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Can a Single-Item Measure Assess Physical Load at Work? An Analysis From the GAZEL Cohort

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The assessment of workplace physical load is highly resource intensive. This study tested whether a single-item measure asking individuals about perceived physical strain (PPS) at work was an acceptable proxy for physical load. METHODS: The study was conducted in a subset of the GAZEL cohort (n = 2612) undergoing assessment of exposure to 38 occupational biomechanical constraints (representing eight domains) in 1994. Test-retest reliability analyses compared PPS in 1994 and 1995. Validity analyses compared PPS in 1994 to concurrent strains assessed in the more extensive measure. RESULTS: The measure showed adequate test-retest reliability. Within and across domains of physical load, linear relationships (P < 0.0001) existed between n exposures and PPS. Domains considered more strenuous (carrying loads, pulling objects) showed the highest PPS. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived physical strain approximates physical load in the absence of detailed measures. Perceived physical strain could be used in nonoccupational epidemiologic studies.

Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31824af5a8

Authors: Erika L. Sabbath, Marcel Goldberg, Qiong Wu, Alexis Descatha

Institutions: Harvard University, Inserm, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations, Hôpital Raymond-Poincaré

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2314808072

FWCI: 2.95

Cites: 32

Cited by: 14

Related to: 10