Occupational physical demands in eldercare workers: a systematic scoping review of studies reporting quantitative data.

AIM

To summarize the literature on quantitative measures of physical demands in eldercare, with attention to differences between temporary and permanent workers, and to identify gaps to guide future physiological research.

METHODS

We searched Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed for English and Swedish peer-reviewed studies on physical demands in eldercare. Risk of bias was assessed, and descriptive data extracted.

RESULTS

We identified 37 relevant articles where physical demands were assessed via self-report (n = 23), biomechanical modeling (n = 6), and direct measurement (n = 8). Risk of bias assessment showed generally insufficient descriptions of study settings and poor descriptions of instruments assessing physical demands. Workers reported physical demands ranging from 40 to 98% maximum (different scales across studies). Biomechanical models showed peak forces in the lower back up to 5092 N during lifts and transfers. Direct measurements indicated that workers spent half to two-thirds of the day on feet, had oxygen uptakes 0.59-0.63 L/min, and mean heart rates 89-107 bpm across the workday. No study provided estimates specifically for temporary workers.

CONCLUSION

Results suggested that eldercare work is perceived as demanding by the workers, who spend considerable time on feet, and that it comprises tasks with high spinal loads, but shows low cardiovascular demands. These findings offer a foundation for future studies exploring the short- and long-term physiological implications of occupational exposure in eldercare, including the effect of targeted interventions. Future studies are also needed that consider physical exposure differences between homecare and nursing home settings and between permanent and temporary workers, preferably using direct measurements.