Evaluation of the work ability and cardiopulmonary fitness for healthy workers

Abstract

Introduction: Changes in work and greater life expectancy of the population require studies that seek to understand their demands and needs. Objective: To evaluate the perception of ability to work and actual physical capacity of workers in the janitorial department of an educational institution. Methods: Questionnaire Work Ability Index (WAI) and ergospirometry were used. Results: Of the 32 subjects evaluated, 52.94% of the men considered their capacity excellent compared to 6.71% of the women. Of those between 20 and 39 years of age, 43.12% rated their ability as excellent compared to 15.39% of those between 40 and 59. Comparing genders, it is noted that women perceive their ability as poorer. The HC provided and VO2 max obtained were higher by gender and age group. Conclusion: Both genders had similar cardiorespiratory fitness; however the perception of work ability was assessed to be better by men. Younger people have better cardiorespiratory fitness and better perception of work ability.