REWARD

Risk factors of work-related diseases - methods of evaluation and prevention

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall aim of the joint research programme is to enhance the research activities in study of the risk factors of work-related diseases with special emphasis paid to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, are the main health problem both in western and developing countries Among occupational and environmental risk factors the important role plays work-related stress. It seems that influence of stress on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems could have common mechanism of pathogenicity, via neurovegetative disturbances, especially stimulation of the sympathetic and depression of the parasympathetic nervous system. The problem of work-related stress and its health consequences is particular important in countries in transitions as for example Russia or Ukraine, where changing in nature of work and globalisation cause that people have to deal with increasing work-related stress. This problem is poorly recognize. The transfer of knowledge will be implemented by various activities: training programmes, including a series of researches’ visits to the Work Physiology and Ergonomics Department of Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lodz, Poland and visits our staff at partners institutions from Norway, Denmark, Great Britan, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Russia and Ukraine. Moreover networking activities and pilot studies are planned. The transfer of knowledge and know-how regarding risk factors of work related diseases will increase the potential for designing joint research projects and will be helpful in preparing proposals within FP7. Research activities within our project will contribute to reducing the CVD and MSD epidemic throughout: better management of occupational risk factors, use of the available more technological advances for improve working conditions, methodological advances in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system evaluation in workers exposed to occupational risk factors.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases are major health problems in both western and developing countries. A European initiative enhanced research activities on risk factors of work-related diseases of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The 'Risk factors of work-related diseases - methods of evaluation and prevention' (REWARD) project was primarily aimed at enabling joint research by setting up a consortium of specialised centres (including those in developing countries). The project scope included studies from the experimental to the epidemiological and included pathomechanisms and population research to find occupational factors in different countries.

Project work was divided into three scientific work packages. The first involved analysis of the influence of occupational factors on neurovegetative regulation and cardiovascular diseases. The second covered epidemiological methods for analysing the relationship between occupational and environmental factors and cardiovascular diseases. The last focused on occupational risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Partners completed all planned tasks for these programmes.

Researchers also took part in training, with exchanges between Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Partners presented their research and the achievements of their universities or institutions at a kick-off meeting at the 5th International Conference on Work Environment and Cardiovascular Diseases (Krakow, Poland 2009). Study results were presented at a mid-term meeting during the 14th Congress of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ISHNE) (Moscow, Russia 2011). A final meeting took place during the REWARD Conference in Lodz, Poland (2012).

Pilot studies covered topics related to preparing methods for common studies and performing examinations. A third group of studies concerned the analysis of physiological data for mathematical models related to heart rate variability during different physical activities.

Knowledge and know-how transfer on risk factors of work-related diseases have increased the potential for establishing joint research projects. They have also proved helpful in preparing proposals for studies funded by the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and Horizon 2020 (nowadays).

REWARD's consortium is now able to perform extensive, multi-centre interdisciplinary research investigating links between the work setting and musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, project outcomes will enable research on other aspects of the health problems of working populations.