Purpose
To investigate changes of physical performance during long working hours and extended workweeks among construction workers
with temporary accommodation in camps.
Methods
Nineteen construction workers with 12-h workdays and extended workweeks participated. Physical performance in the morning
and evening of the second and eleventh workdays was tested by endurance, ability to react to a sudden load, flexibility of
the back, handgrip strength and sub-maximal HR during a bicycle test. HR was registered throughout two separate workdays.
Results
HR during each of the two separate workdays corresponded to a relative workload of 25%. Sub-maximal HR was lower, reaction
time faster and handgrip strength higher in the end of each test day. In the end of the work period, sub-maximal HR was lower,
reaction time faster and sitting balance was better.
Conclusion
No trends of decreased physical performance were found after a workday or a work period.
Keywords Physical performance - Long working hours - Extended workweeks - Construction work - Recovery