Normative reference values and physical factors associated with work ability

What is it about?

What makes us better workers? How do we know what the expected 'normal' is for our age? This study generated an age-stratified set of normative reference values for work ability in a healthy adult Australian population using the Work Ability Score. It also investigated the association of work ability with physical performance factors such as muscle strength, joint flexibility and function (including gross motor, fine motor and balance tasks). The secondary aim was to investigate the sociodemographic and anthropometric factors independently associated with work ability. In other words, are 'better' workers younger, stronger, more flexible and more coordinated?

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Why is it important?

Reference data can be used by occupational health researchers to pinpoint an individual that has a low score outside the expected normal range for their age group and implement intervention. The studied physical tests (such as the Timed Up and Down Stairs Test) may assist in the development of new objective screening tools that can supplement a measure of self-report (the Work Ability Score) to holistically assess work ability. An understanding of the physical factors associated with work ability can be used to identify potentially modifiable factors that can be targeted by intervention programs.