Effect of job rotation on need for recovery, musculoskeletal complaints, and sick leave due to musculoskeletal complaints: a prospective study among refuse collectors. Clinical effectiveness of manual therapy for the management of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions: systematic review and update of UK evidence report Comparisons of Musculoskeletal Complaints and Data Entry Between a Sitting and a Sit-Stand Workstation Paradigm Musculoskeletal disorders and occupational exposures: How should we judge the evidence concerning the causal association? Work Related Risk Factors for Neck, Shoulder and Arms Complaints: A Cohort Study Among Dutch Computer Office Workers Are Work Disability Prevention Interventions Effective for the Management of Neck Pain or Upper Extremity Disorders? A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration Menopausal symptoms and symptom clustering in Chinese women. The Effects of Office Ergonomic Training on Musculoskeletal Complaints, Sickness Absence, and Psychological Well-Being The burden and determinants of neck pain in workers: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Worksite interventions for preventing physical deterioration among employees in job-groups with high physical work demands: Background, design and conceptual model of FINALE Work-schedule characteristics and reported musculoskeletal disorders of registered nurses. Psychosocial effects of workplace exercise - A systematic review. Job task and psychosocial risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper employees. Musculoskeletal pain: concepts of disease, illness, and sickness certification in health professionals in Norway. Musculoskeletal symptoms and job satisfaction among office-workers: a cross-sectional study from Iran. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders and preventing its consequences among workers with physical and sedentary employment: systematic review protocol High physical work load and low job satisfaction increase the risk of sickness absence due to low back pain: results of a prospective cohort study The Effect of a Job Placement and Support Program for Workers with Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) Study Effect of a general fitness program on musculoskeletal symptoms, clinical status, physiological capacity, and perceived work environment among home care service personnel Cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment in sick-listed patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized, controlled trial with one-year follow-up Age-related complaints in women and their determinants based on a representative community study. Evaluation of Two Preventive Interventions for Reducing Musculoskeletal Complaints in Operators of Video Display Terminals Sickness absence in patients with arm, neck and shoulder complaints presenting in physical therapy practice: 6 months follow-up.
BACKGROUND Job rotation might be an effective preventive measure to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints , although its effect has not been yet established . The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of job rotation in refuse collecting on need for recovery , prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints , and sick leave due to musculoskeletal complaints .  METHODS A 1-year prospect i ve study among refuse collectors was performed , using st and ardized question naires . Job rotation was performed between collecting two-wheeled containers and driving a refuse truck . The experimental groups of rotating refuse collectors at t(0 ) and t(1 ) ( group R-R ) and non-rotating refuse collectors at t(0 ) and rotating refuse collectors at t(1 ) ( group NR-R ) were compared with a reference group of non-rotating refuse collectors at t(0 ) and t(1 ) ( group NR-NR ) . RESULTS The adjusted need for recovery of group R-R was marginally significantly lower than need for recovery of the reference group . Groups R-R and NR-R had a more than two times higher risk for complaints of the low back than the reference group . No other significant results were found . CONCLUSIONS Job rotation seemed to coincide with a reduced need for recovery and was associated with an increased risk of low back complaints . No effects were found on sick leave due to musculoskeletal complaints . The results might be influenced by the healthy worker selection effect in the reference group and its inverse in the rotating groups Background This systematic review up date d and extended the " UK evidence report " by Bronfort et al. ( Chiropr Osteopath 18:3 , 2010 ) with respect to conditions/ interventions that received an ' inconclusive ’ or ' negative ’ evidence rating or were not covered in the report . Methods A literature search of more than 10 general medical and specialised data bases was conducted in August 2011 and up date d in March 2013 . Systematic review s , primary comparative studies and qualitative studies of patients with musculoskeletal or non-musculoskeletal conditions treated with manual therapy and reporting clinical outcomes were included . Study quality was assessed using st and ardised instruments , studies were summarised , and the results were compared against the evidence ratings of