Work - Volume 55, issue 1

Authors: Desmeules, François | Braën, Caroline | Lamontagne, Martin | Dionne, Clermont E. | Roy, Jean-Sébastien

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Shoulder disorders lead to substantial productivity loss and determinants and predictors of sick leave are poorly known. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review on determinants and predictors of sick leave and delayed return-to-work (RTW) in workers with shoulder disorders. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted and we included studies on workers with shoulder disorders that contained information on determinants or predictors for sick leave or RTW, The risk of bias of included studies was evaluated with a validated tool. RESULTS: Eight studies were included and four had a high risk of …bias. The only determinants that were found significantly associated with delayed RTW or sickness absence in more than one study were an atraumatic history, disease severity and previous sickness absence. A clinical prediction rule was developed to predict sick leave in one study and included the following predictors: a longer duration of sick leave prior to consultation, higher shoulder pain, strain/overuse in usual activities and psychological complaints. CONCLUSION: Several determinants or predictors were identified in the present review, but there is currently inconsistent evidence on the role of any determinants or predictors of work absence or delayed RTW for workers with a shoulder disorder. More methodologically sound studies are needed. Show more

Keywords: Upper extremity, occupational diseases, review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162379

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 101-113, 2016

Authors: Rinaldo, Ulrika | Selander, John

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Absence from work due to musculoskeletal disorders is a significant problem from a number of perspectives, and there is a great need to identify factors that facilitate return to work (RTW). OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related to RTW after vocational rehabilitation for sick-listed workers with long-term back, neck and/or shoulder problems, and to compare the results with those from a previous literature review based on studies from 1980 to 2000. METHODS: A literature review based on studies published 2001–2014 in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC and the Cochrane Library. RESULTS: Major risk factors …for not returning to work are: higher age, factors related to pain such as higher levels of pain and pain related fear, avoidance of activity, high distress and depression. Facilitating factors for RTW are: lower functional disability, gaining control over one’s own condition, believing in RTW and work-related factors such as occupational training, and having a job coach or an RTW coordinator. Compared with the results from the previous review, the present review shows less of a focus on sociodemographic factors and more on psychological factors. Both studies highlight risk factors such as older age, higher levels of pain, depression and less internal locus of control. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial and work-related factors are important and should be included in interventions for the RTW of people with long-term back, neck and/or shoulder problems. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, sick leave, re-entry, working life, facilitating factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162387

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 115-131, 2016

Authors: Leiulfsrud, Annelie Schedin | Ruoranen, Kaisa | Ostermann, Anne | Reinhardt, Jan D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are underrepresented in the labour force. OBJECTIVE: To examine the meaning of employment, as it is understood in the context of participation and integration in society, among persons with SCI in six European countries. We ask how SCI relates to employment, for the functions of employment, alternatives to employment, and its obstacles. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 74 persons and qualitatively analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Employment was ranked as very important independent of the participants current employment status. We identified three main …functions of employment: 1) employment contributes to the creation of personal and collective identity and social recognition; 2) employment enables structuring of time and distracts from impairment and pain; 3) employment is as an important social arena that facilitates interaction with other people. Voluntary work and domestic work did not fully replace the social functions of employment, nor correspond to the design of the disability compensation systems. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the high value of employment and a need to pay more attention to a broader range of productive work. It also reveals the interdependencies between employment status and income mediated by the disability compensation schemes. Show more

Keywords: Work, social participation, disability, barriers and facilitators

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162381

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 133-144, 2016

Authors: Konsti-Laakso, Suvi | Koskela, Virpi | Martikainen, Suvi-Jonna | Melkas, Helinä | Mellanen, Laura

