bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using narrative literature reviews to build a scientific knowledge	base
Authors: Rumrill, Jr. Phillip D. , Fitzgerald Shawn M.
Published: December 2024

This is the first in a series of three articles that examine the role that literature reviews play in rehabilitation research. The authors briefly describe the nature of narrative literature reviews, provides examples and descriptions of narrative literature reviews from the contemporary rehabilitation literature, and examines the limitations of these types of reviews in terms of modifying the prevailing status of knowledge in a particular research area.
"It's all in your mind": The final common pathway
Authors: Bowler Debra Francoeur
Published: December 2024

The relatively new field of Psychoneuroimmuonology (PNI) seeks to reveal links between many systems of the body once thought to work independently of each other. Through a growing body of research, scientists are revealing that what goes on in our mind impacts not only our mental well being but our state of physical health. Presented here is an overview of the stress response and discussion regarding the effects of stress on physiological processes. Of particular interest is the role stress plays on the ability of the immune system to function properly. Both landmark and current research is cited which supports connections between these systems. Finally, the future of PNI is discussed as well as the role health care providers may take to embrace mind/body philosophies.
Emerging methods for the physiological assessment of occupational	stress
Authors: Collins Sean M.
Published: December 2024

Occupational stress is implicated as an etiology for a variety of diseases. Many of the etiological theories surrounding these associations incriminate some deviation of autonomic nervous system activity. New methods of analyzing cardiovascular data obtained from a Holter monitor provide a window into a worker's autonomic nervous system throughout the day, in many cases for two days. These methods allow a variety of comparisons, for example, between workers of varying job stress levels, between work days and rest days, day and night, and between high stress and low stress periods. Identifying altered autonomic nervous system activity patterns throughout the day may: 1. provide insight into the etiology of stress related pathologies; 2. allow quantification of exposure; 3. investigate possible interaction effects of different exposures; 4. lead to monitoring methods capable of identifying whether an employee's job stress is increasing his or her risk for disease.
Hospitalizations for fall-related injuries among active-duty Army	soldiers, 1980--1998
Authors: Senier Laura , Bell Nicole S. , Yore Michelle M. , Amoroso Paul J.
Published: December 2024

Data from the Total Army Injury and Health Outcomes Database (TAIHOD) were used to describe 28,352 fall-related hospitalizations among active-duty Army soldiers between 1980 and 1998. Soldiers who were younger than age 26, single, and had a high school education or less were at greatest risk. Falls from a height were more likely to be fatal than other types of falls, accounting for 88% was known, 64% and half of these occurred during training. The most common type of fall during training was fall from a height (37%) and ladders accounted for 49% research should include identification of specific behavioral and occupational risk factors for falls, particularly those occurring during training activities, and falls occurring off duty.
Yoga for stress reduction and injury prevention at work
Authors: Gura Shira Taylor
Published: December 2024

At work employees face numerous psychological stressors that can undermine their work performance. These stressors, stemming from a variety of possible causes, have enormous health and financial impacts on employees as well as employers. Stress has been shown to be one of the factors leading to musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) such as: include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder or neck tension, eye strain, or headaches. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that can reduce stress and relieve muscular tension or pain. Practicing yoga at the workplace teaches employees to use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and risks of injury on the job. Yoga at the workplace is a convenient and practical outlet that improves work performance by relieving tension and job stress.
First-year university students' health status and	socio-demographic determinants of their self-rated health
Authors: Vaez M. , Laflamme L.
Published: December 2024

This study surveys university students' physical and psychological health status and socio-demographic determinants of their self-rated health (SRH). The study population consists of all first-year students enrolled on the three programs offered at a Swedish university in the autumn of 1998 (3,229 students). In the spring of 1999, a self-administered questionnaire (44 forced-response questions) dealing with health status, life-style and living conditions was sent to the students at their home address (response rate 70%) overall health and its physical and psychological components were measured, and ANOVAs were conducted to establish the variation in physical, psychological and overall SRH explained by a series of socio-demographic variables. Most students rated their psychological and physical health as good or very good, and restrictions on life activities -- when experienced -- were found to be considerably more common for physical than for psychological problems. Symptoms related to psychological problems were more frequent among female than male students. Country of birth of student was the strongest predictor of self-rated physical health, and the second strongest predictor of psychological and overall health (following sex of student). Parental educational attainment was a weak but significant predictor of psychological and physical SRH among students, but not of their overall SRH. Overall, physical and psychological SRH, though strongly inter-correlated, are not necessarily redundant measures of one and the same thing. The variation in self-ratings cannot be explained simply with reference to one set of socio-demographic variables.
Computer environments for children: A review of design	issues
Authors: Barrero Marisol , Hedge Alan
Published: December 2024

