Journal article

Authors list: Bumann, Anke; Niederer, Daniel; Santarossa, Constanze; Banzer, Winfried; Vogt, Lutz

Publication year: 2020

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Volume number: 17

Issue number: 6

eISSN: 1660-4601

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062039

Publisher: MDPI

Abstract: 
Background: This study investigated whether work ability is associated with the duration of unemployment, heart rate variability (HRV), and the level of physical activity. Methods: Thirty-four unemployed persons (mean 55.7 +/- standard deviation 33.3 years, 22 female, 12 male, unemployed: range 1-22.5 years) participated in the cross-sectional study. The Work Ability Index (WAI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were applied. Short-term (five minutes) resting HRV (Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Total Power (TP)) was collected. Results: Work ability was positively associated with the HRV: LF (r = 0.383; p = 0.025), HF (r = 0.412; p = 0.015) and TP (r = 0.361; p = 0.036). The WAI showed a positive linear correlation with the amount of total physical activity (r = 0.461; p = 0.006) as well as with the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (r = 0.413; p = 0.015). No association between the WAI and the duration of unemployment occurred. Conclusions: the relation between self-perceived work ability, health-associated parameters, the HRV and the level of physical activity points out the relevance of health-care exercise and the need of stress-reducing interventions to improve perceived work ability. Our results point out the need for the further and more holistic development of healthcare for the unemployed.

Harvard Citation style: Bumann, A., Niederer, D., Santarossa, C., Banzer, W. and Vogt, L. (2020) How Is the Self-Perceived Work Ability Affected by the Duration of Unemployment, Heart Rate Variability and the Amount of Physical Activity in Older Long-Term Unemployed Persons?, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), Article 2039. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062039

APA Citation style: Bumann, A., Niederer, D., Santarossa, C., Banzer, W., & Vogt, L. (2020). How Is the Self-Perceived Work Ability Affected by the Duration of Unemployment, Heart Rate Variability and the Amount of Physical Activity in Older Long-Term Unemployed Persons?. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17(6), Article 2039. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062039