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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: OBJECTIVE: Awkward postures during computer use are assumed to be related to the fit between the worker and the workstation configuration, with greater mismatches leading to higher levels of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). The objective of this study was to examine if chronic MSS of the neck/shoulder, back, and wrist/hands was associated with 1) discrepancies between workstation setups and worker anthropometrics and 2) workers' postures. PARTICIPANTS: Secondary analysis on data collected from a randomized controlled…cross-over design trial (N=74). METHOD: Subjects' workstation configurations, baseline levels of MSS, working postures, and anthropometrics were measured. Correlations were completed to determine the association between postures and discrepancies between the worker anthropometrics and workstation configuration. Associations were examined between postures, workstation discrepancies and worker MSS. RESULTS: There were only 3 significant associations between worker posture and MSS, and 3 significant associations between discrepancies in worker/workstation set-up and MSS. CONCLUSION: The relationship between chronic MSS and the workers computer workstation configuration is multifactorial. While postures and the fit between the worker and workstation may be associated with MSS, other variables need to be explored to better understand the phenomenon.
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Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine whether measures of physiologic function and fundamental movement are predictive of injury in firefighters during a training academy. PARTICIPANTS: 108 firefighter trainees enrolled in the training academy. METHODS: Baseline measures of physical performance and fundamental movement patterns were obtained in firefighters entering a training academy to determine predictors of injury. The physical performance measures were standardized tests of individual maximum performance on a set of four different…total body tests and one firefighter specific performance test, the tower test. Measurements of fundamental movement patterns consisted of the seven tests of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) along with the composite score.Performance on each of the individual tests was examinedto determine if any of the variables were predictive of injury. RESULTS: ROC curve analysis established that a FMS cut score of ⩽ 14 was able to discriminate between those at a greater risk for injury. In addition, the deep squat and push up component of the FMS were statistically significant predictors of injury status along with the sit and reach test. CONCLUSIONS: Injury in firefighters during academy can be predicted by baseline measures of musculoskeletal movement and physiology.
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Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Disability limits access to education and employment, and leads to economic and social exclusion. This study compared barriers to employment among disabled and non-disabled youth in South Africa. METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS: Fieldworkers interviewed 989 youth [18–35 years; 523 (52.9%) disabled, 466 (47.1%) non-disabled] at nine sites in five provinces (Gauteng, North West, Kwazulu Natal, Western Cape, Free State). Differences in employment between disabled and non-disabled youth were described and logistic regression analyses were…used to predict barriers to employment within both groups. RESULTS: Employment differed between disabled and non-disabled youth (32.9% vs. 13.1%; p ⩽ 0.001). Lack of job availability and skills were associated significantly with unemployment among non-disabled youth. For disabled youth, unemployment was additionally associated with social attitudes and poor health. CONCLUSIONS: This research showed that disabled youth are facing more barriers to employment compared to non-disabled youth and that the unemployment rate among disabled youth is higher. Disabled youth thus faced additional challenges to employment and special attention must be given to reduce these barriers.
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Keywords: Attitudes, social exclusion, health, skills, unemployment
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study used a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to identify the factors influencing the future work expectations and outcomes of employees with a musculoskeletal injury. PARTICIPANTS: Australians with a compensable work injury (N=174), mean age=43.7 years, 53.2% male, 48.3% back injury , and 34.2% unskilled. METHODS: A TPB model of the target behavior 'working, or continuing to work … three months from now' was constructed. A questionnaire measuring the…model's components was completed at baseline and three-months follow-up. RESULTS: The model met standard psychometric requirements. Attitude, Subjective Norm and Perceived Behavioral Control explained 76% of the variance in Behavioral Intention (R^{2} = 0.76, p< 0.001). Behavioral Intention (the expectation to return to work) explained 51% of the variance in work participation at follow-up (Nagelkerke R^{2} =0.51, p< 0.001; sensitivity=86.4%, specificity=71.2%). The strength of key influences on expectations varied according to employment status, but included the availability of modified duties, social aspects of work, the opinion of the treating doctor, co-worker support, pain, and functional limitations. CONCLUSION: The TPG is a useful model and conceptual framework for integrating the biopsychosocial determinants of return to work (RTW) and identifying the influences on future work expectations and outcomes.
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Keywords: Work disability, modified work, co-worker support
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Workplaces have potential as a setting for physical activity promotion but evidence of the effectiveness of intervention programmes in small and medium sized enterprises is limited. This paper reports the impact of an intervention which trained existing employees to promote physical activity to their colleagues. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine previously low-active employees from 17 small and medium sized organisations participated. METHODS: A mixed methods evaluation design was used. Quantitative data were collected at baseline…and 6 months later using an online questionnaire. Qualitative data from a series of 6 focus groups were analysed. RESULTS: Repeated measures t-tests showed significant increases over time in physical activity, general health rating, satisfaction with life and positive mood states. There were significant decreases in body mass index (BMI), perceived stress, negative mood states and presenteeism. There was no change in absenteeism. Analysis of focus group data provided further insight into the impact of the intervention. Five major themes emerged: awareness of physical activity; sustaining physical activity behaviour change; improved health and well-being; enhanced social networks; and embedding physical activity in the workplace culture. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows it is feasible and effective to train employees in small and medium sized enterprises to support their colleagues in physical activity behaviour change.
