ORIGINAL PAPER
The relationship between physical activity and work ability – A cross-sectional study of teachers
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Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
(Faculty of Health-related Physical Activity, Department of Physical Education)
Online publication date: 2017-08-02
Corresponding author
Małgorzata Grabara
Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Faculty of Health-related Physical Activity, Department of Physical
Education, Mikołowska 72a, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2018;31(1):1-9
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: To assess relationship between physical activity (PA) and perceived work ability amongst teachers from the Upper
Silesia, Poland. Material and Methods: The study involved 171 teachers (129 women, 42 men) of primary and secondary
schools of the Upper Silesia, Poland. Physical education teachers were excluded from the study. The level of PA was
estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version, and perceived work ability was estimated
using Work Ability Index (WAI). Results: Male teachers had significantly higher levels of vigorous-intensity PA, moderateintensity
PA, and total weekly PA than female teachers. The recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO)
met 46% of studied women and 74% of men. Work ability did not differ between male and female teachers. Work ability
was related to age, body mass index (BMI), and PA (vigorous-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA, total weekly PA). The female
teachers with excellent or good WAI had significantly higher levels of vigorous-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA
and total weekly PA than female teachers with moderate or poor WAI. Conclusions: The teachers involving in high or
moderate intensity PA could improve their work ability. Further studies should focus on relation between physical activity
and work ability among teachers of various age and seniority, from both, urban and rural schools. Int J Occup Med Environ
Health 2018;31(1):1–9