Biomedical subjects

Małgorzata Waszkowska

Publications and source records attributed to Małgorzata Waszkowska.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Readaptation to work after myocardial infarction: model considerations].

In Poland only 50-60% of persons who have experienced myocardial infarction return to work. Bearing in mind that psychophysical condition changes after such an event, this group of people has to be readapted to work. Factors that determine good work performance among post-infarction workers have been not yet investigated. The aim of our study is to identify those factors and to define their role in the readaptation process. The first stage of our project involved the development of a theoretical model of readaptation to work after myocardial infarction. This model is described in this paper. It comprises the following components: medical evaluation of the workers' health status, his or her subjective assessment of work ability, expectations (optimistic vs. pessimistic attitude), motivation to work, social support, and job characteristics.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed2005

The impact of low-frequency noise on human mental performance.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing body of data showing that low frequency noise (LFN), defined as broadband noise with dominant content of low frequencies (10-250 Hz) differs in its nature from other environmental noises at comparable levels. The aim of the study was to investigate whether exposure to LFN at levels normally occurring in the industrial control rooms can influence human mental performance (e.g., visual functions, concentration, continuous and selective attention) and subjective well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 96 female and male volunteers, aged 19-27 years, categorized in terms of sensitivity to LFN. They worked with four standardized psychological tests (Signal Detection, Stroop Color-Word, Comparing of Names, and Continuous Attention) during exposure to LFN or broadband noise without dominant low frequency content (reference noise) at a level of 50 dB(A). Each subject was studied only once at randomly-assigned exposure conditions. RESULTS: In the Comparing of Names Test, the subjects, regardless of the LFN sensitivity, showed tendency to make more errors during exposure to LFN than in the reference noise, and in the Signal Detection Test, they generally reacted faster (had shorter median detection time). In those noise conditions, however, the high-sensitive to LFN subjects, showed tendency to work less precisely (achieved lower number of correct responses in the Signal Detection Test) compared with the low-sensitive ones, while in the reference noise there was no difference related to noise sensitivity. The subjects categorized as high-sensitive to LFN also showed poorer performance than others during exposure to LFN in the Stroop Color-Word Test (a significant interaction between noise and noise sensitivity in case of reading interference index) and in the Continuous Attention Test (a tendency to more erroneous reactions). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that LFN at moderate levels might adversely affect visual functions, concentration, continuous and selective attention, especially in the high-sensitive to LFN subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

["My work"--adaptation to work questionnaire].

BACKGROUND: Although the interest in the problem of adaptation to work among psychologists is still growing, there are a few methods for investigating this issue. The present study was undertaken to develop a new instrument for assessing one's adaptation to work and to evaluate the psychometric parameters of the test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire called "My work", based on the person-environment fit theory model, has been elaborated. RESULTS: The questionnaire consists of 23 items, describing various aspects of adaptation to work. The results of a survey, performed on 292 individuals, provided the grounds for testing the validation parameters of the questionnaire. The following psychometric properties were assessed: Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient (0.92), stability (0.75), and content validity. Preliminary normative values for the test were also established. CONCLUSIONS: The "My work" test shows a good psychometric characteristic and it can be useful for both research work and practical application (as a diagnostic tool).

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[The effect of low frequency noise on human mental performance].

There is a growing body of data showing that low frequency noise (LFN) defined as broadband noise with dominant content of low frequencies (10-250 Hz) differs in its nature from other noises at comparable levels. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of LFN on human mental performance. Subjects were 193 male paid volunteers. They performed standardized tests: the Signal Detection Test (test I), the Stroop Color-Word Test (test II), and two sub-tests of the General Aptitude Test Battery, i.e. the Math Reasoning Test (test III) and the Comparing of Names Test (test IV). Three different acoustic conditions were used in the experiment the background laboratory noise of about 30 dB(A), LFN and the broadband noise at comparable db(A) levels of 50 dB. The study subjects were assigned randomly to varied experimental conditions. After the test session, the subjects completed a questionnaire aimed at rating the subjective annoyance of exposure conditions during the tasks, and assessing individual sensitivity to noise in general and LFN in particular. The main effects of exposure and/or noise sensitivity on the tests' results or their interaction were found in three of the four tests performed (tests I, II and IV). The tendency towards weaker results in low frequency noise compared to other conditions was observed in persons classified in test II as more sensitive to LFN (higher value of reading interference). The significant effect of both exposure and sensitivity to noise on annoyance rating during test performance was also noted. The annoyance of LFN and reference noise was rated higher than that of background noise. LFN at 50 dB(A) could be perceived as annoying and adversely affecting mental performance (concentration and visual perception), particularly in persons sensitive to LFN.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Recommended frequency of preventive psychological tests in selected groups of operators].

