Work - Volume 76, issue 3

Authors: Six Dijkstra, Marianne W.M.C. | Soer, Remko | Bieleman, Hendrik J. | Gross, Douglas P. | Reneman, Michiel F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sustainable employability is increasingly important with current socio-economic challenges. Screening for resilience could contribute to early detection of either a risk, or a protector for sustainable employability, the latter being operationalized as workability and vitality. OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive value of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurements and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) for worker self-reported workability and vitality after 2–4 years. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study with mean follow-up period of 38 months. 1,624 workers (18–65 years old) in moderate and large companies participated. Resilience was measured by HRV (one-minute paced deep breathing protocol) …and the BRS at baseline. Workability Index (WAI), and the Vitality dimension of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 (UWES-9-vitality) were the outcome measures. Backward stepwise multiple regression analysis (p  < 0.05) was performed to evaluate the predictive value of resilience for workability and vitality, adjusted for body mass index, age and gender. RESULTS: N  = 428 workers met inclusion criteria after follow-up. The contribution of resilience, measured with the BRS, was modest but statistically significant for the prediction of vitality (R2  = 7.3%) and workability (R2  = 9.2%). HRV did not contribute to prediction of workability or vitality. Age was the only significant covariate in the WAI model. CONCLUSION: Self-reported resilience modestly predicted workability and vitality after 2–4 years. Self-reported resilience may provide early insight into the ability of workers to stay at work, although caution must be applied because explained variance was modest. HRV was not predictive. Show more

Keywords: Prospective, primary prevention, occupational health, resilience

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220366

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1007-1017, 2023

Authors: van der Laan, Tallie M.J. | Postema, Sietke G. | van der Sluis, Corry K. | Reneman, Michiel F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To enable (pain free) functioning, individuals with brachial plexus injury (BPI) may require a higher functional capacity compared to two-handed individuals, because the load on unaffected structures is greater. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the functional capacity of individuals with BPI and healthy controls and explored differences in the functional capacity of BPI-affected individuals with respect to: those with and without hand function; affected and unaffected sides; with and without musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). METHODS: Six functional capacity tests adjusted for one-handed function were performed by 23 BPI-affected individuals and 20 healthy controls. Hand function was assessed …through physical examination and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess MSCs. RESULTS: Individuals with BPI scored lower for the two-handed tests, compared with the controls (p ≤0.01, effect size (r) ≤–0.41 for both tests). However, both groups performed similar in the one-handed tests. On average individuals with BPI met the physical demands to perform sedentary to light physical work. Among BPI-affected individuals, two-handed overhead lifting capacity was higher in those with hand function than in those without hand function (p  = 0.02; r  = 0.33). Functional capacity tended to be lower for the unaffected side than for the affected side (4 tests; p ≤0.05, r ≤–0.36). Test results of BPI-affected Individuals with and without MSCs were similar. CONCLUSION: Individuals with BPI demonstrated lower two-handed functional capacity than healthy controls. Effect sizes were medium. Capacity of their unaffected side was similar to the dominant side of controls. No association was found between MSCs and functional capacity. Show more

Keywords: Work capacity evaluation, upper extremity, musculoskeletal pain, disability, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220414

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1019-1030, 2023

Authors: Matheson, Leonard N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-oriented neurorehabilitation to return to competitive employment after a serious neurologic illness or injury is an interdisciplinary process that begins as soon as pathology has stabilized. OBJECTIVE: This bimonthly column provides narratives of anonymized clients in situations that challenge their return-to-work. Each case study is designed for postgraduate education about tools and methods that are appropriate to consider in similar situations. METHODS: Through case studies of adults attempting to return to safe and dependable competitive employment, real-world issues are explored that occur at the interface between the client and their employer. …RESULTS: The current case describes Structured Task Self Appraisal (STSA), a forensic rehabilitation method to collect self-report baseline information concerning the client’s job-relevant functional limitations. STSA guides return-to-work rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION: Information concerning the core tasks and important abilities of the client’s target occupation that are immediately available in O*NET can be analyzed in a structured manner to provide the workplace context for rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Neurorehabilitation, work capacity evaluation, cognitive functional capacity, work disability, competitive employment, case study, occupational information network, O*NET

