Overview
Keywords: Aging worker; osteoarthritis; physical capacity; pain; resilience
Timeline: September 2014 - present
Researchers: Monica Maly (Principal Investigator, McMaster University), Peter Keir (McMaster University), Jim Potvin (McMaster University)
Funder: CRE-MSD
Project type: Seed grant
Sector/Workplace type: All
Theme:
Theme
4
Interventions
Theme
5
Implementation
Background/rationale
By 2031, over 2 million Canadians aged 45 to 64 years will have arthritis. Among those, one of three will be out of work. This project aims to boost the ability of older adults with the most common arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), to engage in the workforce for as long as they desire. Thus, strategies muscle be implemented that promote health and minimize the risk for injury and chronic health conditions in the aging workforce. Development and establishment of the first workplace exercise program designed to minimize damaging knee and hip loads among older workers will possibly improve the outcomes of mobility, pain, physical capacity, and resilience.
Research question/objectives/methods
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of an OA-specific aerobic and strengthening exercise program, delivered within the workplace, on mobility, pain, physical capacity, and resilience among older workers with knee or hip OA.
27 sedentary, female workers will be recruited to participant in this study. A primary outcome (Lower Extremity Functional Scale) and secondary outcomes (pain, physical capacity, and resilience) will be collected at baseline and immediately after a 12-week exercise program intervention. A repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to determine the impact of the exercise program on the outcomes.
Key findings
In progress
Implications for the prevention of MSD
In progress
Knowledge dissemination
In progress