A description of the physical capabilities of a mature workforce

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to 1) describe and evaluate the physical capabilities and personal factors of a mature workforce, 2) to determine the relationship between identified risk factors and musculoskeletal morbidity 3) to compare the physical capabilities of the target group to young manual material handlers (MMHs) and 50th percentile U.S. male sample populations. The components related to the functional capacity of the individual workers were anthropometrics, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. This study was comprised of 42 male surface mine and power plant employees working different jobs: mechanics, heavy equipment operators, maintenance, and pump operators. Each worker's physical capabilities were evaluated using a standardized physical testing protocol: submaximal graded step-test, dynamic lift test (floor to knuckle, knuckle to acromial. and acromial to functional overhead reach), hand grip dynamometer strength test, sit-and-reach flexibility test, push-up test, and bent knee sit-up test. There were no reported incidents of musculoskeletal morbidity during the past three years of employment', therefore, there was no morbidity assessment. Compared to the younger MMHs, the physical capabilities of aerobic capacity, dynamic lifting (all three regions), flexibility, sit-ups, and push-ups were significantly lower for the mature workforce. However, handgrip strength was significantly greater for the mature workforce compared to the young MMHs. Compared to the 50th percentile U.S.male population, aerobic capacity, dynamic lift (acromial to functional overhead reach), and flexibility were significantly lower for the mature workforce. Push-ups, handgrip strength, and dynamic lift (floor to knuckle and knuckle to acromial) were significantly greater for the mature workforce. There was no significant difference for the physical capability of sit-ups between these two groups. The results of this study provide a database that may enhance job design/redesign, worker selection, work hardening programs, exercise programs, and manual material handling performance.