8/19/2019 Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders as Risk Factors for Reduced Work Ability in Younger and Ageing Workers

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Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders as Risk Factors for Reduced Work Ability in Younger and

Ageing Workers

Joanna Bugajska & Adam Sagan

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 !""# workers participated in the study $"% wereyounger workers '"( years old ) *!."+, *$% were ageing workers -"( years old ) (.*+ Their health

condition was established on the basis of a+ subjecti/e feeling of health on a (0point scale b+ pain in $

parts of the body in the past year, and c+ intensity of pain on a !0mm /isual analogue scale 1AS+. 2ork

ability was assessed with the subjecti/e work ability inde3 2AI+. Results.  The results of the study showed

that although in the both groups i.e. younger and ageing workers the occurrence and intensity of pain in

the hands4wrists neck and lower back were a significant factor which decreased 2AI in ageing workers

only the occurrence of pain in the lower back generated higher risk factors for reduced work ability 2AI 5

*6+.  Conclusions. Impro/ing physical and psychosocial working conditions to reduce musculoskeletal

complaints and identifying indi/iduals with such complaints are important in increasing workers7 work ability

and thus e3tending their occupational acti/ity.