Association between health-related physical fitness indicators and working ability: a systematic review

Objectives: Work ability (WA) reflects a balance between work demands and an individual ability to meet them. It is influenced by several occupational and health related factors including the individual physical fitness (PF). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide an overview of the possible relationship between PF measures and the individuals’ WA. Methods: A systematic review of studies published up to the 1st of December 2022 and available in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases, was performed. Results have been summarized according to the specific PF parameter explored. Results: The 14 reviewed studies, enrolling 47 to 1005 workers, showed all a satisfactory methodological quality. Some positive evidence emerged for a possible association between changes in aerobic capacity, walking speed, balance, flexibility, muscle strength and WA perception. However, the limited number of studies and their cross-sectional design; the different PF performance indicators, populations and job tasks explored prevent definite conclusions. Conclusions: Future longitudinal studies should be planned to confirm such positive results and identify PF indicators better predictive for changes in the WA of employees engaged in specific job tasks, particularly in physically demanding activities. This may be helpful to include PF performance test in the occupational health practice as an integrated part in risk assessment and management strategies as well as in health and well-being promotion plans. The review was not registered in international database; no funding was received.