscl e function (maximal isometric strength and dynamic endurance) and aerobic p ower (submaximal ergometer test). Results Consistent with the hypothesis, but mainly among the women, associa tions between long-lasting physically heavy demands and low trunk flexion s trength, squatting endurance, and aerobic power were observed in contrast, low isometric hand grip strength and low weight lifting endurance were seld om seen among those with high physical work loads, indicating a possible ma intaining or training effect on the hand/arm/shoulder muscle groups. Conclusions Physically heavy work seems to have a different impact on diffe rent parts of the musculoskeletal system, an effect that is also different between men and women. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:388-400, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Li ss, Inc.