Work - Volume 7, issue 3

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7301

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 143-143, 1996

Authors: Hagglund, Kara L. | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine wrist motions in video display terminal (VDT) workers using the Greenleaf Medical WristSystem. This study was developed because of the limited research about the effectiveness of ergonomic equipment for VDT operators, as well as the recent increase in cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) among these workers. Study design: Twenty adult VDT operators with no history of CTD were recruited from Boston University and surrounding businesses. WristSensorTM gloves containing dual-axis sensors for detection of dynamic wrist movements were worn by participants. Calibrations were then performed through the Movement Analysis System (MAS) …software, after which participants were requested to type using a wrist rest (condition A), using forearm supports (condition B), using the wrist rest and forearm supports together (condition C), and finally using no form of wrist or forearm support (condition D). It was assumed by the investigators that wrist extension and ulnar deviation would decrease when using the wrist rest or forearm support, with the greatest change occurring when using both types of support. Questionnaires requesting demographic information were completed by each participant. Contrast scores were also calculated and converted into t -tests and their corresponding P -values. Results: The average degrees of motion for both right and left hands were: flexion 4.5°, extension 18.9°, ulnar deviation 15.3°, and radial deviation 2.0°. P-values for all four conditions in the left hand were found to be significant and are as follows: extension t(19) = 2.35, P < 0.025, flexion t(19) = 2.17, P < 0.025, ulnar deviation t(19) = 3.41, P < 0.0025, and radial deviation t(19) = 2.5, P < 0.025. The only significant P-value in the right hand was during ulnar deviation: t(19) = 2.7, P < 0.01. Discussion: Research suggests that wrist extension greater than 15° and ulnar deviation greater than 20° can be predisposing factors to the development of CTDs. In this study, all four wrist motions remained under 20° during the three conditions using the wrist rest and forearm supports. A trend of continued decreases in ulnar deviation and wrist extension from using no supports to that requiring both types of supports was also observed. Specifically, the smallest degree of wrist extension appeared when participants used only the wrist rest; ulnar deviation was smallest when both supports were used. Right hand degree values were found to be generally larger than those for the left hand. It is hoped that these results can serve as a foundation for future investigation into the effectiveness of wrist and forearm supports in reducing CTDs. Show more

Keywords: Constrained postures, Ergonomic support, Keyboard operators

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7302

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 145-162, 1996

Authors: Sullman, Mark J.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Work within the New Zealand logging industry is recognised as being dangerous and physically demanding, with relatively high accident and injury frequency rates. As a consequence, the financial cost of accidents to the New Zealand Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation (ACC), and ultimately the logging industry, is extremely high. One method of reducing this cost is to achieve an early return to work through the use of rehabilitation techniques. Some rehabilitation techniques are already being used by logging and transportation contractors; these could be increased and diversified with help from the ACC (the New Zealand injury insurance scheme) which …currently offers a variety of rehabilitation options. This report presents a number of contractor and worker initiated rehabilitation case studies, as well as two examples of how the ACC can provide financial assistance to achieve an early return to work. Show more

Keywords: Forestry, Early return to work, Injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7303

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 163-168, 1996

Authors: Nelson, Craig E. | Denzler, Jeffrey R. | Jerina, Julianne M. | Porter, Nancy G. | Sikorski, Arlene R. | Payton, Otto D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to continue the development of the Work boxTM following three studies to standardize instructions and determine test-retest reliability. Normative data were collected from 118 non-disabled female subjects between the ages of 20 and 49 years. Means, standard deviations, and ranges of performance for 5-year-age intervals were calculated and reported for assembly time, disassembly time, and total test time. Analysis of the data indicates a minor, though not significant, decline in test performance with increasing age and great variability in completion times overall.

Keywords: Evaluation, Assessment, Standardization, Rehabilitation, Therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7304

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 169-175, 1996

Authors: Floyd, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper reviews the way in which vocational rehabilitation services have evolved in the United Kingdom during the last 50 years, since the end of the Second World War. The services have changed in many ways since then but their overall structure and the aims set for them are still strongly influenced by the perceived needs of ex-servicemen, as embodied in the 1944 Disabled Persons Act. This Act provided the basis for a Quota Scheme and for the development of rehabilitation and placement services and of sheltered workshops. The paper outlines how each of these have evolved in three decades …up until 1980 and then examines in a little more detail how somewhat more radical changes were introduced in the eighties and nineties. It concludes by speculating on how services may change in the future and emphasises the need for the UK to follow the United States in developing more professional approaches in this area and ensuring that rehabilitation staff receive proper training. Show more

Keywords: Vocational, rehabilitation, disability, management, UK

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7305

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 177-181, 1996

Authors: Nilsson, Inger | von Buxhoeveden, Lena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Because of the increasing frequency of sick-leave in Sweden the General Health Insurance has directed funds for active rehabilitation by studying the possibilities for long-time sick-leave patients to go back to work. In the present study 38 subjects were randomized to an intervention group and a control group and followed for 3 years. In the intervention group, individual rehabilitation programs were provided and the patients were encouraged to actively deal with and improve their working situation. Also, they were influenced to accept activity and an active life style with a goal in life as an important and valuable concept. There …was an obvious tendency of those in the intervention group to return to work more readily, however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Show more

Keywords: Work rehabilitation, Sick leave, Health insurance, Employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7306

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 183-189, 1996

Authors: Shervington, John | Balla, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Standardized measurement of workplace performance or the functional assessment of an individual's capabilities, especially by occupational therapists, is often critical before injured workers are returned to work, placed in new jobs, or evaluated for job incapacity. A direct link between a clinician's systematic findings and the detailed requirements of the workplace is desirable. There are a range of vocational evaluation systems available. This study examines how one of these systems, WorkAbility Mark III, incorporates a work measurement technique of industrial engineering into occupational therapy practice. The results of this study suggest that functional assessment with WorkAbility Mark III has benefits …for the major stakeholders in occupational rehabilitation; that WorkAbility Mark III tests and uses six activity groups of workplace elements throughout the work assessment process; and that computer technology in this area of occupational rehabilitation can assist the clinician in his or her assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Show more

Keywords: Occupational rehabilitation, Return to work, Vocational evaluation system, Work assessment, Work measurement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7307

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 191-202, 1996

Authors: Tse, Samson S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Vocational rehabilitation or integration is a growing concern for people with psychiatric disabilities and mental health professionals. One of the key steps towards successful vocational outcome is to be competent in job interview skills, to form a favourable impression on job interviewers and to ultimately lead to a positive hiring decision. People with psychiatric disabilities have difficulties in managing job interviews effectively due to various reasons. This paper reviews seven studies on the effectiveness of job interview skills training for the sample of people with psychiatric disabilities. In view of some of the concerns identified in those previous studies, and …in recent work rehabilitation literature, it is proposed that the job interview skills training should address the following issues: manifested adjustment, ability to communicate, concept of self-efficacy, skills generalisation, vocational rehabilitation versus integration and social validity of training materials. Show more

Keywords: Training effectiveness, Vocational integration, Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7308

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 203-212, 1996

Authors: McIvor Joss, Donna

Article Type: Research Article

Keywords: Human Rights, Violations, Rehabilitation, Professional responsibility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7309

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 213-219, 1996

Authors: Isernhagen, Susan | Hart, Dennis | Matheson, Leonard

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-7310

Citation: Work, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 221-223, 1996