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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: A qualitative evaluation of 11 VDT users, who participated in a training program for the prevention of musculoskeletal and visual problems, investigated the extent of the application of the taught principles in everyday work. Data were collected over a 2 to 3 day period for each trainee, through an ergonomic work analysis {\it in situ} and semi-structured interviews, followed by recommendations, when appropriate, corresponding to the taught principles. A case analysis and a cross analysis of…the data provided information about the developed ability for self-analysis of work regarding posture and visual comfort and what influenced it. A model depicting the process of transfer of knowledge and skills, from the training program to preventive action, was abstracted from data analysis. This model allows both the identification of problems in applying taught principles and the means to readjust the training program.
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Keywords: ergonomics, musculoskeletal and visual problems, work self-analysis, transfer of knowledge and skills
Abstract: Combat stress is an occupational hazard of the military. Soldiers who become job-ineffective due to combat stress are termed ``battle-fatigued.'' Occupational therapy, in the form of work hardening, is an important part of the management of these soldiers. Occupational therapists possess specialized knowledge and skills which make them uniquely qualified for this role. These assets include knowledge of neuromuscular and psychosocial aspects of occupational performance; the ability to do task analyses; the ability to…assess occupational performance deficits; the ability to synthesize appropriate therapeutic occupations to rehabilitate functional deficits and match these to the needs of dysfunctional soldiers. These same resources serve occupational therapists equally well in civilian work hardening settings. This paper reviews the management of combat stress casualties, describes the Army units which minimize the impact of combat stress reactions, and delineates the Army occupational therapists' roles of soldier, mental health practitioner, and work hardening coordinator.
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Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe the training of military occupational therapy personnel in a unique application of their professional skills. Ergonomic principles of training for stressful environments were implemented to ensure training effectiveness and transfer of skills to combat situations. Training schedules, casualty role-play scenarios, critical incident stress debriefing principles and scenarios, unit survey guidelines, and premises for training persons to function under stressful conditions are provided. Comparisons with…civilian applications are drawn, and suggestions for future roles and training for Occupational Therapy professionals are given.
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Keywords: stress management, combat fatigue, battle fatigue, human performance, training
Abstract: As treatments and therapies develop and improve, enhancing life expectancy, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been described by some as a long term chronic condition rather than an acute life threatening illness. As this change occurs, new issues become relevant for the person living with HIV, employment being one of these. In light of this, the Positive Employment Service was developed and implemented to explore and address some of the issues related to employment for people…living with HIV. The original concept for the service was primarily focused on vocational rehabilitation; however, it soon became clear that there was a need for a prevocational service facilitating transition and adjustment to productivity roles. The service was developed using approaches from Vocational and Occupational Therapy Models of Practice. This article discusses the challenges of developing and implementing this service and explores the unique perspective that occupational therapy brings to a position of this kind.
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Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), prevocational, quality of life, vocational rehabilitation
Abstract: This study examined wrist motions of instrumentalists who have never experienced a cumulative traumatic disorder. Eighteen student musicians ranging from 18 to 29 years of age, with more than 9 years of playing experience participated in this study using the WristSystem (Greenleaf Medical System). The wrist motions were measured while participants played their instrument for five minutes. The results indicated a different pattern of wrist movements for each instrumentalist. Pianists demonstrated more ulnar deviation for both…hands and more flexion for the left hand than any of the other instrumentalists. The average wrist range of motion for all four movements was under 15^\circ for violinists and violists. The right hand of the cellist had more flexion than any other instrumentalists. For both hands, flutists had more wrist extension than any other instrumentalists. This study provided information about wrist motions of musicians as one of the many factors that contribute to cumulative traumatic disorders. However, further research is needed to identify causal factors, and to promote prevention of the injury.
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Abstract: Work related conditions caused by overexertion or repeated trauma affect millions of American workers. These conditions can result in time off from work, decreased productivity, and high financial costs, not to mention impairment of the worker. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHAct) of 1970 [26], employers are required to provide hazard free workplaces for their employees. Fortunately resources exist to help employers set up on-site ergonomic programs to reduce the hazards that contribute…to cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) or other injuries. Companies that have implemented comprehensive ergonomic programs have reported benefits, most significantly, decreased injuries, and cost savings. A model is described for industry on starting and managing a successful on-site ergonomic program.
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Abstract: A questionaire survey was conducted on 60 items of daily living abilities linked to 13 basic work abilities such as memory, learning, planning, muscular power and concentration etc. covering a total of 133 subjects with Parkinson's disease. Results of the survey were as follows: 1. Daily living abilities and work abilities decreased in accordance with Yahr's stages and the degree of daily living abilities. 2. Daily living abilities provided clues for aging and prognosis of the…Parkinson's disease. 3. ``Cope well with heat and coldness'', ``Being confident in the strength of legs and loins'' and ``Keep balance in the train'' were difficult to do from the early stages of the onset. 4. Audio-visual ability, memory and judgement were well maintained despite the severity of the disease. 5. All subjects showed poor endurance, while learning, planning and manual dexterity showed higher performance in those under 59.
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Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, daily living abilities, work abilities
Abstract: Alternative therapies are becoming more popular in the United States despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting that they are effective treatments. Some alternative therapies used in the relief of chronic pain are relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback. Overall, the existing research suggests that relaxation techniques are effective in reducing pain [6,8,21]. Research concerning guided imagery has also suggested that it is helpful in reducing pain [19,22,23]. Finally, most of the research concerning…biofeedback and the reduction of pain in people with chronic pain has been positive [7,10,14,20]. Despite these findings, one can not conclude that relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback are effective in reducing pain in individuals with chronic pain. There were many problems with most of the studies, including small sample sizes and unstated reliability and validity of assessments. These limitations lower the significance of the studies, which makes it impossible to draw conclusions from the research as a whole. More research needs to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback concerning chronic pain. Information regarding the transference of these learned techniques to one's roles and daily activities should also be incorporated into the research by occupational therapists.
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Keywords: guided imagery, biofeedback, alternative therapies