Bronfort . These were either confirmed , up date d , or new categories not assessed by Bronfort were added . Results 25,539 records were found ; 178 new and additional studies were identified , of which 72 were systematic review s , 96 were r and omised controlled trials , and 10 were non-r and omised primary studies . Most ' inconclusive ’ or ' moderate ’ evidence ratings of the UK evidence report were confirmed . Evidence ratings changed in a positive direction from inconclusive to moderate evidence ratings in only three cases ( manipulation/mobilisation [ with exercise ] for rotator cuff disorder ; spinal mobilisation for cervicogenic headache ; and mobilisation for miscellaneous headache ) . In addition , evidence was identified on a large number of non-musculoskeletal conditions not previously considered ; most of this evidence was rated as inconclusive . Conclusions Overall , there was limited high quality evidence for the effectiveness of manual therapy . Most review ed evidence was of low to moderate quality and inconsistent due to substantial method ological and clinical diversity . Areas requiring further research are highlighted Background : Seated working positions are often regarded as a cause for discomfort in the musculoskeletal system . Performing work in different working positions — that is , alternating between sitting and st and ing ( sit-st and workstation paradigm)—could help reduce physical complaints . Objective : The questions were whether performing office work partly in a st and ing position leads to reduced complaints and whether st and ing would change the efficiency of data entry office work . Method : We investigated the effect of a sit-st and workstation paradigmd during experimental data entry office work on physical and psychological complaints and data entry efficiency by conducting a r and omized controlled trial with 60 male participants ages 18 to 35 years . Results : In this experiment , musculoskeletal complaints were reduced by a sit-st and workstation paradigm . A trend could be identified indicating a small but nonsignificant loss of efficiency in data entry while st and ing . Conclusion : A sit-st and workstation paradigm reduces musculoskeletal complaints without considerably affecting data entry efficiency under the presented study conditions ( young male participants , short duration , fixed and controlled sit-st and workstation paradigm , simulated experimental working condition ) . Application : According to the present data , implementing a sit-st and workstation paradigm can be an effective workplace health intervention to reduce musculoskeletal complaints . This experiment encourages further studies on the effectiveness of a sit-st and workstation paradigm . Experimental research and field studies that prove the reduction of complaints when introducing a sit-st and workstation paradigm in the workplace could be the basis for evidence -based recommendations regarding such interventions Musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) affecting the back , upper and lower extremities are widespread in the general population , implying a variety of causal factors . Multiple causes are not mutually exclusive , and a high background rate does not preclude associations with specific factors that are uncommon in the general population . MSDs have well-documented associations with occupational ergonomic stressors such as repetitive motion , heavy lifting , non-neutral postures , and vibration . Organizational features of the work environment , such as time pressure and low decision latitude , may also play a role , at least by potentiating the effects of physical loading . Numerous systematic review s have mostly concurred with these overall findings . Nevertheless , some continue to debate whether MSDs are sometimes work-related , even for those performing jobs with repetitive and routinized tasks , heavy lifting , and /or pronounced postural strain . This article discusses ( 1 ) some epidemiologic features of MSDs that underlie that debate ; and ( 2 ) the question of what should appropriately be considered a gold st and ard for scientific evidence on an etiological question such as the health effects of a non-voluntary exposure , such as an occupational or environmental agent . In particular , r and omized clinical trials have little relevance for determining the health effects of non-therapeutic risk factors Introduction This study aims to investigate the relationship between work-related physical and psychosocial characteristics and complaints of the neck , shoulder and forearm/h and s. Methods Data were used from a prospect i ve Dutch cohort study among computer office workers with a follow-up period of 2 years . The study was conducted among 264 computer users . Physical and psychosocial risk factors were tested to predict the occurrence of neck , shoulder and forearm/h and s complaints . Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between risk factors and outcome variables . Results The 2 year follow-up prevalence rates with 95 % CI for neck complaints were 0.31 ( 0.28–0.37 ) , for shoulder complaints 0.33 ( 0.27–0.39 ) and for forearm/h and s complaints 0.21 ( 0.14–0.28 ) . Four main predictors for the occurrence of neck and shoulder complaints were identified : ( 1 ) Irregular head and body posture [ OR : 1.1 ( 1.0–1.2 ) P = 0.04 ] ; ( 2 ) task difficulty ( job dem and s ) [ OR : 1.2 ( 1.0–1.5 ) P = 0.01 ] ; ( 3 ) number of working hours/day with the computer [ OR : 1.20 ( 1.0–1.4 ) P = 0.03 ] ; and ( 4 ) having had a previous history of complaints [ OR : 7.2 ( 3.8–13.2 ) P = 0.01 ] . Two predictors were identified for forearm/h and s complaints : time pressure ( job dem and s ) [ OR : 1.20 ( 1.0–1.4 ) P = 0.03 ] and having had a previous history of complaints [ OR : 7.1 ( 3.5–14.1 ) P = 0.06 ] . Conclusion This longitudinal study suggests that risk factors of upper musculoskeletal complaints in computer workers consist of a mixture of physical and psychosocial characteristics Abstract 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 search ed electronic data bases from 1990 to 2012 . R and om pairs of independent review ers 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 r and omized 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 OBJECTIVES this paper aims to report the prevalence of symptoms in the Hong Kong Chinese perimenopausal women ; to construct reported symptoms into symptom groupings ; and to clarify whether the symptom groups are associated with menopausal status . METHODS a r and om telephone survey of perimenopausal women aged 44 - 55 years was conducted in 1996 . Eligible subjects were identified through telephone dialing of a r and om sample of the numbers listed in the residents ' telephone directory . St and ardized question naire , including a 22-item symptom check list , was administered over the telephone . The principal component analysis method followed by varimax rotation was used to examine the relations among the symptoms . RESULTS differences in the prevalence of menstrual problems across the menopausal status were noted with perimenopausal women having the most complaints . Musculoskeletal conditions were the top complaints reported by the respondents , followed by headaches and psychological symptoms . About 10 % of the women complained of hot flushes , and less than 5 % of cold sweats . Five symptom clusters , namely psychological , musculoskeletal/gastrointestinal , non-specific somatic , respiratory , and vasomotor , have been identified . After adjustment for age , the analysis of variance showed that psychological , non-specific somatic and vasomotor symptoms were significantly associated with menopausal status , while musculoskeletal and respiratory were of borderline statistical significance . CONCLUSIONS compared with pre- and post-menopausal women , perimenopausal women had the highest reports of symptom complaints . Musculoskeletal complaints were the most prevalent complaints , followed by psychological symptoms . While vasomotor symptoms were significantly associated with menopausal status , their prevalence was comparatively lower than that reported in Caucasian population This study explored whether  musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education . A cluster r and omized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were r and omized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet . The effect of intervention on knowledge , workstation practice s , musculoskeletal complaints , sickness absence , and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months . Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers , significant improvements in workstation practice s in the use of monitor , keyboard , and chair were observed . There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work . Workers ’ stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies . In conclusion , office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and best evidence synthesis . OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence and incidence of  neck pain and disability in workers ; to identify risk factors for neck pain in workers ; to propose an etiological diagram ; and to make recommendations for future research . SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Previous review s of the etiology of neck pain in workers relied on cross-sectional evidence . Recently published cohorts and r and omized trials warrant a re- analysis of this body of research . METHODS We systematic ally search ed Medline for literature published from 1980 - 2006 . Retrieved articles were review ed for relevance . Relevant articles were critically appraised . Articles judged to have adequate internal validity were included in our best evidence synthesis . RESULTS One hundred and nine papers on the burden and determinants of neck pain in workers were scientifically admissible . The annual prevalence of neck pain varied from 27.1 % in Norway to 47.8 % in Québec , Canada . Each year , between 11 % and 14.1 % of workers were limited in their activities because of neck pain . Risk factors associated with neck pain in workers include age , previous musculoskeletal pain , high quantitative job dem and s , low social support at work , job insecurity , low physical capacity , poor computer workstation design and work posture , sedentary work position , repetitive work and precision work . We found preliminary evidence that gender , occupation , headaches , emotional