Work - Volume 63, issue 2

Authors: Telles, Shirley | Kala, Niranjan | Gupta, Ram Kumar | Verma, Sadhana | Vishwakarma, Babita | Agnihotri, Savita | Gandharva, Kumar | Balkrishna, Acharya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Military occupations require heightened vigilance with resultant sleep disturbances, increased anxiety and reduced vigilance. OBJECTIVE: To compare yoga with physical training to reduce insomnia, anxiety and increase vigilance in security personnel. METHODS: One hundred and twelve Border Security Force personnel (BSF group, males; mean age±SD = 30.4±7.4 years) were compared with 112 personnel of a private security firm (SIS group). The BSF group received yoga for nine days and the SIS group received physical training for the same period. Assessments were at baseline and after 9 days, with the digit vigilance test (DVT), Spielberger’s STAI-S, and a …sleep rating questionnaire. RESULTS: (1) Between groups: (i) at baseline the BSF group had higher vigilance and more daytime naps compared to the SIS group and (ii) after nine days the SIS group had higher state anxiety compared to the BSF group (ANOVA, Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc comparisons; SPSS Version 24.0) (2) In post-pre intervention comparisons (i) the BSF group increased vigilance and decreased state anxiety after yoga, with improved sleep, while (ii) the SIS group showed increased vigilance after physical training. CONCLUSION: Yoga may improve sleep, reduce anxiety while increasing vigilance in occupations requiring vigilance. Show more

Keywords: Alertness, insomnia, armed forces, unease

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192925

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 243-251, 2019

Authors: Orantes-Gonzalez, E. | Heredia-Jimenez, J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carrying a backpack and pulling a school trolley have been previously related to changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters. OBJECTIVE: Analyze gait asymmetry and rating of perceived exertion carrying a backpack and pulling a trolley with different loads. METHODS: Fifteen students from an elementary school (aged 10.1 ± 1.7 years) participated in this study. The participants walked with no bag, and carrying a backpack or pulling a trolley, both with 10%, 15% and 20% of the participant’s body weight (BW). A 3D motion capture system was used to analyze the spatiotemporal gait variables. Then, the ratios, symmetry angles …and gait asymmetry of the step length, swing time, and stance time were analyzed. Furthermore, the rating of perceived exertion was recorded. RESULTS: None of the asymmetry parameters were significantly different between those who carried a backpack and those who pulled a trolley. In the backpack condition, the ratings of perceived exertion were higher among participants in the 20% BW (2.07 ± 2.09, p  = 0.003) and 10% BW (0.27 ± 0.59, p  = 0.004) conditions compared to those in the control condition (0.07 + 0.26). Pulling a trolley did not significantly increase the perceived exertion ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Carrying a backpack and pulling a trolley from 10% – 20% BW did not induce gait asymmetry in children. The use of the school trolley required less subjective effort than carrying a backpack with the same loads. Show more

Keywords: Children, OMNI scale, wheeled backpack, students, load

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192926

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 253-259, 2019

Authors: Alnaser, Musaed Z. | Aljadi, Sameera H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the US, as the demands for rehabilitation services increase, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have increased among rehabilitation practitioners. This trend has been noticed among physical therapists (PTs) in the State of Kuwait. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with WMSDs among PTs in Kuwait over a 12-month period. In addition, the result compared across countries and health care professions. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the PT departments at Kuwait government hospitals and schools. A …total of 312 returned questionnaires (69.3% response rate) were received. RESULTS: Results showed that 149 (48%) PT respondents experienced WMSDs. The lower back and muscle spasm were the most common area of the body injured and type of injury, respectively. Manual therapy techniques and patient transfers were most common activities associated with injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PTs with WMSDs in Kuwait was high and similar to other studies of PTs with WMSDs working in other countries. The performance of work activities was the leading risk factor for WMSDs, and WMSDs were prevalent among industrialized, industrially developing, and underdeveloped countries. Education of PTs regarding ergonomic and biomechanical principles as well as hands-on training of patient handling are the key tools to help prevent WMSDs. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal injuries, therapists, occupational injuries, work incidence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192927

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 261-268, 2019

Authors: Stiefel, F. | Stiefel, Fa. | Terui, T. | Machino, T. | Ishitani, K. | Bourquin, C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While investigation of physicians’ work experience is often limited to issues of satisfaction or burnout, a broader view of their experiences is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To explore professional experiences, we asked Japanese physicians (N = 18, 12 men and 6 women) of a general hospital to react to so-called “narrative facilitators”. METHODS: The narrative facilitators – inspired by clinical psychology, visual sociology and purpose-designed techniques – oriented physicians’ narratives towards clinical practise, relationship with peers and context. Transcribed interviews were subject to thematic analysis. RESULTS: The thematic analysis of participants’ narratives revealed a lonely physician with …a tough job, torn between the ideal of patient-centred care and a clinical reality, which limits these aspirations. Patients emerged as anxious and burdensome consumers of medicine. Feeling neither supported by peers nor the institution, physicians also perceived the society as somewhat negligent, delegating its problem to medicine. Communication difficulties, with patients and peers, and the absence of joyful aspects of the profession constituted fundamental elements of their narratives. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive investigation of physicians’ lived professional experience could become a key to conceive ways to support them. Show more

