Work Ability of Finnish Physical Education Teachers
Mäkelä, K., & Hirvensalo, M. (2015). Work Ability of Finnish Physical Education Teachers. The Physical Educator, 72 (Special Issue), 379-393.
Published in
The Physical EducatorDate
2015Discipline
LiikuntapedagogiikkaCopyright
© Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity; Sagamore Publishing. This is a final draft version of an article whose final and definitive form has been published by Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity; Sagamore Publishing.
Background: In the physical education (PE) teachers’ profession, physical tasks
comprise a large part of their job. They identify their health as good, and they are
satisfied with their job. Nevertheless, the work ability of PE teachers may be decrease.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the work ability of Finnish PE
teachers. What disorders or physical problems do PE teachers experience as a result of
their job, and how do they affect job satisfaction? Are there differences between men
and women or older and younger teachers?
Key findings: Of the Finnish PE teachers (N=655), 31% reported that they had at least
one disease or disorder that hindered their work ability. The most common were
musculoskeletal disorders. PE teachers identified knee and back problems in particular.
Good ability to work was related to higher job satisfaction.