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social enterprises are often seen as a source of new and innovative solutions to persistent societal problems and a means for better inclusion of employees and customers. Because social enterprises combine business logic and social goals, they have vast potential to renew business and social life; therefore, it is vital to understand how their creation can be initiated and supported. OBJECTIVE: This study provides an overview of the participatory design process for a new social enterprise as it appears in practice. METHODS: The methods used in this case study guided the participants – mental …health and substance abuse rehabilitees – in the co-creation and refinement of a business idea. The methods used enabled participants to acknowledge their own strengths or preferences for their potential future work, which was a unique means of establishing a new social enterprise. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Social empowerment of the participants/future employees of the social enterprise formed the important, intangible capital in this case. By definition, the core of social enterprises is the customer- and employee-driven nature. This study clarifies how a social enterprise functions as a laboratory of social innovation at the local and community levels. Show more

Keywords: Social business, social innovation, rehabilitation, case study, Finland

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162383

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 145-153, 2016

Authors: Seyedmehdi, Seyed Mohammad | Attarchi, Mirsaeed | Cherati, Afsaneh Safar | Hajsadeghi, Shokoufeh | Tofighi, Ramin | Jamaati, Hamidreza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies on the general population have shown that increased physical activity and aerobic fitness (AF) significantly decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. Finding ways to decrease such risk factors can promote the health of firefighters. METHODS: This study was conducted in a large industrial facility in Tehran. AF assessment and submaximal aerobic fitness testing of participants were performed according to the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). AF was determined using a bicycle ergometer. Other information was collected using a specifically designed questionnaire, physical examination and blood test. Data were analyzed …using SPSS. Level of significance was set at P  < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 157 male firefighters were evaluated in an industrial facility. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that AF was significantly correlated with age, body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, physical activity, hemoglobin level, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP), diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) and heart rate (RHR) (P  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Firefighters with greater AF had lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Longitudinal studies are required to further confirm this finding. Increasing the AF may decrease CVD risk factors in firefighters. Show more

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, fire man, physical fitness, aerobic capacity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162375

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 155-161, 2016

Authors: Yoon, Tae-Lim | Cynn, Heon-Seock | Choi, Sil-Ah | Lee, Ji-Hyun | Chio, Bong-Sam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The relationship between forward head posture (FHP) and thoracic kyphosis has been a subject of interest in the rehabilitation field for visual display terminal workers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of the craniocervical brace use on craniocervical angle (CCA), thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), and trunk extensor muscle activity. METHODS: Twelve young male subjects with forward head posture (21.6±1.9 years) participated in this study. We compared CCA & TKA and trunk extensor muscle activity between with and without application of the craniocervical brace during visual display terminal work. …RESULTS: When wearing the craniocervical brace, the subjects demonstrated significantly greater CCA at the start and the end of the task and less change in CCA during the task (p  < 0.05). While non-significantly less TKA was seen at the start of the task, significantly less TKA was observed at the end of the task when using the craniocervical brace (p  < 0.05). The craniocervical brace use also led to significantly less change in TKA (p  < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the trunk extensor muscle activity. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the craniocervical brace decreased FHP immediately, lessened thoracic kyphosis over time, and prevented the worsening of FHP and thoracic kyphosis during visual display terminal work. Show more

Keywords: Cervical alignment, cervical spine, computer work, forward head posture, habitual posture, thoracic kyphosis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162378

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 163-169, 2016

Authors: Leccese, F. | Salvadori, G. | Rocca, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Extensive literature in ergonomics and optometry has indicated that computer use is closely associated with visual problems. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) requires a substantial effort on behalf of the visual system. The manifestations of visual fatigue phenomena may affect the working behavior and the human-system interaction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this survey is to identify the normal working conditions and how the eventual visual fatigue phenomena are able to influence the working behavior of CAD users. METHODS: A questionnaire was created and submitted to a sample of 150 university students, who attend the Faculty of …Engineering of the University of Pisa (Italy). RESULTS: The questionnaire results show that university students spend on average 7 hours per day at the computer for CAD drafting. Most of the participants work in strongly lit environments, with high brightness screens and negative polarity. Such conditions cause high contrasts in luminance, especially between screen and surfaces that fall within the field of vision. The results show that 135 out of 150 students report visual fatigue during long CAD sessions, which in most cases leads to difficulty in continuing the activity and changing usual working behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the questionnaire show that the university students work in highly variable lighting conditions and with little attention on the luminance distribution on the field of view. This has highlighted the importance, for VDT workstations, of not limiting the risk analysis to the postural ergonomics (how usually occurs) but extend it to the workplace as a whole, analyzing also the ergonomics of vision, which involves different consideration on the natural and artificial lighting of the workplace and on the characteristics of the display. Show more

