Abstract
This paper reviews the impact of ageing on physical work capacity in the elderly worker and the benefits of exercise programmes designed for the prevention of musculo-skeletal complaints. Physical work capacity generally declines significantly after 50 years of age as a consequence of a reduction in aerobic capacity and muscle strength. The latter is accompanied by a decline in the fatigue threshold. This, in combination with a reduced recovery capacity after exercise, may lead to chronic overload of muscles and tendons in the elderly worker. Thus, it has been proposed that physical exercise programmes may prevent the onset of musculo-skeletal disorders. The effectiveness of different physical exercise programmes proposed in the literature for the prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders is reviewed here. The adoption of an active life-style and the rational use of ergonomic interventions, such as automatisation of certain work processes, also appear to be crucial in minimizing the impact of ageing on work ability and capacity in the elderly worker.
| Translated title of the contribution | Physical exercise in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly worker |
|---|---|
| Original language | Italian |
| Pages (from-to) | 379-386 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Medicina del Lavoro |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health