Ergonomic design considerations for computer use in schools are reviewed. Evidence for the postural effects of ergonomic furniture from worldwide studies is evaluated. Issues of furniture sizing and allocation methods are discussed. The limited evidence for effects of input device design on schoolchildren is summarized. Future directions for ergonomic research studies are presented.
The effect of education on backpack wearing and posture in a	middle school population
Authors: Feingold Amy J. , Jacobs Karen
Published: December 2024

{\it Purpose:} The effect of education on proper wearing of a backpack was studied to determine whether or not a middle school population would improve posture during load carriage by maintaining a more natural posture and to determine if schoolchildren would comply with proper backpack wearing.

{\it Method:} 17 middle school children with a mean age of 12.7 years were randomized into control and intervention groups. Participants were videotaped in four conditions from an anterior view and from a lateral view. Members of both groups participated in Sessions A and C, which consisted of videotaping of the four conditions. Intervention members additionally participated in Session B, consisting of education on how to wear a backpack properly. All participants were interviewed concerning their participation and its effect on how they wore their backpack. Video footage was analyzed to calculate the change in skeletal angles as a result of different methods of load carriage. Interview data was coded and analyzed.

{\it Results:} No quantitative significance was found between control and intervention groups in regards to education on proper backpack wearing improving posture. Interviews revealed that intervention group members benefited from the education on proper wearing of a backpack. 87.5% of the intervention group members proceeded to continue wearing the backpack properly after the education intervention.

{\it Conclusions:} Education regarding proper wearing of a backpack may impact the middle school aged child by improving quality of life as noted through decrease in reports of musculoskeletal pain by participants.
Effects of a participatory ergonomics intervention computer	workshop for university students: A pilot intervention to prevent disability in	tomorrow's workers
Authors: Robertson Michelle M. , Amick, III Benjamin C. , Hupert Nathaniel , Pellerin-Dionne Mary , Cha Eugene , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: December 2024

A participatory approach was used to create a computer ergonomics workshop for college students, incorporating an instructional systems design process and adult learning inquiry perspectives. The primary objective of this participatory ergonomic pilot intervention was to involve students throughout the training design process in solving computer workstation ergonomic problems and adopting healthy computing behaviors. Students' level of participation included becoming part of the training design team, a co-facilitator, or a student trainee. A second objective was to examine the translation of an industrial office ergonomics training program into a college computer ergonomics training program. The long term goal was to reduce upper extremity symptoms and disability. The program was piloted at one private university. The three student trainees significantly increased their knowledge of computer ergonomics from 69% post-training. Trainees were also successful in conducting computer ergonomic evaluations of students' computing work areas. They achieved 100% proposing solutions in five ergonomic workstation assessments in the field. This approach was successful in creating a sense of ownership among the student developers and facilitators as reflected in their self-reports during a post-intervention debriefing. The results of this pilot study justify formal controlled trials of this intervention in university students, who will become tomorrow's workers.
The gap between exposure and implementation of computer	workstation ergonomics in the workplace
Authors: Berner Kevin , Jacobs Karen
Published: December 2024

The population of people using computers is increasing in home, school and work environments [20,21]. Research suggests that more computer usage may lead to increased incidence of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder (UECTD) and other work related musculoskeletal injuries [8]. Yet, proper computer workstation ergonomics training is not readily available. This pilot study attempts to better understand the gap between ergonomic interventions and the initiation of work-practice change.

