RR-PL-1708

Monday 11:50, Fira Palace Hotel, Rossini

CONNECTION BETWEEN THE FEEL GOOD-PROJECT BY  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE AND WORK ABILITY AND PHYSICAL CONDITION OF  EMPLOYEES IN SERVICE HOMES. Kangasperko M., Lankinen H; Department of Health Sciences. University of Jyvaskylä. Jyvaskylä. Finland PURPOSE: Project  is frequently prescribed method to increase work ability and physical condition of employees. The most effective way to carry out this kind of project is still  open to questions. Many projects have been started but measuring the results has been inadequate or limited. The purpose of this study is to measure an effect of this one-year -long project on work ability and physical condition of employees in service homes. RELEVANCE: Maintaining work ability among employees in  health care work is a challence to occupational health care. The average age among health care workers is high and premature retirement is common. The first significant decrease in work ability occurs between the ages of 40 and 44 years and sharper decrease occurs after 55 years of age. SUBJECTS: Selected to the study were female  health care workers from Satakunnan erityishuoltopiiri, Finland. Subjects were divided up two groups according to the age. The groups were employees under 45 years and employees 45 years and older. METHODS AND MATERIALS:The measuring instruments were the Work ability index, UKK-institute's walking test and muscular strength tests, which were trunk flexion, trunk extension, dynamic strength of lower extremities and dynamic strength of upper extremities. The tests were done two times, first in the beginning of the project and second after one-year-long project. ANALYSES: The statistical analyses were carried out using STSS package. The association between the variables was measured by correlation coefficient and statistical significance was tested with the t-test. Also covariance anlysis was used.  RESULTS: Experienced work ability increased in proportion to work, aerobic capacity increased, the increase was significant in the group of older employees.  The increase of dynamic strength of lower extremities was significant in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results and experiences of this study show that a suggesful project by occupational health service is feasible when program is well designed and carried out. But  more sensitive measurement tools should be designed thinking the special features of the target group.