BACKGROUND: Psychomotor efficiency, essential in the job as an operator, declines with age. The aim of the present study was to assess the dynamics of changes and to work out recommendations on the frequency of psychological test performed during preventive checkups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Psychological test battery was performed twice at an interval of 3-5 years, in a group of 167 drivers of motor vehicle, and operators of cutting (in surface mining) and earth-digging machines, aged 25-60 years. Performance and paper-pencil tests were used to measure psychomotor and intellectual functions. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed significant age-related decline in attention, cognitive and vital functions and eye-hand coordination. The most advanced deterioration was observed in the group of workers aged 50 years and more. CONCLUSIONS: As revealed by the study, psychological tests should be performed in operators during all the three types of preventive checkups: (a) pre-placement in candidate workers; (b) control in case of the central nervous system impairment; and (c) periodic, carried out at least every four years in workers aged 50 years and more.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Aging and psychological assessment of motor vehicle driving capability].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present project was to determine: (a) at what age the psychomotor functions begin to decline, which would justify routine testing to assess them, and (b) at what level the declining psychomotor functions can be recognized as a contraindication against driving motor vehicles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 186 motor vehicle drivers, aged 26-64 years. The parameters examined included eye-hand coordination and reaction time. RESULTS: The analysis of the results revealed that a significantly decreased level of psychomotor function could be noted at the age of 45 years. CONCLUSIONS: It was assumed that the results of psychological tests performed by persons with 0.05% BAC can be the empirical criterion for a decline that would significantly impair the driver's work capability. The findings of our study made it possible to develop a proposal for modifying the testing procedure and the principles of certifying work capability of motor vehicle drivers.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2003

Assessment of annoyance from low frequency and broadband noises.

OBJECTIVES: It has been shown that low frequency noise (LFN), defined as broadband noise with dominant content of low frequencies (10-250 Hz), may be annoying to exposed subjects. The aim of the study was to compare the degree of annoyance caused by LFN with that caused by broadband noise (BBN) without dominant low frequency components at similar A-weighted sound pressure levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects included in the study were 145 male employees of the control rooms. They were exposed to noise through headphones at gradually increasing dB A-weighted sound pressure levels within the range of 62-84 dB. Annoyance rating was based on a 100-score graphical scale. RESULTS: LFN was rated as significantly more annoying than BBN at the comparable A-weighted sound pressure levels. The annoyance assessment of either noise did not depend on age, length of employment or the level of exposure to noise at a current workplace. CONCLUSIONS: LFN represents a higher risk of influencing human well-being than regular BBN and should be considered in the occupational exposure assessment.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Age-related changes in psychological functions in selected groups of operators].

The aim of the present study was to assess age-related decline in psychological functions and to formulate recommendations on the frequency of psychological preventive examinations among persons whose work requires high psychomotor efficiency. At the first stage of our study, the scores of psychological tests performed twice in a group of 109 operators, aged 25-60 years, divided into three age groups, ere collected and analyzed. The statistical analysis revealed differences between groups. The scores were significantly worse in the group of workers aged 46 years and more. They suggest the impairment of cognitive functions, attention concentration, perceptiveness, eye-hand coordination and reflex action in complicated situations. It is too early to draw final conclusions as the psychological examinations are continued.

Adult↗