The pilot study used self-report through an anonymous Internet survey to explore university faculty and staff training in computer workstation ergonomics, assess UECTD and other computer-use related symptoms, and learn about the respondents' success implementing their knowledge of computer workstation ergonomics. The 55 respondents ranged in age from 21 to 65, and spent an average of 5.3 hours at the computer during a typical workday. Over 70% respondents experienced symptoms associated with excessive computer use. Although 60% workstation ergonomics information, less than 10% implementing their knowledge of computer workstation ergonomics in their tasks. This paper looks at organizational and individual issues preventing the implementation of computer workstation ergonomics in the workplace. The Transtheoretical Model for Health Behavior Change [25,27] is used to further evaluate effectiveness of ergonomic interventions. Recommendations for interventions and future evaluations are presented.
Office ergonomics education: A comparison of traditional and	participatory methods
Authors: Bohr Paula C.
Published: December 2024

Health and safety literature stresses the value of programs aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injuries. The concepts of empowerment learning are often recommended as guidelines for worker education yet these approaches are largely untested. The present study compares the traditional approach involving lecture and discussion with a participatory method. A sample of 102 participants employed at a centralized reservation facility was used. Participants were randomly assigned to either the traditional education group or the participatory education group. Data collection utilized surveys completed by study participants and observational checklists completed by a trained observer. Data were collected prior to intervention and at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months post intervention. Results of data analysis provide no evidence that participatory methods are more effective than traditional methods in encouraging workers to position their work equipment correctly or to maintain good working postures to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
An historical overview of Australia's largest and oldest provider	of vocational rehabilitation -- CRS Australia
Authors: O'Halloran David
Published: December 2024

CRS Australia, the largest and oldest vocational rehabilitation provider in Australia, is examined over its 60-year history. The Australian government located CRS initially in the Department of Social Security, and subsequently in the Department of Community Services however, its establishment required a complexity of policy and range of skills that were not found in one arm of government alone and required cooperation from many government departments. A disagreement between the government and the medical profession about the purpose and control of rehabilitation features in the early history of CRS Australia. Factors such as greater involvement of people with disabilities and government inquiries led to a move from a centre-based to a community-based approach to vocational rehabilitation in the 1970s. CRS Australia is a large employer of health and human service professionals and has played a significant part in the development of these professions in Australia. In recent years, CRS Australia has provided greater business accountability to government and the broader Australian community. CRS Australia's role as an expert vocational assessment agency and vocational rehabilitation provider is expected to continue as welfare reform progresses in Australia.
Cognitive and behavioural assessment of people with traumatic	brain injury in the work place: Occupational therapists' perceptions
Authors: Bootes Kylie , Chapparo Christine J.
Published: December 2024

Cognitive and behavioural impairments, in the absence of severe physical disability, are commonly related to poor return to work outcomes for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Along with other health professionals, occupational therapists make judgements about cognitive and behavioural dimensions of work capacity of clients with TBI during the return to work process. Unlike many physical functional capacity evaluations, there is no standard method that therapists use to assess the ability of people with TBI to perform cognitive operations required for work. Little is known about what information occupational therapists use in their assessment of cognitive and behavioural aspects of client performance within the work place. This study employed qualitative research methods to determine what information is utilised by 20 therapists who assess the work capacity of people with TBI in the workplace. Results indicated that the process of making judgements about cognitive and behavioural competence within the work place is a multifaceted process. Therapists triangulate client information from multiple sources and types of data to produce an accurate view of client work capacity. Central to this process is the relationship between the client, the job and the work environment.
A multimedia case based approach to the study of office	ergonomics
Authors: August-Dalfen Sharon , Snider Laurie
Published: December 2024

Multimedia technology has the capacity to provide students with an interactive approach to problem based learning and to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. The present paper describes the design and development of the program ErgoROM, a CD which presents a case study to assist occupational therapy students in their studies of office ergonomics. A pilot study showed that overall, 91% of respondents rated the ErgoROM as either "Excellent" or "Very Good". Additionally they reported that ErgoROM had a positive impact on active learning and critical thinking.
Validation of a French Canadian version of the Organizational	Policies and Practices (OPP) questionnaire
Authors: Truchon Manon , Fillion Lise , Gélinas Céline
Published: December 2024

