PURPOSE: We conducted a systematic review to critically appraise and synthesize literature on the effectiveness of work disability prevention (WDP) interventions in workers with neck pain, whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), or upper extremity disorders. METHODS: We searched electronic databases from 1990 to 2012. Random pairs of independent reviewers critically appraised eligible studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Scientifically admissible studies were summarized and synthesized following best-evidence synthesis methodology. RESULTS: Of the 6,359 articles retrieved, 16 randomized controlled trials were eligible for critical appraisal and five were admissible. We found that a return-to-work coordination program (including workplace-based work hardening) was superior to clinic-based work hardening for persistent rotator cuff tendinitis. Workplace high-intensity strength training and workplace advice had similar outcomes for neck and shoulder pain. Mensendieck/Cesar postural exercises and strength and fitness exercises had similar outcomes for non-specific work-related upper limb complaints. Adding a brief job stress education program to a workplace ergonomic intervention was not beneficial for persistent upper extremity symptoms. Adding computer-prompted work breaks to ergonomic adjustments and workplace education benefited workers' recovery from recent work-related neck and upper extremity complaints. CONCLUSIONS: At present, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of WDP interventions for managing neck pain, WAD, and upper extremity disorders. Our review suggests a return-to-work coordination program is more effective than clinic-based work hardening. Also, adding computer-prompted breaks to ergonomic and workplace interventions benefits workers' recovery. The current quality of evidence does not allow for a definitive evaluation of the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions.
PURPOSE: We conducted a systematic review to critically appraise and synthesize literature on the effectiveness of work disability prevention (WDP) interventions in workers with neck pain, whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), or upper extremity disorders. METHODS: We searched electronic databases from 1990 to 2012. Random pairs of independent reviewers critically appraised eligible studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Scientifically admissible studies were summarized and synthesized following best-evidence synthesis methodology. RESULTS: Of the 6,359 articles retrieved, 16 randomized controlled trials were eligible for critical appraisal and five were admissible. We found that a return-to-work coordination program (including workplace-based work hardening) was superior to clinic-based work hardening for persistent rotator cuff tendinitis. Workplace high-intensity strength training and workplace advice had similar outcomes for neck and shoulder pain. Mensendieck/Cesar postural exercises and strength and fitness exercises had similar outcomes for non-specific work-related upper limb complaints. Adding a brief job stress education program to a workplace ergonomic intervention was not beneficial for persistent upper extremity symptoms. Adding computer-prompted work breaks to ergonomic adjustments and workplace education benefited workers' recovery from recent work-related neck and upper extremity complaints. CONCLUSIONS: At present, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of WDP interventions for managing neck pain, WAD, and upper extremity disorders. Our review suggests a return-to-work coordination program is more effective than clinic-based work hardening. Also, adding computer-prompted breaks to ergonomic and workplace interventions benefits workers' recovery. The current quality of evidence does not allow for a definitive evaluation of the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions.
Authors: Gabrielle van der Velde; Maurits van Tulder; Pierre Côté; Sheilah Hogg-Johnson; Peter Aker; J David Cassidy; Eugene Carragee; Linda Carroll; Jaime Guzman; Scott Haldeman; Lena Holm; Eric Hurwitz; Margareta Nordin; Paul Peloso Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2007-04-01 Impact factor: 3.468
Authors: Jaime Guzman; Eric L Hurwitz; Linda J Carroll; Scott Haldeman; Pierre Côté; Eugene J Carragee; Paul M Peloso; Gabrielle van der Velde; Lena W Holm; Sheilah Hogg-Johnson; Margareta Nordin; J David Cassidy Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2008-02-15 Impact factor: 3.468
Authors: Pierre Côté; Vicki Kristman; Marjan Vidmar; Dwayne Van Eerd; Sheilah Hogg-Johnson; Dorcas Beaton; Peter M Smith Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2008-02-15 Impact factor: 3.468
Authors: Eric L Hurwitz; Eugene J Carragee; Gabrielle van der Velde; Linda J Carroll; Margareta Nordin; Jaime Guzman; Paul M Peloso; Lena W Holm; Pierre Côté; Sheilah Hogg-Johnson; J David Cassidy; Scott Haldeman Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2008-02-15 Impact factor: 3.468
Authors: Mette K Zebis; Lars L Andersen; Mogens T Pedersen; Peter Mortensen; Christoffer H Andersen; Mette M Pedersen; Marianne Boysen; Kirsten K Roessler; Harald Hannerz; Ole S Mortensen; Gisela Sjøgaard Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2011-09-21 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Deborah Sutton; Douglas P Gross; Pierre Côté; Kristi Randhawa; Hainan Yu; Jessica J Wong; Paula Stern; Sharanya Varatharajan; Danielle Southerst; Heather M Shearer; Maja Stupar; Rachel Goldgrub; Gabrielle van der Velde; Margareta Nordin; Linda J Carroll; Anne Taylor-Vaisey Journal: Chiropr Man Therap Date: 2016-03-07
Authors: D Van Eerd; C Munhall; E Irvin; D Rempel; S Brewer; A J van der Beek; J T Dennerlein; J Tullar; K Skivington; C Pinion; B Amick Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2015-11-08 Impact factor: 4.402