Physical capacity in relation to present and past physical load at work: A study of 484 men and women aged 41 to 58 years

Occupational physical activity, energy expenditure and 11-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis

“…On the basis of these findings, the hypothesis of a net protective effect of occupational physical activity (via a training effect) on the progression of atherosclerosis needs to be rejected. This result is in line with previous observations of work physiology and epidemiologic studies that physical workload does not have similar training effects on individual work capacity as aerobic physical exercise does (68,69,51,70,71). Instead, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis of an atherogenic effect of occupational physical activity in which an increase in energy expenditure at work is associated with a progression of atherosclerosis.…”

Does a history of physical exposures at work affect hand-grip strength in midlife? A retrospective cohort study in Denmark

“…Torgen et al (17) included a retrospective assessment of exposures at work and found that HGS was higher among middle-aged manual workers with a history of physical work compared to non-manual workers (17). On the contrary Nygaard et al (18) found no association between current or lifetime physical occupational exposures and HGS among 19-64-year old workers.…”

Excessive physical demands in modern worklife and characteristics of work and living conditions of persons at risk

“…Physical fitness was poor among both the men and the women, and this lack may reflect the situation of the general population (28). Physical demands in worklife of today are still high, a fact that was reflected in a mismatch between the individual's physical capacity and the physical demands of the work for 25% of the population.…”

“…When these hypotheses are examined by comparing white-and blue-collar workers, differences in leisuretime physical activity, life-style factors, and health must be taken into account (25)(26). Training effects can be attained within some weeks or months, but negative effects due to high strain and frequent overload over the years may take more time to develop (27)(28).…”