Organizational factors are potentially powerful in accounting for work-related chronic disability following a musculoskeletal disorder. This study documents the psychometric qualities of the French Canadian version of the Organizational Policies and Practices questionnaire (OPP) [1] on a population of nurses (N=124). By excluding the two items composing the ergonomic practices factor, a factorial structure identical to that obtained by the OPP's authors is obtained for the disability management policies and practices factor, the people-oriented culture factor and the safety climate factor. The internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) are satisfactory while the coefficients intraclass are less than those obtained by the authors in the test-retest. However, the test-retest interval is greater in this study. Consistent relationships are observed between the dimensions of the OPP and three job-related psychosocial indicators: perceived stress, social support and satisfaction. This suggests a good construct validity for the OPP. Although additional validation efforts are recommended, all of the results obtained support the validity and reliability of the French Canadian version of the OPP. This version can be used to examine the importance of organizational aspects in studies on the prevention of chronic disability.
Employers' knowledge and utilization of accommodations
Authors: Unger Darlene , Kregel John
Published: December 2024

Increasingly, employers are providing a variety of accommodations to applicants or employees with disabilities. However, little is know about the resources that employers access to identify and develop accommodations in the recruitment, hiring and retention of employees with disabilities. Human resource professionals and supervisors were surveyed to determine the extent to which businesses were aware of, and utilized, the vast array of workplace supports available. Findings indicated that employers have limited awareness of workplace supports and rely primarily on their own organizational resources in identifying and securing accommodations. Yet, business professionals expressed confidence in their ability to meet and support the needs of employees with disabilities despite many supervisors indicating that they did not have the authority to secure accommodations for workers with disabilities.
Partnering with the 21st century workplace: Leveraging workplace	ecology
Authors: Bricout John C.
Published: December 2024

The 'accessible' job market of the 1990's has given way to a challenging job market in a climate of economic uncertainty in the early Twenty-First Century. For vocational rehabilitation professionals this change requires the strategic use of workplace supports to increase the value and sustainability of work performed by people with disabilities in competitive jobs. An analytical framework for leveraging the natural supports of the workplace is provided by the workplace ecology as a bounded environment in which relationships between workers and supervisors promote learning and enhanced performance. The dynamics of the workplace ecology are explored with particular reference to workers with disabilities receiving supported employment services. Recommendations are made for leveraging the workplace ecology to the benefit of the supported worker. Implications for supported employment services in the new millennium are discussed.
Using the Americans with Disabilities Act to the advantage of	persons with severe and persistent mental illness: What rehabilitation	counselors need to know
Authors: Conyers Liza M. , Ahrens Christine
Published: December 2024

This article explains central constructs and definitions underlying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discusses their implications for persons with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as for rehabilitation counselors working with this population. Focus is placed upon Title~I of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination in employment. The article provides a brief review of legislative history relevant to the integration of people with mental illness into public life. It proceeds with a discussion of definitions under Title~I of the ADA. Considerations in applying the ADA to assist persons with severe and persistent mental illness in employment are addressed throughout and are discussed in detail in the final section of the article.
Increasing compliance with stretch breaks in computer users	through reminder software
Authors: Monsey Melissa , Ioffe Irina , Beatini Angela , Lukey Betsy , Santiago Andrea , James Anne Birge
Published: December 2024

In order for a repetitive strain injury (RSI) prevention program to be effective, it is important to implement strategies to maintain a client's compliance with the program. This quantitative study explored the effectiveness of computer reminder software in increasing compliance with a stretching program designed to prevent RSI associated with prolonged computer use. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 26 participants who were instructed in a preventative stretching program and assigned to either a treatment group with the computer reminder software, or a control group without the software. To measure compliance, all participants recorded the number of times per day they stretched. Although a statistically significant difference was not found in the mean number of stretch breaks taken by the two groups (p = 0.09), further analysis suggested a type II error may have occurred. The effect size, d, revealed a large effect suggesting that the computer software had an impact on the frequency of stretch breaks, with the mean number of breaks per hour of work greater for the treatment group. Results strongly suggest that further research is warranted in this area.
Factors contributing to occupational stress experienced by	individuals employed in the fast food industry
Authors: Michailids Maria P. , Elwkai Mouafak E-ali
Published: December 2024

