Association Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity And Musculoskeletal Disorders, And Perceived Work Ability Among Adult, Middle-Aged And Older Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and perceived work ability and musculoskeletal disorders among adult, middle-aged, and older women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 348 women divided into 3 age groups: 30–49 years (n=111), 50–65 years (n=120), 66–75 years (n=117). Weekly physical activity was monitored using tri-axial accelerometer ActiGraph Gt3X. Perceived work ability was assessed using the standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Information about the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal disorders was collected using standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) expanded by visual analog pain intensity scale (VAS). RESULTS: Regardless of age, women who met physical activity recommendations achieved higher scores in each part of the WAI, and also in the total WAI scores. However, the most significant differences were found in women aged 50–64 years, and included the following items: subjective work ability, work ability in relation to demands, work impairments, sick leave in the past year. Total WAI scores were also significantly higher in women aged 30–49 and 50–64 years who met PA recommendations in comparison to women who did not meet recommendations. Also, significant relations between the frequency of occurrence of musculoskeletal problems and meeting physical activity recommendations were found in women aged 50–64 years. Those who were more physically active reported less musculoskeletal problems in shoulders (p=0.006) and ankles/feet (p=0.018) regions. CONCLUSION: Adherence to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health disseminated by WHO is related to better-perceived work ability among adult (30–49 years) and middle-aged (50–64 years) women. There is also a relationship between adherence to recommendations of physical activity and frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal pain among middle-aged women.