The Levels of Physical Activity and Work Experience Among Construction Workers: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Injuries and health problems related to musculoskeletal disorders are common among construction workers. Physically active people have good postural stability which is correlated with less injuries. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of physical activity against work experience in construction workers. 36 healthy men aged 20-60 years were divided into two groups based on their work experience: less experience (LE, n = 12), and more experience (ME, n = 24). Physical activity at work, through sports, and associated with leisure were assessed using the Baecke questionnaire. The results found that there was no significant difference between the LE and ME groups in the level of physical activity (p = 0.146 for work, p = 0.515 for sport, and p = 0.821 for leisure). Nevertheless, both the LE and ME groups had a higher level of physical activity at work than at sport and leisure (p < 0.0001). This preliminary study indicated that construction workers have a high workload which impedes them from other activities during leisure time. Further studies are needed to investigate the correlation between the physical activity level and postural stability among construction workers. Keywords: physical activity, construction workers, work experience