problems , smoking , poor job satisfaction , awkward work postures , poor physical work environment , and workers ' ethnicity may be associated with neck pain . There is evidence that interventions aim ed at modifying workstations and worker posture are not effective in reducing the incidence of neck pain in workers . CONCLUSION Neck disorders are a significant source of pain and activity limitations in workers . Most neck pain results from complex relationships between individual and workplace risk factors . No prevention strategies have been shown to reduce the incidence of neck pain in workers Background A mismatch between individual physical capacities and physical work dem and s enhance the risk for musculoskeletal disorders , poor work ability and sickness absence , termed physical deterioration . However , effective intervention strategies for preventing physical deterioration in job groups with high physical dem and s remains to be established . This paper describes the background , design and conceptual model of the FINALE programme , a framework for health promoting interventions at 4 Danish job groups ( i.e. cleaners , health-care workers , construction workers and industrial workers ) characterized by high physical work dem and s , musculoskeletal disorders , poor work ability and sickness absence . Methods / Design A novel approach of the FINALE programme is that the interventions , i.e. 3 r and omized controlled trials ( RCT ) and 1 exploratory case-control study are tailored to the physical work dem and s , physical capacities and health profile of workers in each job-group . The RCT among cleaners , characterized by repetitive work tasks and musculoskeletal disorders , aims at making the cleaners less susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders by physical coordination training or cognitive behavioral theory based training ( CBTr ) . Because health-care workers are reported to have high prevalence of overweight and heavy lifts , the aim of the RCT is long-term weight-loss by combined physical exercise training , CBTr and diet . Construction work , characterized by heavy lifting , pushing and pulling , the RCT aims at improving physical capacity and promoting musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health . At the industrial work-place characterized by repetitive work tasks , the intervention aims at reducing physical exertion and musculoskeletal disorders by combined physical exercise training , CBTr and participatory ergonomics . The overall aim of the FINALE programme is to improve the safety margin between individual re sources ( i.e. physical capacities , and cognitive and behavioral skills ) and physical work dem and s , and thereby reduce the physical deterioration in a long term perspective by interventions tailored for each respective job-group . Discussion The FINALE programme has the potential to provide evidence -based knowledge of significant importance for public health policy and health promotion strategies for employees at high risk for physical deterioration . Trial registration sIS RCT N96241850 , NCT01015716 and OBJECTIVES The relationship between a combination of dem and ing work-schedule characteristics and reported  musculoskeletal disorders of the neck , shoulders , and back was examined . METHODS A probability sample of 1163 nurses , r and omly selected from the list of actively licensed nurses in two states of the United States , served as the sample for this cross-sectional study . Data were collected via an anonymous survey mailed to the participants ' homes from October 1999 through February 2000 . RESULTS Four of the nine work-schedule characteristics ( working full-time , > 8 hours/day , 2 - 4 weekends/month , and other than day shift ) were significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders in one or more body sites . When a work-schedule index was created by summing the nine characteristics , a dem and ing schedule was significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the neck [ odds ratio ( OR ) 1.10 , 95 % confidence interval ( 95 % CI ) 1.00 - 1.21 ] , shoulder ( OR 1.12 , 95 % CI 1.01 - 1.23 ) , and back ( OR 1.16 , 95 % CI 1.06 - 1.27 ) . Adjustment for psychological and physical job dem and s reduced the odds ratios slightly and therefore suggested that some of the association between musculoskeletal disorders and schedule was due to increased exposure to these job dem and s. Working " long hours " ( > 12 hours/day , > 40 hours/week ) and " off hours " ( weekends and " other than day shifts " ) were associated with a 50 - 170 % increase in the age-adjusted odds ratio for musculoskeletal disorders in the three body sites . CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that preventing musculoskeletal disorders requires system-level approaches to scheduling that reduce the time of exposure to dem and ing work conditions and promote healthful work-rest patterns Objectives Workplace exercise interventions are known to reduce musculoskeletal complaints and are widely offered to promote employee`s health . The psychosocial effects of such interventions are not clear . This review evaluates the effects of workplace exercise interventions on the psychosocial work environment and mental