Author(s): HOFMANN, H.S., GORGES, J., BIALLAS, B., Institution: GERMAN SPORT UNIVERSITY COLOGNE, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 792

Introduction: Craft occupations are often associated with physically and psychologically stressful work demands (Blasczyk, 2018). As a result, German craftspeople often experience musculoskeletal pain (IKK, 2023). However, physical activity (PA) is an important health determinant and should be promoted to maintain the work capacity of craftspeople (WHO, 2020). Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of PA in the German craft sector.
Method: A study with a stratified sample including employees and employers from different trades of n= 1830 participants was conducted. Data were collected by computer-assisted telephone interviews using the EHIS-PAQ to assess PA, including work-related PA, transport-related PA and leisure-time PA. Design and adjustment weights were calculated to increase representativeness.
Results: The majority (52.7%) performed work tasks of moderate physical effort, with a notable gender difference in physically demanding tasks (men: 16.2%; women: 5.2%). Age-related findings highlighted an increase in sedentary occupational PA and a decrease in physically demanding tasks. Specific occupations such as construction and building were characterised by high physical demands, while health care, personal hygiene and cleaning and food-related occupations were predominantly sedentary. In addition, health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) averaged M = 222.27 minutes per week (95% CI [212.27; 232.16]), with 56.6% of craftspeople exceeding the WHO recommendation of 150 minutes per week. 32% engaged in muscle-strengthening PA (MSPA) during leisure time. In addition, male tradespeople spent more time doing HEPA and MSPA compared to women, as did young tradespeople compared to older individuals.
Conclusion: The findings underline the importance for targeted interventions to address PA, particularly in the context of MSPA, which is crucial for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain and injury. In addition, the findings highlight the unique physical demands and individual patterns of physical activity among German craftspeople and provide a basis for tailored prevention strategies and further research.
References: Blasczyk, S. A. (2018). Ensuring sustainable employment for older workers and workers with health problems in the craft sector: From concern to good solution? (Working Paper Research Funding Nr. 103). Düsseldorf: Hans-Böckler-Stiftung. Available from https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/216028.
IKK-Classic (2023). Health in the trades. Available from https://www.ikk-classic.de/assets/594/8594_ikkc_web_pdf.pdf.
World Health Organization (2020). WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov./books/NBK566045/