Keywords: Human-system interaction, CAD workstation, visual fatigue, working behavior, lighting of workplaces

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162370

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 171-180, 2016

Authors: Yang, Zixian | Cheung, Therma Wai Chun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Risk factors contributing to upper limb repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) have been well-documented in literature, but there has been no such data in Singapore. OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential contributory factors to upper limb RSIs METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of clients who were referred to outpatient upper limb rehabilitation in 2012. Demographic information was retrieved from an electronic documentation system. Descriptive analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 17. RESULTS: A total of 1108 upper limb RSI referrals (827 females, 281 males) were included in this …study. The mean age of the group was 53.74 (s.d. 13.03) with a significant proportion within the range of 51–60 years old. The 3 diagnoses which accounted for the majority of clients were: flexor tendinitis of the hand and fingers, DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. A statistically significant proportion of these clients were also involved in doing housework. CONCLUSIONS: Upper limb RSIs are prevalent amongst the general population, especially in females. Participation in housework may entail biomechanical loads which may contribute to or worsen upper limb RSIs. Occupational classification systems should include homemakers as a standalone category, distinct from paid domestic help, given the similar nature of physical work involved. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, unpaid work, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162372

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 181-186, 2016

Authors: Conchola, Eric C. | Smith-Ryan, Abbie E. | Thompson, Brennan J. | Sobolewski, Eric J. | Ryan, Eric D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical demands may vary between white collar and blue collar occupations when evaluating specific physiological differences such as one’s weight, body mass index and body fat percentage. OBJECTIVE: To explore nutritional, anthropometric, and physical-activity differences between young and middle-aged WC and BC workers. METHODS: Ninety-one male participants aged 19–64 that were either WC and/or BC workers completed a 3-day food recall, modified Baecke Questionnaire, and had their height, weight, body mass index and body fat percentage measured. Participants were classified as: young-white-collar, young-blue-collar, middle-white-collar or middle-blue-collar workers. RESULTS: No nutritional differences within …ages or between occupations were reported. Body mass index and body fat percentage were lower for young vs. middle-aged workers. Lastly, physical-activity at work was higher for young and middle-aged Blue collar workers, while White collar workers participated in more physical activity outside of work. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the observed increases in body fat percentage and body mass index with age, are independent of occupation. Show more

Keywords: Age, blue collar, calories, macronutrients, work index

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162371

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 187-196, 2016

Authors: Phoenix, Nina | Ghul, Rayya

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This narrative review aims to describe the experiences of transgender people transitioning in their place of work. There are over 10,000 transgender individuals living and working in the UK. Currently there is limited research investigating the experience of changing gender in the workplace from an occupational perspective; considering activities of daily living and support currently offered to aid this transition. METHOD: Quantitative and qualitative articles published from 2002–2013 were sourced using electronic databases, via email from the authors and from hand searches. Articles were included if they discussed the experiences of transgender people transitioning from one …gender to another while in employment, pursuing a new career path or seeking work. Articles were excluded if they used generalisations from LGBT studies. RESULTS: The findings show that successful transitioning in the workplace is a complex process requiring social and managerial support, environmental adaptation, legal guidelines, and a re-construction of how ‘gendered occupations’, such as self-care and job roles are carried out according to the social construction of the gender binary. CONCLUSION: Future research is warranted on the occupational experiences of transgender people in employment. When considering the ‘gendered occupations’, changes in activities of daily living during transition, and the social/environmental adaptations required by all parties it is evident that an occupational perspective, such as that used by an Occupational Therapist, would be highly beneficial within this specialised area of vocational rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Transgender, employment, vocational rehabilitation, career, occupation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162386

Citation: Work, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 197-205, 2016