Keywords: Narrative facilitators, physicians, qualitative research, thematic analysis, lived experience

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192928

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 269-282, 2019

Authors: Harris, J. Irene | Strom, Thad Q. | Erbes, Christopher R. | Ruzek, Josef

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: PTSD is associated with high levels of vocational difficulty, and research on relationships between PTSD and vocational adjustment may be relevant to vocational rehabilitation services to achieve optimal outcomes. Veteran perception of ability to cope with stressors in the workplace setting may play a role in rehabilitation outcome. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines preliminary steps in the development of the Vocational Efficacy in Trauma Survivors Scale (VETSS), to measure perceived efficacy in managing PTSD symptoms in the workplace. This has potential to expand future options for research in vocational rehabilitation for veterans with PTSD. METHODS: Veterans …in outpatient treatment for PTSD at a large, mid-western Veterans Affairs Health Care System facility responded to items on the proposed instrument and items on other measures of vocational and psychological functioning to assess the potential validity of items for an instrument to measure vocational self-efficacy among veterans managing PTSD. RESULTS: In a sample of 63 working veterans who receive outpatient care for PTSD, exploratory factor analysis identified two viable subscales, one tapping Workplace Coping, and another tapping Self-Disclosure. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings indicate that the measure demonstrated acceptable indications of reliability and validity, suggesting promise for future use in vocational rehabilitation research. Show more

Keywords: Veteran, vocational rehabilitation, social support, measurement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192929

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 283-289, 2019

Authors: Cary, Doug | Collinson, Roger | Sterling, Michele | Briffa, Kathryn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal symptoms of pain and stiffness on waking have been linked to sleep posture. Sleep posture is commonly classified as supine, side lying and prone. It is clinically postulated that sleeping postures with sustained end of range rotation and extension may influence pain sensitive spinal tissues. However, the lack of a valid and reliable method of assessing sleep posture, means clinicians are unable to provide corrective advice based upon evidenced based research. OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity and reliability of a sleep posture recording protocol in the home environment. METHOD: Twenty health professionals viewed a …pre-recorded video recording of randomised sleep postures under natural and infrared light situations, with a variety of bed coverings, to represent the habitual environment. Sleep postures were classified into six categories including two intermediate postures (supported side lying and provocative side lying). Viewing was repeated after two days. RESULTS: Intra-and inter-rater reliability were excellent; Cohen’s Kappa = .93 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.0) and Fleiss Kappa = 0.83 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.84) respectively. Validity, determined as concordance between the health professionals’ classifications and the known postures, was also excellent Cohen’s Kappa = .91 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Reliable and valid assessment of sleep posture, including intermediate postures, could be achieved using low cost, portable, infrared video recording equipment, under a variety of lighting conditions and a variety of bed cover situations typical of the home environment. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, spine pain, spine stiffness, sleep posture assessment, habitual environment, sleep posture classification, intermediate sleep postures

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192930

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 291-298, 2019

Authors: García-Remeseiro, Tania | Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Águeda

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In modern society, there is an increase both in the demand and the duration of computer work. Failure to correct body posture while using the computer has become a serious health hazard. OBJECTIVE: To identify global trends in research related to body posture and visual display terminals (VDTs) using a bibliometric approach. METHODS: In the search process, the keywords (posture * ) AND (computer* OR “visual display terminal”) were used in the study title section, in the Wos, Scopus and Medline databases. RESULTS: 149 references published between 1970 and 2016 were analyzed. …The studied variables were the years of publication, authorship and collaboration index, publication type, titles of journals, most used languages, impact of the publications, as well as content of the articles. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, the studies on body posture in relation to VDT have been increased both in quantity and quality of publications. The analysis and/or design of the workplace, as well as the elements that make up the computer (keyboard and mouse) are the most researched topics in the area. Show more

Keywords: Computer, workplace, ergonomics, scientific production

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192931

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 299-308, 2019

Authors: Early, Amy | Walsh, Ryan | Douglas, Bruce

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: As the population of individuals aged sixty-five and older continues to grow, the number of older individuals participating in the workforce rises alongside, with projections estimating as many as 72 million older workers by 2030. Due to this rapid increase in the number of older workers, new challenges to worker health and to health-related productivity will arise in the coming years. Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely suited to address many of these challenges given their background in activity analysis, assessment and modification of job demands, health promotion and successful aging. However, there is need for continued research in this area …to expand the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in prevention and return-to-work interventions focused on the older worker, and to advocate for the value occupational therapy practitioners can contribute to this field. Show more

Keywords: work, gerontology, participation, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192924

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 309-318, 2019