IntroductionMembers of solid waste recycling cooperatives are exposed to serious
conditions and complications in their everyday life, which makes them likely
to present poor quality of life and unfavorable health conditions in their
work environment.ObjectivesTo evaluate morphofunctional parameters, physical fitness, and
musculoskeletal symptoms of workers at solid waste recycling cooperatives in
Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil.MethodsThis was a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data were
collected from 60 cooperative members of both sexes linked to the Popular
and Solidarity Recycling Association of Maringá. Participants
underwent a medical screening at the cooperative, involving anamnesis,
pulmonary and cardiac auscultation, and blood pressure measurement. In a
second moment, they underwent physical assessment in the laboratory, using
instruments for physical tests and questionnaires.ResultsThere was a predominance of females in the sample (54%), with a mean age of
41.82±12.03 years, and most participants did not practice physical
activity (70%). With regard to body composition, women had the highest body
mass index (28.29±6.61 kg/m2); as for the variables
physical and aerobic fitness, men showed better scores than women (p <
0.05). In relation to musculoskeletal symptoms, most participants complained
of lower back pain (56.66%).ConclusionsAlthough the results for anthropometric variables are within normal standards
in most cooperative members, most of them present with musculoskeletal
symptoms and do not practice physical activity, which can have negative
implications in their health conditions in the medium and long term.