Respiratory Function and Muscle Strength Vs. Past Work Type: a Cross-Sectional Study Among Retirees
Tomasz Trzmiel1, Anna Pieczyńska1, Ewa Zasadzka1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Objectives:
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the effects of past occupational activity on muscle strength and respiratory function among retirees.
Methods:
A total of 205 community-dwelling older adults participated in the study. Age (≥60 years) and cessation of professional activity (retirement) constituted the inclusion criteria. The International Standardized Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) was used to stratify the participants into white- or blue-collar groups. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV) in the first second, inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) parameters, and hand grip strength were tested.
Results:
Statistically significant differences in IVC and FVC scores were found in white- and blue-collar workers after adjusting for sex and age (ANCOVA). White-collar men had significantly higher IVC as compared to blue-collar men.
Conclusions:
Blue-collar male workers may be prone to deteriorating respiratory function in older age. It is vital to promote physical activity and educate blue-collar workers about the need to use respiratory protective equipment.
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