health . Methods A systematic review was performed by screening four scientific data bases ( Pubmed , Cochrane Data base , PsycINFO and Web of Science ) for published r and omized controlled trials in English from 1998 - 2018 . The review followed the PRISMA statement guidelines using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias and the GRADE approach for assessment of quality . Two research ers independently performed data base search , study screening , and evaluation . Results Twenty two r and omized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria . Substantial heterogenicity in the studies included was found in study population s , types of intervention , and outcome measures performed . Quality assessment revealed a generally low level of quality in the studies included . This was partly the result of the limited possibilities for blinding and the self-reported outcome measures . Conclusion Workplace exercise interventions seem to have limited effects on mental health and the psychosocial work environment . Future studies should incorporate blinding and independent outcome measures OBJECTIVES A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors among employees using video display terminals at a large metropolitan newspaper . METHODS The study included 1050 r and omly selected workers from four departments . The workers were asked to complete question naires on symptoms , job tasks , and psychosocial and work organization conditions . Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities were defined by frequency , duration , and intensity of symptoms not attributable to acute injury . Data were analyzed with the use of logistic regression . RESULTS A total of 973 workers completed the survey . The one-year period prevalence rate for any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper extremities was 41 % . Neck symptoms ( 26 % ) were the most frequently reported , followed by h and or wrist ( 22 % ) , shoulder ( 17 % ) , and elbow ( 10 % ) symptoms . Greater time working at the video display station was associated with increased h and or wrist symptoms in a dose-response relationship . In addition , variables corresponding to increased work-load dem and s ( eg , increased time working under deadline and increased job pressure ) were associated with increased neck , shoulder , and h and or wrist disorders . Women were more likely to report symptoms in several areas , but this finding may reflect the concentration of women in jobs involving more risk factors . CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities among newspaper employees , and they provide additional evidence that increased work load , time pressure , and greater hours of computer use are related to the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among these workers , particularly for disorders in the h and or wrist area Concepts of disease , illness ( being ill ) , and criteria for issuing sickness certificate for musculoskeletal pain have been investigated by a postal survey based on case histories . Question naires were filled in by 898 individuals ; 194 General Practitioners , 76 medical consultants working for the National Insurance Administration , 307 insurance clerks , and a representative sample ( N = 321 ) of the general public . The concepts disease and illness are meaningful and used consistently by medical doctors for infectious disease and somatic problems . Discrepancies between the medical profession representatives and the general public were , in general , attributable to differences in information and knowledge about these somatic conditions . However , for musculoskeletal pain all groups had conceptual problems . In particular , there was a lack of consensus for issuing sickness certificates . For musculoskeletal pain conditions the doctors , as a group , seemed to score at r and om or 50 - 50 level for sickness certification . All groups , including medical doctors , were reluctant to accept depression and social problems as diseases , or to accept social problems as reasons for sickness certification . The decision criteria should be identified and systematized in order to establish whether it is possible to reach a consensus for subjective complaints OBJECTIVE Office-work poses a high-risk for musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) , with consequences for workers , employers and society . The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a sample of Iranian office workers , to investigate the association between pain severity and job satisfaction and to investigate the association between MSDs and job satisfaction . MATERIAL S AND METHODS Iranian office workers from a university setting ( n=91 ) were r and omly selected and included in this cross-sectional study . The  Nordic musculoskeletal question naire plus visual analogue scale of pain  , and the Brayfield-Rothe Job Satisfaction Index  were used to study the prevalence of MSDs , pain intensity and job satisfaction , respectively . Descriptive analysis , Pearson 's correlation , and multiple regression analysis were performed for statistical assessment . RESULTS Eighty-nine percent of participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms during the past 12 months , most commonly in the neck ( 69.2 % ) , low back ( 58.2 % ) , knees ( 41.8 % ) , shoulders ( 35.2 % ) , and upper back ( 34.1 % ) . There was a significant negative correlation between pain intensity and job satisfaction . Pain intensity , low-back pain in the last week , wrist pain in the past 12 months and shoulder pain were significantly associated with job satisfaction ( p<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that musculoskeletal symptoms are common in Iranian office workers , associated with low job satisfaction . These findings indicate the need for more attention to MSDs among office workers and design ing effective preventive interventions Background Musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) are the leading cause of work disability and sickness absence worldwide . The prevalence of MSDs increases with age , consequently challenging sustainable employability among the growing ageing workforce . Knowledge of feasible and efficient workplace-based interventions to rehabilitate MSD or prevent its consequences is therefore warranted . This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions on MSDs and its consequences among adult workers with physical and sedentary work tasks , respectively . Methods We will search the following bibliographic data bases : PubMed ( including the data base ‘ MEDLINE ’ ) and Web of Science Core Collection ( including the data bases ‘ Science Citation Index Exp and ed ’ , ‘ Social Sciences Citation Index ’ and ‘ Arts & Humanities Citation Index ’ ) . Manual search es will also be performed . We will include r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) and non- RCTs reported in English in which ( 1 ) participants are adult workers with MSD , ( 2 ) interventions are aim ing at rehabilitating pain symptoms of MSD or preventing the consequences of MSD and ( 3 ) interventions are initiated and /or carried out at the workplace . The review will adhere to the ‘ Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review s and Meta-Analyses ’ ( PRISMA ) guidelines for reporting systematic review s and the Institute for Work and Health ( IWH ) guidelines for workplace-based interventions . For the primary evaluation of the review , the quality assessment and evidence synthesis will conform to the IWH guidelines . Secondary evaluation will include a meta- analysis ( unless the included studies do not allow this due to heterogeneity ) and employ the risk of bias domains recommended by Cochrane along with the Grading of Recommendations , Assessment , Development and Evaluations ( GRADE ) approach on the studies with pain intensity as an outcome . Discussion This systematic review will provide knowledge on effective workplace-based interventions among physical and sedentary workers with MSD . RCTs are considered the most powerful experimental design in clinical trials , but solely including these may be too restrictive to underst and effective workplace-based interventions where r and omised and carefully controlled trials ( RCTs ) are not always possible . In order to maximize practical relevance , the selection process will , therefore , include both RCTs and non- RCTs and the quality assessment and evidence synthesis will conform to IWH guidelines focusing on developing practical guidelines for stakeholders . The result of this work will form the basis for industry-specific evidence -based recommendations on effective workplace-based interventions for rehabilitation of MSDs and its consequences that will later be operationalised into concrete and user-friendly practical tools for workplaces . Systematic review registration International Prospect i ve Register of Systematic Review s ( PROSPERO ) number CRD42018116752 Objective : To determine whether physical and psychosocial load at work influence sickness absence due to low back pain . Methods : The research was a part of the study on musculoskeletal disorders , absenteeism , stress , and health ( SMASH ) , a 3 year prospect i ve cohort study on risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders . Workers from 21 companies located throughout The Netherl and s participated in the part of this study on sickness absence due to low back pain . The study population consisted of 732 workers with no sickness absences of 3 days or longer due to low back pain in the 3 months before the baseline survey and complete data on the reasons for absences during the follow up period . The mean ( range ) period of follow up in this group was 37 ( 7–44 ) months . Physical load at work was assessed by analyses of video recordings . Baseline information on psychosocial work characteristics was obtained by a question naire . Data on sickness absence were collected from company records . The main outcome measure was the rate of sickness absences of 3 days or longer due to low back pain during the follow up period . Results : After adjustment of the work related physical and psychosocial factors for each other and for other potential determinants , significant rate ratios ranging from 2.0 to 3.2 were found for trunk flexion , trunk rotation , lifting , and low job satisfaction . A dose-response relation was found for trunk flexion , but not for trunk rotation or lifting . Non-significant rate