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230361

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1031-1038, 2023

Authors: Loh, Ping Yeap | Choi, Jeewon | Lin, Yu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged and sustained work posture among computer users is one of the main factors that contributes to musculoskeletal discomfort. Rest-break interventions such as task variation and microbreaks may help prevent muscle fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorder. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of task variation and microbreaks at seated and standing workstations on forearm muscle activity, namely extensor digitorum communis, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris; mouse operation force (vertical compression force); mouse operation parameters; and perceived body discomfort during mouse operation. METHODS: Twelve healthy right-handed young adults were recruited …(male: n  = 7, 21.6±1.4 years; female: n  = 5, 21.4±1.7 years). Participants performed three blocks of computer tasks (computer mouse operation and typing) in both seated and standing postures with each block lasting for 30 min. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the forearm muscles and operation force were monitored during computer mouse operation. Body discomfort rating was recorded at the end of each block. RESULTS: With simulated task variation and microbreaks, work posture and work time showed no significant difference with EMG amplitude and mouse operation force. CONCLUSION: Task variation and microbreaks could be of benefit to computer users by reducing muscle fatigue during long hours of computer work at both seated and standing workstations. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, musculoskeletal discomfort, office ergonomics, pointing devices, micropauses

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220528

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1039-1045, 2023

Authors: Hafez, Khaled | Jorgensen, Michael J. | Amick, Ryan Z.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related low back pain (LBP) increases the workforce disability and healthcare costs. This study evaluated the LBD risk level associated with handling the ACGIH TLVs in lifting tasks corresponding to various horizontal and vertical zones. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the low-risk ACGIH TLV to risk outcomes from various validated lifting assessment methods, including the OSU LBD Risk Model, NIOSH Lifting Equation, and LiFFT. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were recruited for this study to perform various lifting conditions. The various ergonomic assessment methods were then used to obtain the risk assessment outcomes. …RESULTS: The selected assessment methods showed that the ACGIH-defined TLVs are associated with less than high-risk for LBD for all the assessed tasks. The findings showed a moderate agreement (Kendall’s W  = 0.477) among the various assessment methods risk outcomes. The highest correlation (ρ = 0.886) was observed between the NIOSH Lifting Equation and LiFFT methods risk assessment outcomes. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that ACGIH-defined TLVs possesses less than high-risk for LBD. The outcomes of the selected ergonomic assessment methods moderately agree to each other. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics analysis tools, NIOSH lifting equation, LBP, musculoskeletal disorders, risk level

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220436

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1047-1060, 2023

Authors: Pandiyan, Arun | Lari, Summaiya | Vanka, Janardhan | Gavaravarapu, SubbaRao M. | Jee, Babban | Jonnalagadda, Padmaja R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In India, where agriculture is the prime occupation among the rural population, farmers are extensively using pesticides in crop production without taking adequate precautions. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine pesticide usage patterns, usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), knowledge on pesticide toxicity, and attitude towards occupational safety among farmers diagnosed with leukaemia (n  = 60), lymphoma (n  = 33), and breast cancer (n  = 30) visiting a tertiary cancer care hospital in Hyderabad, India. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire and the data collected were analysed with statistical software SPSS 23. …RESULTS: The survey revealed that the participants had an average of 19.6 years of farming experience and women were predominantly involved in the mixing of pesticides and other agricultural work apart from spraying. All of them were not using any PPE and the majority of them did not have any knowledge on the route of exposure, toxicity symbols, and safe handling of pesticides. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between educational status and knowledge, attitude and practices (p  > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Even though the majority of the farmers were educated, their lack of adequate knowledge on pesticides had enabled them to adopt risky behaviours in handling and storage of pesticides. There is a need for continuous training programs for farmers to promote awareness and minimize the hazards of occupational exposure. Show more

Keywords: Agricultural worker, pesticides, farming, occupational exposure, personal-protective-equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220038

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1061-1070, 2023

Authors: Sirkka, Johanna | Suhonen, Riitta | Katajisto, Jouko | Salminen, Leena | Stolt, Minna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The management and analysis of work ability risks is important to support well-being at work and requires multidimensional competence. Competence evaluation in Occupational Health Care professionals’ (OHCP) practice is essential for their professional development and promotion of quality of care. OBJECTIVE: To describe OHCPs’ self-reported competence level to manage and analyze work ability risks. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was applied. The data were collected electronically from May to June 2018 using the Comp-WARMA instrument (scale 1 = poor – 4 = excellent) from Occupational Health Care professionals working in Finnish private medical centers (n  = 169, response rate …of 10%). The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The levels of knowledge and skills of OHCP in work ability risk management and analysis were mainly at good level (3.22 on average), but some deficient were still identified. The knowledge and skills of the work ability risk management and analysis were associated with the number of customer organizations they worked with, their attendance of supplementary training regarding work ability risk management and analysis, their amount of work experience, their type of employment, age, and gender. CONCLUSION: OHCP self-reported competence levels in work ability risk management and analysis was at good level. There is a need for development in all areas of work ability risk management and analysis. OHCP could benefit from in-service education on work ability risk management and analysis. Further validation of the Comp-WARMA instrument in larger sample is needed. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health services, professional competence, survey

