Evaluation of physical functional capacities as a function both of the physical demands during working life, and also of psychosocial factors

Although in recent years, the balance has swung away from industry and farming towards services, the proportion of workers who have to do physically arduous work remains large. In work having high physical demands, maintaining physical functional capacities is essential in order to meet the requirements of the job. And yet studies show that repeated exposure to high physical loads can increase the risks of damage to the musculoskeletal system and to the cardiorespiratory system. Such damage could result from gradual deterioration of functional capacities. Various factors can influence functional capacities. Some are known, such as advancing age, but others such as physical load that is difficult and repeated over time, or psychosocial factors, require further investigation.
The objective of the study is to study the effects of physical and psychosocial demands on physical functional capacities and their repercussion on perceived health. Knowing how to screen for premature deterioration in functional capacities would make it possible to identify wear phenomena (osteoarticular and cardiovascular damage) and to put in place actions for limiting them.
It will be an epidemiological study conducted on 200 workers from the building & civil engineering sector, with the collaboration of an occupational health service. Questionnaires will be used to analyse the physical and psychosocial demands, and the perceived health. A series of tests will make it possible to evaluate all of the functional capacities of the workers.
The expected results are the highlight of functional capacities and damage to perceived health vary as a function of physical demands and of psychosocial factors.
Planned valorization will involve a peer-reviewed scientific publication in an international journal, a national publication for OSH specialists, and taking part in a conference. Depending on the findings observed, a further study might be conducted for validating a series of functional tests making it possible to screen early for physical wear.