Andy Shu-Kei Cheng1, Leung-Kim Hung. 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. rsandy@inet.polyu.edu.hk
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Return to work following an occupational injury is a multifactoral process although many traditional clinic-based rehabilitation programs do not appreciate the importance of workplace factors. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of workplace-based rehabilitation program on the return to work outcome of work-related rotator cuff disorder, which is based on the therapeutic use of actual work facilities and work environment. METHODS: A total of 103 workers were recruited and randomly assigned into Clinic-based Work Hardening (CWH) or Workplace-based Work Hardening (WWH) groups. The CWH group were given traditional generic work hardening training while WWH group received workplace-based work hardening training with rehabilitative principles of athletic rotator cuff pathology, biomechanics and specific job activities. RESULTS: After four weeks, a higher return to work rate was obtained in WWH group compared to CWH group (71.4% vs. 37%, p < 0.01). A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was also noted in lowering of self-reported shoulder problems and functional work capabilities in the WWH group versus the CWH group. CONCLUSION: Workplace-based rehabilitation program appeared to be more effective in facilitating the return to work process of the injured worker as assessed immediately following intervention. In particular this approached was associated with many of the psychosocial workplace factors related to separation from the work routine. The influence of peer group and/or employer could be minimized. This initial attempt with rotator cuff injuries appears promising however long-term outcome needs to be determined.
INTRODUCTION: Return to work following an occupational injury is a multifactoral process although many traditional clinic-based rehabilitation programs do not appreciate the importance of workplace factors. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of workplace-based rehabilitation program on the return to work outcome of work-related rotator cuff disorder, which is based on the therapeutic use of actual work facilities and work environment. METHODS: A total of 103 workers were recruited and randomly assigned into Clinic-based Work Hardening (CWH) or Workplace-based Work Hardening (WWH) groups. The CWH group were given traditional generic work hardening training while WWH group received workplace-based work hardening training with rehabilitative principles of athletic rotator cuff pathology, biomechanics and specific job activities. RESULTS: After four weeks, a higher return to work rate was obtained in WWH group compared to CWH group (71.4% vs. 37%, p < 0.01). A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was also noted in lowering of self-reported shoulder problems and functional work capabilities in the WWH group versus the CWH group. CONCLUSION: Workplace-based rehabilitation program appeared to be more effective in facilitating the return to work process of the injured worker as assessed immediately following intervention. In particular this approached was associated with many of the psychosocial workplace factors related to separation from the work routine. The influence of peer group and/or employer could be minimized. This initial attempt with rotator cuff injuries appears promising however long-term outcome needs to be determined.
Authors: E J MacKenzie; J A Morris; G J Jurkovich; Y Yasui; B M Cushing; A R Burgess; B J DeLateur; M P McAndrew; M F Swiontkowski Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 1998-11 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Judith A Turner; Gary Franklin; Deborah Fulton-Kehoe; Kathleen Egan; Thomas M Wickizer; James F Lymp; Lianne Sheppard; Joel D Kaufman Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2004-05-24 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Arianne P Verhagen; Sita M A Bierma-Zeinstra; Alex Burdorf; Siobhán M Stynes; Henrica C W de Vet; Bart W Koes Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2013-12-12
Authors: Keith T Palmer; Elizabeth C Harris; Cathy Linaker; Mary Barker; Wendy Lawrence; Cyrus Cooper; David Coggon Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford) Date: 2011-03-16 Impact factor: 7.580
Authors: Nicole Vogel; Stefan Schandelmaier; Thomas Zumbrunn; Shanil Ebrahim; Wout El de Boer; Jason W Busse; Regina Kunz Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2017-03-30