The present study, examined through survey research methodology, the factors or combination of factors which appear to contribute to the experience of occupational stress of individuals working in the fast-food industry. The Occupational Stress Indicator was used. Preliminary findings showed that there exists, several compound factors, which appear to be the most frequently encountered factors by the sample tested, such as the way they feel about their job; the way they behave generally; the way they interpret events around them; the sources of pressure in their job; and the way they cope with stress they experience. It appears that there are statistically significant differences between males and females as regards to the way they respond to stress, the sources of pressure in their job and the way they cope with stress they experience. Also, statistically significant differences exist between individuals in managerial and non-managerial positions, as regards to their personality type, the degree of ambition, and work dedication they possess.
Work organization, well-being and health in geriatric care
Authors: Rafnsdottir Gudbjorg Linda , Gunnarsdottir Holmfridur K. , Tomasson Kristinn
Published: December 2024

The objective of the present study was to explore the connection between the organization of work in geriatric care and factors which have been connected to job stress and burnout, i.e. exhaustion, mental workload, job satisfaction and communication. We also analyzed how these factors were related to employee visits to doctors during the previous 12 months due to various medical conditions. The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire distributed to all employees within nursing homes and geriatric hospital wards with 10 employees or more throughout Iceland. The total response rate was 80%. The majority of respondents, or 96%, were women (n = 1432), and the results are based on their answers.

Our data show that there is a high correlation between mental exhaustion and the unsatisfactory organization of work. Mental exhaustion upon completing work shifts was more closely connected to the health outcomes studied than were the other work-related factors studied. This is especially true for chronic fatigue, depression and sleeping disorders.

It is important that employers and managers notice the mismatches between work and workers that this study manifests. Employers and managers must also consider the organizational factors that are influential.
Effects of a work injury prevention program for housekeeping in	the hotel industry
Authors: Landers Merrill , Maguire Lynn
Published: December 2024

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effectiveness of a work injury prevention program in the housekeeping department of a hotel. Studies have validated the use of different injury prevention strategies to decrease the incidence of work-related injuries. Few studies, however, have reported the efficacy of an on-site work injury prevention program by a physical therapist.

Study design: In 1995, implementation of a work injury prevention program by a physical therapist to 50 housekeeping supervisors, 60 house persons and 340 guest room attendants at a large hotel began. This program included a detailed work risk analysis of the work environment, development of job descriptions, identification of injury-related problematic work situations, and implementation of a job specific supervisor-training program. Supervisor, house person and guest room attendant training was also conducted at the end of 1995 and the beginning of 1997.

Results: Data of injury reports in 1995, 1996, and 1997 were analyzed to determine the results of the program. There was a reduction in total injury claims, total medical expenses, total lost work time and total restricted duty time.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate the cost effectiveness of implementing a work injury prevention program for housekeeping guest room attendants in the hotel industry.
Rethinking work-health models for the new global economy: A	qualitative analysis of emerging dimensions of work
Authors: Polanyi Michael , Tompa Emile
Published: December 2024

Technology change, rising international trade and investment, and increased competition are changing the organization, distribution and nature of work in industrialized countries. To enhance productivity, employers are striving to increase innovation while minimizing costs. This is leading to an intensification of work demands on core employees and the outsourcing or casualization of more marginal tasks, often to contingent workers. The two prevailing models of work and health – demand-control and effort-reward imbalance – may not capture the full range of experiences of workers in today's increasingly flexible and competitive economies. To explore this proposition, we conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews with 120 American workers [6]. Our analysis identifies aspects of work affecting the quality of workers' experiences that are largely overlooked by popular work-health models: the nature of social interactions with customers and clients; workers' belief in, and perception of, the importance of the product of their work. We suggest that the quality of work experiences is partly determined by the objective characteristics of the work environment, but also by the fit of the work environment with the worker's needs, interests, desires and personality, something not adequately captured in current models.
A comparison of disability management practices in Australian and	Canadian workplaces
Authors: Westmorland Muriel G. , Buys Nicholas
Published: December 2024

