Tampere Regional Institute of Occupational Health and School of Public Health

Abstract

Introduction. In this investigation, a program to maintain the work ability of unemployed persons was developed and tested in a pilot project by determining the effect of supervised physical activity on health and functional capacity. In addition the effect of periods of unemployment on physical activity behavior was studied. The subjects were 76 unemployed construction workers between the ages of 22 and 54 years. They were divided into two groups, a physical activity group (N=40) and a control group (N=36). Due to dropouts, there were26 subjects in the physical activity group and 19 in the control group by the end of the trial. Methods The participants were given a medical examination, asked about musculoskeletal symptoms and leisure-time physical activity, and tested for mobility, balance, and the dynamic and isometric functional capacity of their musculoskeletal system. The intervention program lasted 14 weeks, during which the physical activity group met twice a week under the direction of a physiotherapist. The program included dynamic training and instruction and guidance on musculoskeletal function and leisure-time physical activity. The control group met twice. During these meetings, the intervention trial was explained and discussions were held on unemployment. Results During the intervention, physical functional capacity significantly improved in the physical activity group and the amount of leisure-time physical activity doubled. The men considered the program to be a good group activity for periods of unemployment. In the control group were no changes seen during the intervention. The results indicate that regular supervised training and an increase in physical activity can affect functional capacity and, to some extent, musculoskeletal symptoms and work ability.

Keywords

Work ability, Unemployment, Health promotion

Contact

Anneli Kaukiainen

Institution

Tampere Regional Institute of Occupational Health and School of Public Health,

Finland University of Tampere

City

PO Box

Postaddress

FIN-33101 Tampere

Country

Finland

E-mail

Anneli.Kaukiainen@occuphealth.fi

Phone

+ 358-3-2608677

Fax

+ 358-3-2608699