The relationship between muscular strength and work performance in blue-collar workers
Document Type
Presentation
Journal/Book Title/Conference
American College of Sports Medicine 2014 National Conference
Publisher
American College of Sports Medicine
Location
Orlando, FL
Publication Date
5-28-2014
Abstract
Objective: The present study examined the influence of workplace manual labor on measures of muscular fitness, with a secondary aim to investigate the relationship between muscular fitness and work performance in blue-collar (BC) workers. Methods: Leg extension isokinetic strength at slow and fast velocities, hamstring and hip-flexor flexibility, and low back muscular endurance were examined in young and older BC workers and white-collar (WC) controls, while work performance was examined in the BC cohort. Results: There were no differences in muscular fitness variables between BC and WC groups; however, the older men had lower low back muscular endurance (−43.0%) and strength at slow (−9.4%) and fast (−12.7%) velocities. Work performance was associated with strength at fast velocities (r = 0.633) in the older BC workers. Conclusions: Leg strength may influence work performance, with higher velocities becoming more important in older workers.
Recommended Citation
Ryan, E.D., Thompson, B.J., Sobolewski, E.J., and Conchola, E.C. The relationship between muscular strength and work performance in blue-collar workers. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual conference, Orlando, FL. May 28, 2014. Med Sci Sport Exerc, 45 (5 Suppl.)
