Thin-fat insulin-resistant phenotype also present in South Asian neonates born in the Netherlands.

Several studies have shown that South Asian neonates have a characteristic thin-fat insulin-resistant phenotype. The aim of our study was to determine whether this phenotype is also present in South Asians who have migrated to a Western country (the Netherlands). South Asian and white Dutch pregnant women were included in our study.

Effectiveness of phone and e-mail lifestyle counseling for long term weight control among overweight employees.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a weight-management program with personal counseling by phone or e-mail.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial of a 6-month program comparing two modes of intervention delivery (phone, n = 462; Internet, n = 464) with self-directed materials (control, n = 460), among overweight employees. Change in body weight after 2 years was the main outcome.

Comparative effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular risk factors among a Dutch overweight working population: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, posing a considerable burden to public health. The main aim of this study was to investigate lifestyle intervention effects on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy overweight employees.

Methods: Participants were 276 healthy overweight employees (69.

Neonatal anthropometry: thin-fat phenotype in fourth to fifth generation South Asian neonates in Surinam.

We assessed whether the earlier described 'thin-fat phenotype' is present in Surinam South Asian babies of the fourth to fifth generation after migration from India. In this observational study we collected data from 39 South Asian term neonates and their mothers in Paramaribo, Surinam. We compared the following data with data from an earlier study in Southampton, UK (338 neonates) and in Pune, India (631 neonates): maternal body mass index, neonatal weight, length, head, mid-upper arm and abdominal circumferences and subscapular skinfold thickness.

Phone and e-mail counselling are effective for weight management in an overweight working population: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The work setting provides an opportunity to introduce overweight (i.e., Body Mass Index >or= 25 kg/m2) adults to a weight management programme, but new approaches are needed in this setting.

Improving work style behavior in computer workers with neck and upper limb symptoms.

Introduction: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a group-based interactive work style intervention in improving work style behavior.

Methods: Computer workers with neck and upper limb symptoms were randomised into the work style group (WS, N = 152), the work style and physical activity group (WSPA, N = 156), or the usual care group (N = 158). Both intervention groups received the same work style intervention but the WSPA group also received a lifestyle physical activity intervention.

The effectiveness of a work style intervention and a lifestyle physical activity intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers.

This study assessed the effectiveness of a single intervention targeting work style and a combined intervention targeting work style and physical activity on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms. Computer workers with frequent or long-term neck and upper limb symptoms were randomised into the work style group (WS, n=152), work style and physical activity group (WSPA, n=156), or usual care group (n=158). The WS and WSPA group attended six group meetings.

A systematic review of the relation between physical capacity and future low back and neck/shoulder pain.

The results of longitudinal studies reporting on the relation between physical capacity and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders have never been reviewed in a systematic way. The objective of the present systematic review is to investigate if there is evidence that low muscle strength, low muscle endurance, or reduced spinal mobility are predictors of future low back or neck/shoulder pain. Abstracts found by electronic databases were checked on several inclusion criteria.

The (cost-)effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in addition to a work style intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers.

Background: Neck and upper limb symptoms are frequently reported by computer workers. Work style interventions are most commonly used to reduce work-related neck and upper limb symptoms but lifestyle physical activity interventions are becoming more popular to enhance workers health and reduce work-related symptoms. A combined approach targeting work style and lifestyle physical activity seems promising, but little is known on the effectiveness of such combined interventions.

Is an imbalance between physical capacity and exposure to work-related physical factors associated with low-back, neck or shoulder pain?

Objectives: This study investigates whether an imbalance between physical capacity and exposure to work-related physical factors is associated with low-back, neck, or shoulder pain.

Methods: Data of the longitudinal study on musculoskeletal disorders, absenteeism, stress, and health (SMASH), with a follow-up of 3 years (N=1789), were used. At baseline, physical capacity (isokinetic lifting strength, static muscle endurance, and mobility of the spine) and exposure to work-related physical factors were assessed.

ALIFE@Work: a randomised controlled trial of a distance counselling lifestyle programme for weight control among an overweight working population [ISRCTN04265725].

Background: The prevalence of overweight is increasing and its consequences will cause a major public health burden in the near future. Cost-effective interventions for weight control among the general population are therefore needed. The ALIFE@Work study is investigating a novel lifestyle intervention, aimed at the working population, with individual counselling through either phone or e-mail.

Physical capacity in relation to low back, neck, or shoulder pain in a working population.

Aims: To investigate the longitudinal relation between physical capacity (isokinetic lifting strength, static endurance of the back, neck, and shoulder muscles, and mobility of the spine) and low back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 1789 Dutch workers participated. At baseline, isokinetic lifting strength, static endurance of the back, neck, and shoulder muscles, and mobility of the spine were measured in the pain free workers, as well as potential confounders, including physical workload.

