Table 1.
O*NET characteristics describing physical work in the UK Biobank population
| O*NET characteristica | Scalea | Range observed | Median (IQR) | UK job titles with the highest scores | UK job titles with the lowest scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilities domain | |||||
|
Static strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects. |
0–7 | 0–4.88 | 1.00 (0–2.38) | Stone mason (n = 36), Mason (n = 5), Banker mason (n = 2), Steel fabricator (n = 49) | Secondary school teacher (n = 7247), Accountant (n = 2188), University lecturer (higher education, university) (n = 1967) |
|
Dynamic strength
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue |
0–7 | 0–4.62 | 0.62 (0.25–1.28) | Dancer (n = 8), Ballet dancer (n = 3), Fitness instructor (n = 149), Yoga tutor (n = 107) | Secondary school teacher (n = 7247), Lecturer (higher education, university) (n = 1967), University lecturer (n = 1597) |
|
Stamina
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath |
0–7 | 0–4.62 | 0.75 (0–1.88) | Dancer (n = 8), Ballet dancer (n = 3), Fitness instructor (n = 149), Yoga tutor (n = 107) | Secretary (n = 2968), Accountant (n = 2188), University lecturer (higher education, university) (n = 1967) |
| Work Context domain | |||||
|
Spend time using your hands to handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls
How much time in your current job do you spend using your hands to handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls? |
1–5 | 1.3–5 | 2.88 (2.32–3.52) | Hairdresser (n = 855), Beauty therapist (n = 147), Barber (n = 44), Beautician (n = 37) | Consultant psychiatrist (n = 112), Psychiatrist (n = 57), Psycho-analyst (n = 25), Projects manager (n = 1263) |
|
Spend time walking and running
How much does this job require walking or running? |
1–5 | 1.02–4.73 | 2.17 (1.89–3.10) | Machinist (textile manufacturing) (n = 14), Factory worker (clothing manufacturing) (n = 11), Manufacturer (textiles) (n = 6) | Travel agent (n = 84), Travel consultant (n = 74), Agent (travel) (n = 34), Travel advisor (n = 20) |
|
Spend time standing
How much does this job require standing? |
1–5 | 1.49–5 | 2.72 (2.15–3.55) | Cook (n = 468), Cook in charge (n = 56), Cook—supervisor (n = 48), Cook—general (n = 23) | Computer operator (n = 136), Secretarial clerk (n = 116), Data entry clerk (n = 76) |
| Work Activities domain | |||||
|
Handling and moving objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning and moving materials, and manipulating things |
0–7 | 0.34–6.61 | 2.71 (1.97–3.79) | Stone mason (n = 36), Mason (n = 5), Banker mason (n = 2), Roofer (n = 64) | Actuary (n = 100), Statistician (n = 93), Economist (n = 76), Economic consultant (n = 40) |
|
Performing general physical activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials |
0–7 | 0.19–6.52 | 2.38 (1.48–3.29) | Choreographer (n = 6), Stone mason (n = 36), Mason (n = 5), Banker mason (n = 2) | Actuary (n = 100), Statistician (n = 93), Economist (n = 76), Economic consultant (n = 40) |
IQR, interquartile range.
aFor the Abilities and Work Activities domains, scores of 7 represent the greatest level of that ability or activity needed for job performance. For the Work Context domain, scores of 1 representing no time spent under specified conditions and scores of 5 represent continual/almost continual time spent under specified conditions. Descriptions taken from questionnaires used for the O*NET Data Collection Program that can be found at https://www.onetcenter.org/questionnaires.html.