ABSTRACT【Background】Japan’s rapidly aging population has led to an increase in older adults in the workforce, raising concerns about occupational accidents due to age-related declines in physical and cognitive functions. Objective: To investigate occupational differences in physical and cognitive function among middle-aged and older male workers and to examine how these differences relate to selfreported stumbling and falling accidents. 【Methods】 A total of 443 male workers aged 40–69 from the manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries between 2017 and 2024 were assessed. Physical and cognitive function was evaluated using standardized tests, including grip strength, chair stand, stepping, balance, and Trail Making Tests (TMTA, TMTB). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with stumbling and falling. 【Results】 Significant differences in physical and cognitive performance were observed across occupational groups. Manufacturing workers showed superior cognitive flexibility and construction workers showed superior grip strength, while transportation workers exhibited lower balance and agility. Stumbling was significantly associated with age (odds ratio 1.04), exercise habits (odds ratio 1.68), TMTA (odds ratio 1.01), seated stepping test (odds ratio 0.94), and the TMTB (odds ratio 0.99). Falling was significantly associated with age (odd sratio 1.09), occupation (construction or manufacturing, odds ratio 2.41), and exercise habits (odds ratio 2.55), with additional contributions from stepping test performance and TMTA/TMTB scores. 【Conclusion】Occupational differences in physical and cognitive function influence the risk of stumbling and falling among middle-aged and older workers. Developing and implementing industry-specific assessments are crucial for identifying at-risk individuals and providing targeted interventions.
Yamasaki et al. (Tue,) studied this question.