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Keywords: Natural helper intervention, social support, well-being, health promotion in the workplace
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The outcomes, in terms of quality of life and satisfaction with rehabilitation, of the 16-week Redesigning Daily Occupations (ReDO) programme as a work rehabilitation method for women with stress-related disorders was evaluated. It was hypothesised that, compared to women who got Care as Usual (CAU), the ReDO group would improve their quality of life and self-mastery more, and that those differences would prevail at follow-ups after 6 and 12 months. Another hypothesis was that the…ReDO group would be more satisfied than the CAU group with the rehabilitation received. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two women were recruited to the ReDO intervention and a matched comparison group got CAU. METHODS: The data consisted of self-ratings of quality of life, self-mastery and satisfaction with the work rehabilitation received. RESULTS: The first hypothesis was only partially verified. No general group differences were identified, but closer examination indicated different trajectories in the two groups. There was an increase in quality of life in the ReDO group from baseline to completion of the work rehabilitation, and further increase at the six-month follow-up, while the quality of life in the CAU group was stable over time. Regarding self-mastery there was an increase from baseline to completed rehabilitation in the ReDO group but a pronounced decrease in the CAU group. Thereafter the group differences levelled out. The second hypothesis was verified. The ratings of client satisfaction were considerably higher in the ReDO group. CONCLUSION: The ReDO seems a promising work rehabilitation method for strengthening quality of life and self-mastery for the target group. Future research should include larger groups and be based on randomised controlled designs.
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Keywords: Quality of life, self-mastery, work rehabilitation
Abstract: Introduction: Earlier research has shown that bad psychosocial working conditions contribute to sick-leave. Some theorists argue that skewed gender composition can be one of the factors contributing to bad psychosocial working conditions. Objectives: We examine whether workplace gender composition has an effect on the association between job strain and sick-leave. Methods and participants: Associations were assessed using a case-control study with Swedish data collected in 2008 (n=5595). Results: Results indicated that there was an association…between high strain jobs and sickness absence among both women (Adj. OR 2.04, CI95% 1.62–2.57) and men (2.24, 1.67–3.01). Furthermore, both women (2.87, 1.34–6.26) and men (2.53, 1.74–3.69) in male-dominated workplaces had the highest risk for sickness absence due to high strain jobs. Male-dominated workplaces were, in general adverse for both women and men. Conclusions: The results indicated that a minority position strengthens job strain for women while it weakens the association for men. Using modern gender theories, we could argue that some of these results might be explained by the general use of masculinity as the social norm in the labor market. However, findings from this study need to be validated by further research.
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Keywords: Gender composition, job strain, psychosocial working conditions, sickness absence
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Oswestry disability index (ODI) is the most widely used measure of perceived disability for low back conditions. It has been adopted without adaptation in functional capacity evaluation (FCE). Rigorous testing of the ODI with modern psychometric methods, in this setting, is warranted. OBJECTIVE: To determine the psychometric properties of the ODI in FCE: unidimensionality; differential item functioning; item coverage and to identify poorly functioning items, allowing for improvement of these items and…recalibration of the scale. METHODS: Rasch analysis, specifically Masters' partial credit model, was conducted on data. PARTICIPANTS: 133 work-disabled individuals presenting for FCE in northern British Columbia, Canada. RESULTS: All items had one poorly functioning option. Items were rescaled from six categories to five, improving the psychometric properties of the ODI as a unidimensional (disability due to back pain) scale. Item difficulty range is sufficient for a population with mild to severe disability. CONCLUSION: Although two of the ten ODI items functioned marginally unsatisfactorily in the unrevised state, the 5-option revised ODI appears superior. Use in clinical settings across a broad spectrum of disability levels could help establish its psychometric properties. Health professionals should be aware that the ODI may perform differently depending on client population.
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Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The study investigates ways in which technology use may help municipalities improve productivity in elderly-care services. A case study of Finnish elderly-care services provides responses concerning impacts, decisions and options in technology use. METHODS: The research data were collected during a 'smart home pilot' implemented in four housing service units. Over 60 assistive devices were introduced in the smart homes used during short-term housing periods. PARTICIPANTS: Both customers and care staff's experiences as well as…processes related to the use of assistive devices were investigated on the basis of survey questionnaires, interviews and feedback. RESULTS: Assistive device-related operational processes were investigated with the help of concepts of 'resource focus', 'lost motion' and 'intermediate storage'. Four central operational processes were identified. Design and desirability as well as costs, such as opportunity costs of assistive devices were also a focus. Significant factors related to productivity were disclosed in this way. CONCLUSIONS: Technology use versus productivity needs to be 'circled' from the points of view of individual users, workplaces, service processes, and larger technology options. There must be long-term patience to introduce technology properly into use to produce positive impacts on productivity. Customers and care staff have an interlinked, vital role to play as decision-makers' informants.
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Keywords: Technology use, social and healthcare, Finland, productivity