The health, well-being and productivity of workers and employers in today's society is becoming increasingly important. The social, emotional and economic costs of injury and illness are such that governments throughout the world are attempting to implement policies and practices to contain these costs. One response in this area is Disability Management (DM). DM focuses on the management of employees with work injuries or illnesses in the workplace rather than offsite in rehabilitation centres. Regional interest in the DM approach has now gained momentum in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. This article briefly reviews two studies that were conducted in Australia and Canada (results have or are being published elsewhere). Although the two studies were not designed for comparison purposes they provide interesting and useful information about the similarities and differences in the practice of DM in Australia and Canada. Findings are compared in terms of five primary principles of DM and it is argued that it is important to understand the ecological contexts in which DM occurs as well as share trans-national research in this area to help inform policy and practice.
Informed decision making on assistive technology workplace	accommodations for people with visual impairments
Authors: Gamble Mandy J. , Dowler Denetta L. , Hirsh Anne E.
Published: December 2024

Underemployment of people with visual impairments is an important problem in the world of work. Barriers to successful employment include the lack of informed decision making concerning AT as a workplace accommodation. Choosing effective Assistive Technology (AT) as an accommodation solution is imperative to successful employment of individuals with vision impairments. While not all jobs require AT as a part of an accommodation, when AT is needed, an informed choice is the best approach. This article describes the five step process for selecting appropriate AT for individuals with vision impairments in workplace accommodations developed by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Cases from the JAN database that involve people with vision impairments were examined. Resources to enable readers to further evaluate and implement effective AT solutions are provided.
Loads on the lumbar spine during a work capacity assessment	test
Authors: Cole M.H. , Grimshaw P.N. , Burden A.M.
Published: December 2024

Many clinicians and employers utilise work-related assessment tools for the purposes of identifying whether or not the performance of a specific job exposes an individual to a heightened risk of developing a low back injury. However, research has shown that some of these tools have not been assessed for validity or reliability, and thus may not accurately assess the risk associated with a particular activity. An example of a test employed by some Australian private industries is the Work Capacity Assessment Test, which is a procedure that is commonly used to screen potential employees and evaluate those workers returning to the workplace following injury. This research was designed to simulate the lifting component of the Work Capacity Assessment Test and involved a series of lifts ranging from 2.5 kg to 22.5 kg. Six subjects performed this task, whilst being assessed using two-dimensional videography and surface electromyography. The two-dimensional kinematic data were input into the 4D WATBAK software to quantify the compression forces acting between L4 and L5 during each performance. Results of this study showed that spinal compression and paraspinal muscle activity increased incrementally from the 2.5 kg lift to the 22.5 kg lift, whilst abdominal muscle activity also increased across the lifts. This study demonstrated that lifting masses of 22.5 kg or more can produce loads on the spine that are considered potentially hazardous, when compared to safe lifting guidelines, and indicated that there is a clear concern for the use of such lifting tasks in the evaluation of workers following injury.
The effectiveness of a comprehensive work hardening program as	measured by lifting capacity, pain scales, and depression scores
Authors: Baker Patrick , Goodman Glenn , Ekelman Beth , Bonder Bette
Published: December 2024

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of a four-week work rehabilitation program.

Method: Investigators conducted a retrospective chart review of 312 clients participating in the Work Evaluation and Rehabilitation Clinic (WERC) Program from 1994–2000. Only 196 charts were sufficiently complete to be included in the study. Of these 196 prospective clients, 166 began the WERC program and 141 completed the program and were included in the database. Data were gathered from the initial history and evaluations conducted upon admission to the program and from the final evaluation conducted at the time of discharge. Demographic information was recorded. Data from the following assessments were collected: pre- and post-scores for subjective measures of pain using the Oswestry Back Pain Scale and a self-report of pain, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Waddell Sign, and pre- and post-scores of several physical performance tasks.

Results: Statistically significant post-test improvements were shown in all six outcome measures used in this study. A decrease in pain correlated with the Floor to Waist Lift test and with the Carrying An Object 20 Feet test. The percentage increase in Waddell's Sign correlated with a decrease in the Carrying An Object 20 Feet test. The Floor to Waist Lift test correlated with the Carrying an Object 20 Feet test. The Oswestry Test correlated with the Beck Depression Scale. There was no significant relationship found between diagnosis of back injury and Waddell's Sign, between either the Waddell's Sign and the Oswestry, or the Waddell's Sign and depression. A regression analysis revealed diagnosis, level of education, gender, and pre-injury work load as significant predictors of improvements made during the work program.