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220229

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1071-1081, 2023

Authors: Loomis, Katherine J. | Roll, Shawn C. | Hardison, Mark E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Active patient engagement and adherence are essential for successful rehabilitation outcomes, particularly in complex cases such as work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Although the therapist-patient relationship is a significant component of successful care coordination, there has been limited examination of this relationship within upper extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To explore therapists’ perspectives on how the therapist-patient relationship intersects with engagement and adherence in the provision of holistic and collaborative rehabilitation services. METHODS: Data were collected from four therapists over three months. Descriptive statistics were generated from the Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale (SIRAS) and the Rehabilitation Therapy …Engagement Scale (RTES) completed by therapists following visits from a sub-sample of patients (n  = 14). Weekly semi-structured group interviews (n  = 13) were analyzed using an iterative grounded theory-informed process. Emerging themes were identified, refined, and situated within the context of quantitative results. RESULTS: SIRAS scores averaged 14.4 (SD: 1.0) and RTES scores averaged 42.5 (SD: 3.5), indicating high perceived patient engagement and adherence. Four themes emerged from therapist interviews: (1) dynamic power; (2) co-constructed engagement; (3) emotional states; (4) complementary therapy contexts. CONCLUSION: In this engaged and adherent setting, therapist-patient relationships were complex and intimate, and extended beyond education and physical interventions. Careful management of this relationship was central to active patient participation and engagement. Incorporating holistic techniques may provide more structure for managing and communicating these aspects of care. These findings provide a preliminary understanding of the impact of therapeutic relationships on engagement and collaborative care. Show more

Keywords: Qualitative research, occupational therapy, musculoskeletal diseases, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220384

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1083-1098, 2023

Authors: Daffin, Lee | Innes, Stanley | Stuelcken, Max

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Modifying the horizontal position of the load in a backpack will change the size of the external torque it creates on the wearer but the effect on postural stability is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine if changing the horizontal position of a fixed backpack load affects postural stability in young adults. METHODS: A backpack was attached to a steel frame with a bar protruding posteriorly. A fixed load (5% body mass) was placed at three distances along the bar – 0 m, 0.20 m, and 0.40 m. Centre of pressure (CoP) derived measurements were recorded from a force platform …sampling at 100 Hz. For each condition participants performed three 90s narrow stance trials with their eyes closed whilst standing on a firm surface. A comparison was made across unloaded (no backpack) and loaded conditions. RESULTS: There was an immediate decrease in postural stability when a loaded backpack was worn. Only two of the CoP derived measures (Total Excursion - TEx, and Mean Velocity Total Excursion - MVel TEx) differed between the loaded at 0.20 m and loaded at 0 m conditions. All CoP derived measures differed between the loaded at 0.40 m and loaded at 0 m conditions. Furthermore, three of the CoP derived measures (Anterior/Posterior Root Mean Square - A/P RMSq, TEx, and MVel TEx) differed between the loaded at 0.40 m and loaded at 0.20 m conditions. CONCLUSION: The distribution of a load within a backpack must be carefully considered. The findings for the 0.40 m condition are important for the use and design of large backpacks used by multi-day hikers, travellers, and the military. Show more

Keywords: Postural sway, external loading, load position, load configuration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230044

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1099-1104, 2023

Authors: Arca, Muhammed | Durmaz, Elif Dilara | Türken, Askeri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many studies have evaluated physical activity and fatigue. However, a causal relationship between physical activity, fatigue and balance in healthcare workers has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the activity levels, fatigue, and dynamic balance of health workers who work actively or in a desk job in many different units in the hospital. METHODS: 72 Health workers from two different groups participated in the study, 37 were active workers (AW), and 35 were desk workers (DW) at the Diyarbakir Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital. Participants were given a Sociodemographic Information Form, an International Physical …Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a 30-s Chair Stand Test (30-s CST) with a Modified Borg Scale (MBS) before starting work in the morning and at the end of work. RESULTS: 69.4% of the study participants were female, and 54.2% were between 20 and 30 years old. It was found that the values of moderate physical activity, walking, and total physical activity were significantly higher in active workers than desk workers (p  = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the means of work start and after work fatigue of both groups (p  > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found when the starting and finishing work values of the dynamic balance tests of the groups were compared (p  = 0.006). CONCLUSION: It was found that the level of physical activity and dynamic balance of individuals working at desk jobs was significantly lower than that of the active group. Show more

Keywords: Balance, desk worker, healthcare professionals, lassitude, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220360

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1105-1111, 2023