ratios of about 1.4 were found for low supervisor support and low coworker support . Quantitative job dem and s , conflicting dem and s , decision authority , and skill discretion showed no relation with sickness absence due to low back pain . Conclusions : Flexion and rotation of the trunk , lifting , and low job satisfaction are risk factors for sickness absence due to low back pain . Some indications of a relation between low social support , either from supervisors or coworkers , and sickness absence due to low back pain are also present Background This is a r and omized clinical trial ( RCT ) to investigate the efficacy of a job placement and support program design ed for workers with musculoskeletal injuries and having difficulties in resuming the work role . The program was planned to help injured workers to successfully return to work ( RTW ) by overcoming the difficulties and problems during the process of job seeking and sustaining a job using a case management approach . Methodology A total of 66 injured workers were recruited and r and omly assigned into the job placement and support group ( PS group ) or the self-placement group ( SP group ) . A three-week job placement and support program was given to subjects in the PS group while subjects in the control group ( SP group ) were only given advice on job placement at a workers ’ health center . The PS program was comprised of an individual interview , vocational counseling , job preparation training , and assisted placement using the case management approach . The Chinese Lam Assessment of Stages of Employment Readiness ( C-LASER ) , the Chinese State Trait and Anxiety Inventory ( C-STAI ) , and the SF-36 were the outcome measures for the two groups before and after the training program to observe the changes in subjects ’ work readiness status , emotional status and their health related quality of life pre- and post-training program . The rate of return to work was measured for both groups of subjects after the training program . Results The results indicated that the rate of success in RTW ( 73 % ) was significantly higher in the job placement ( PS ) group than that of the self-placement ( SP ) group ( 51.6 % ) with P < 0.05 . Significant differences were also found in C-STAI ( P < 0.05 ) , SF-36 ( P < 0.05 ) and C-LASER scores on action ( P < 0.05 ) between the two groups . Conclusion The job placement ( PS ) program appeared to have enhanced the employability of injured workers . Workers who participated in the program also showed higher levels of work readiness and emotional status in coping with their work injuries The aim of the present controlled study was to evaluate the effect of a general fitness program , performed by an occupational health service , using pre-post assessment for a number of different outcome measures . A total of 160 employees working in the central home care service district of Umeå , Sweden were asked to participate in a program of a 1-year long exercise program . Of the 160 selected , 54 subjects declined to participate and nine subjects were rejected after a medical check up . The remaining 97 subjects participated in a schedule consisting of pre-post medical and physiotherapy examinations , question naires concerning sociodemography , musculoskeletal and general health complaints and work environment , physiological tests of cardiovascular fitness , and of strength and endurance of shoulder flexors and knee extensors , and registration of sick leave . The subjects were r and omly assigned to an exercise ( treatment ) or control group . The exercise group trained twice a week for 1 year using a mixed program including exercises for coordination , strength/endurance , and fitness . The test schedule was repeated for both groups after 1 year . The exercise intervention was associated with positive changes in prevalence and intensity of musculoskeletal and psychosomatic complaints , better physiotherapy status ( less muscle tightness , better neck mobility , and less tender points ) , increased shoulder strength and increased coordination in thigh muscles . However , the exercise group reported worse situations post-exercise concerning aspects of their physical and psychosocial work-environment ( i.e. , concerning ergonomy , influence , appreciation and communication with work manager ) , which might have been due to stress associated with the exercise situation Objective : To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a return-to-work outpatient multidisciplinary treatment programme for sick-listed workers with non-specific upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints . Methods : A r and omized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up was carried out . Thirty-eight subjects were allocated to multidisciplinary treatment ( intervention , n=23 ) , or to usual care provided by occupational health services ( n=15 ) . The intervention consisted of psychological and physical sessions provided by a medical specialist , a psychologist , a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist . It aims at reconditioning , “ de-medicalizing ” , unrestrained moving and return-to-work . The intervention process was evaluated on compliance to the protocol and the effectiveness