The effects of a graded activity intervention for low back pain in occupational health on sick leave, functional status and pain: 12-month results of a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Behaviorally oriented graded activity interventions have been suggested for sick-listed workers with low back pain on return to work, but have not been extensively evaluated.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-four workers were randomly assigned to either a graded activity intervention (n = 67) or usual care (n = 67) and followed-up for 12 months.

Results: The graded activity group returned back to work faster with a median of 54 days compared to 67 days in the usual care group.

Effectiveness of a return-to-work intervention for subacute low-back pain.

The effectiveness of return-to-work intervention for subacute low-back pain on work absenteeism, pain severity, and functional status was examined by means of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Publications in English that met the selection criteria were identified in a computer-aided search and assessed for methodological quality. A best-evidence synthesis was performed instead of statistical data pooling, because of the heterogeneity of the interventions and study populations.

Effect of sporting activity on absenteeism in a working population.

Objectives: To determine the effects of sporting activity on absenteeism in a working population.

Methods: Data were used from a prospective cohort study in a working population with a follow up period of 3 years and were collected with yearly questionnaires or collected from company records. Complete data on absenteeism, sporting activity, and potential confounders were collected for 1228 workers.

Prognostic factors related to recurrent low-back pain and sickness absence.

Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prognostic factors related to the recurrence of low-back pain and future sickness absence due to low-back pain.

Methods: Data were used from a prospective cohort study in a working population with a 3-year follow-up period. They were collected with annual questionnaires.

High physical and psychosocial load at work and sickness absence due to neck pain.

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between physical and psychosocial load at work and sickness absence due to neck pain.

Methods: A prospective cohort study with a follow-up period of 3 years (1994-1998) was performed among a working population. At the beginning of the study, physical load at work was quantified by means of video recordings.

High physical work load and low job satisfaction increase the risk of sickness absence due to low back pain: results of a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To determine whether physical and psychosocial load at work influence sickness absence due to low back pain.

Methods: The research was a part of the study on musculoskeletal disorders, absenteeism, stress, and health (SMASH), a 3 year prospective cohort study on risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Workers from 21 companies located throughout The Netherlands participated in the part of this study on sickness absence due to low back pain.

High quantitative job demands and low coworker support as risk factors for neck pain: results of a prospective cohort study.

Study Design: A 3-year prospective cohort study among 1334 workers was conducted.

Objective: To determine whether the work-related psychosocial factors of quantitative job demands, conflicting job demands, skill discretion, decision authority, supervisor support, coworker support, and job security are risk factors for neck pain.

Summary Of Background Data: Among the various risk factors for neck pain, work-related psychosocial factors play a major role.

Psychosocial work characteristics and psychological strain in relation to low-back pain.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between psychosocial work characteristics and low-back pain and the potential intermediate role of psychological strain variables in this relationship.

Methods: The research was part of a prospective cohort study of risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms. The study population consisted of 861 workers from 34 companies in The Netherlands who had no low-back pain at baseline and for whom data on the occurrence of low-back pain were obtained with annual questionnaires during a 3-year follow-up period.

Are neck flexion, neck rotation, and sitting at work risk factors for neck pain? Results of a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To study the relation between neck pain and work related neck flexion, neck rotation, and sitting.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed with a follow up of 3 years among 1334 workers from 34 companies. Work related physical load was assessed by analysing objectively measured exposure data (video recordings) of neck flexion, neck rotation, and sitting posture.

Psychosocial risk factors for neck pain: a systematic review.

Background: Neck pain, which is assumed to be a multifactorial disease, is a major problem in modern society.

Methods: To identify the most important psychosocial risk factors for neck pain, a systematic review of the literature was carried out. The methodological quality of all studies in the review was assessed.

Flexion and rotation of the trunk and lifting at work are risk factors for low back pain: results of a prospective cohort study.

Study Design: A 3-year prospective cohort study among workers of 34 companies in the Netherlands.

Objectives: To investigate the relation between flexion and rotation of the trunk and lifting at work and the occurrence of low back pain.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous studies on work-related physical risk factors for low back pain either lacked quantification of the physical load or did not take confounding by individual and psychosocial factors into account.

Physical risk factors for neck pain.

To identify physical risk factors for neck pain, a systematic review of the literature was carried out. Based on methodological quality and study design, 4 levels of evidence were defined to establish the strength of evidence for the relationship between risk factors and neck pain. Altogether, 22 cross-sectional studies, 2 prospective cohort studies, and 1 case-referent study were eligible for determining the level of evidence.

The longitudinal development of running economy in males and females aged between 13 and 27 years: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Study.

The purpose of this study was to describe the longitudinal development of running economy [defined as the oxygen uptake (VO2) at a submaximal running speed] in males and females from teenage to young adult age using data from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Study. Submaximal VO2 (in ml.kg-1.