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Activities Supporting Work Ability as a Part of Farmers' Occupational Health Services

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Abstract

The objective of the study was to test two different models for group activities supporting work ability for farmers' occupational health services and to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of these models. One hundred and twenty six female farmers were randomly assigned to two intervention groups (large group and exercise group) and the control group. Subjective work ability, musculoskeletal symptoms, and habits of physical exercise were asked using a questionnaire. Musculoskeletal capacity was assessed by repetitive and static muscle tests and mobility of the back. The static balance was measured with one leg standing, eyes closed. Cardiovascular fitness was assessed with 2-km walking test. Measurements were done before and after the group activity and in one-year follow-up. The physical activity of the farmers increased, the functioning of their musculoskeletal system improved, and musculoskeletal symptoms diminished more often in the intervention groups than in the control groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kuopio Regional Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.B. 93, FIN-70701, Kuopio, Finland

    Merja Perkiö-Mäkelä

  2. Survey Research Unit, Statistics Finland, FIN-00022 Statistics Finland

    Veijo Notkola

  3. Research and Development Centre for Occupational Health Services, Finnish Institute on Occupational Health, P.O.B. 93, FIN-70701, Kuopio, Finland

    Kaj Husman

Authors
  1. Merja Perkiö-Mäkelä
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  2. Veijo Notkola
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  3. Kaj Husman
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Perkiö-Mäkelä, M., Notkola, V. & Husman, K. Activities Supporting Work Ability as a Part of Farmers' Occupational Health Services. J Occup Rehabil 9, 107–114 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021366120856

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021366120856

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