of its components . The individual outcome variable was the severity of complaints . The societal outcomes included return-to-work and costs . Measurements were performed at baseline and after 2 , 6 and 12 months . Mixed model analyses were used for analysis . Results : The intervention achieves its aims : physical disabilities ( P=0.039 ) , kinesiophobia ( P<0.001 ) and physical functioning ( P=0.016 ) improved significantly as compared to usual care . In addition , the intervention was significantly more effective in reducing the severity of complaints than usual care . The intervention was equally effective compared to usual care in terms of return-to-work ( 86 % in the intervention group vs. 73 % in the usual care group ) . The extra total costs and the extra gains in terms of return-to-work were not significantly higher for the intervention as compared to usual care after 12 months . Conclusion : Multidisciplinary treatment affects individuals positively , but shows no significant difference in ( cost- ) effectiveness on the societal level as compared to usual care OBJECTIVES To determine ( a ) the relationship between physical and somatoform complaints , distress , life satisfaction and ageing in the female community and ( b ) to identify their psychosocial determinants . METHODS Two stratified r and om sample s of the German female population ( total of 2771 women ) were investigated by st and ardised question naires of complaints ( MFI-20 , GBB ) , distress ( HADS ) and life satisfaction ( LSQ ) . RESULTS When participants were divided into six age groups ( 18 - 30 , 31 - 40 , 41 - 50 , 51 - 60 , 61 - 70 , > 70 years ) , we found a continuous increase of physical , mental and general fatigue , inactivity and reduced motivation . Age-associated increases were also observed for exhaustion , cardiovascular and musculoskeletal complaints , but not for gastrointestinal complaints . This was accompanied by a reduced satisfaction with health and sexuality and increased depression and anxiety scores . Marked increases of complaints were mostly found in the sixth decade . However , depression already increased in the fourth decade , musculoskeletal complaints and reduced motivation peaked in the fifth decade , whereas mental fatigue did not increase significantly before the seventh decade followed by a rise of anxiety in women over 70 years . Most consistently , complaints were predicted by a combination of negative subjective health , higher age , lack of a partnership , and additional sociodemographic vulnerability ( unemployment , low income , residence ) and protective ( religion ) factors . CONCLUSIONS Community data provide important reference points in evaluating the ageing female . Based on regression analyses , we could also demonstrate the contribution of psychosocial vulnerability and protective factors to the development of age-related symptoms Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention , which was provided by physical therapists , on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals ( VDT ) . Subjects Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were r and omly divided into 2 groups . Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure , and group I received only the brochure . Methods Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later . The following tools were used : a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment ( REBA ) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture . Results Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back , neck , and shoulder symptoms compared with group I. Discussion and Conclusion The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs OBJECTIVE To describe  sickness absence in patients with arm , neck and /or shoulder complaints and to evaluate determinants of sickness absence during 6 months follow-up . METHODS A prospect i ve cohort study in physical therapy practice with follow-up measurements at 3 and 6 months . The main outcome measure was the occurrence of sickness absence due to arm , neck and shoulder complaints during 6 months follow-up . Determinants were tested in univariate and multivariate GEE ( Generalized Estimating Equations ) analysis . RESULTS At baseline 161 patients ( 33 % ) reported absence from work . The multivariate analysis showed that self-reported work-relatedness of complaints , previous musculoskeletal trauma , higher severity of complaints at baseline , more somatization and low decision authority at work were associated with sickness absence during the follow-up period . CONCLUSION In physical therapy practice , social and psychological factors ( at work ) influence the occurrence of sickness absence in patients with arm , neck and /or shoulder complaints . These factors can be taken into account when developing and evaluating interventions to reduce sickness absence among these patients
Practitioner 's Summary : Currently , there is inconsistent evidence for recommending job rotation as a strategy for preventing musculoskeletal complaints .
The aim of this systematic review was to summarise evidence on the effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints , exposures related to musculoskeletal complaints and sustainable working life parameters .