Conclusion: The program was shown to be effective as measured by the post-test improvements in all 6 performance tests. Although more research is warranted into the effectiveness of treatment for clients with chronic pain, it appears that there is a relationship between pain and physical performance and pain and depression in clients completing a work hardening program.
Effectiveness of computer ergonomics interventions for an	engineering company: A program evaluation
Authors: Goodman Glenn , Landis James , George Christina , McGuire Sheila , Shorter Crystal , Sieminski Michelle , Wilson Tamika
Published: December 2024

Objective: Ergonomic principles at the computer workstation may reduce the occurrence of work related injuries commonly associated with intensive computer use. A program implemented in 2001 by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist utilized these preventative measures with education about ergonomics, individualized evaluations of computer workstations, and recommendations for ergonomic and environmental changes.

Method: This study examined program outcomes and perceived effectiveness based on review of documents, interviews, and surveys of the employees and the plant manager.

Results: The program was deemed successful as shown by 59% of all therapist recommendations and 74% of ergonomic recommendations being implemented by the company, with an 85% satisfaction rate for the ergonomic interventions and an overall employee satisfaction rate of 70%. Eighty-one percent of the physical problems reported by employees were resolved to their satisfaction one year later.

Conclusion: Successful implementation of ergonomics programs depend upon effective communication and education of the consumers, and the support, cooperation and collaboration of management and employees.
Older adults' perceptions of work
Authors: Bambrick Patricia , Bonder Bette
Published: December 2024

Traditional definitions of work may not reflect the activities of older adults. A broader definition that incorporates non-economic as well as economic measures may better describe their participation in the labor force and the meanings they ascribe to these activities. Because productive activity has been linked to successful aging, it is important to understand how elders perceive work. Twenty-six community-residing older adults were interviewed over a two-year period. Participants were mostly female and represented diverse cultural, religious and educational backgrounds. All these individuals participated in some activities they perceived as work. Three themes emerged as describing their attributions of meaning or importance to productive activities: contribution to self-concept, giving back to community, and staying engaged. Findings suggest that the productive activities of older adults contribute to quality of life for them and have implications for society as well.
A longitudinal study of the learning and retention of	task-specific training
Authors: McCannon Robin , Casey Sharon , Elfessi Abdulaziz , Alvarez Nicole , Tiry Sarah
Published: December 2024

This longitudinal study evaluated the learning and retention of task-specific training during the subjects' classroom performance of a one-person pivot transfer. Twelve subjects were videotaped completing the transfer (pretest). The subjects then participated in a two-hour training session. One week later (posttest 1), and one year later (posttest 2) the subjects were videotaped again. A checklist was used to analyze the videotapes. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the tests (F = 243.73, p-value < 0.0001). A post hoc analysis (Bonferroni procedure) indicated that the posttest 1 scores (mean = 13, SD = 0.40) were significantly higher than the pretest scores (mean = 2.96, SD = 0.39) indicating an improved score on the checklist. There was no significant difference between the scores of posttest 1 and posttest 2 (mean = 12.79, SD = 0.60) indicating that subjects continued to perform the task with proper body mechanics one year post training.
Multivariate methods in rehabilitation
Authors: Dimitrov Dimiter , Rumrill Phillip D.
Published: December 2024

The complexity of relationships between variables in a variety of rehabilitation settings can be appropriately addressed by the use of multivariate methods of statistical analysis. The purpose of this article is to describe (a) some basic concepts and principles of multivariate methods as well as (b) common misconceptions in the application of such methods. Specifically, the authors focus on the use of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in rehabilitation research and some pitfalls that rehabilitation researchers face when choosing between MANOVA for a set of outcome variables versus separate analyses of variance (ANOVAs) for each outcome variable. Examples of the use of MANOVA in rehabilitation research, as well as references to other multivariate methods, are also provided.
Case management in vocational rehabilitation: A case study with	promising results
Authors: Selander John , Marnetoft Sven-Uno
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether Case Management and the strengths model could be a successful method in vocational rehabilitation of unemployed people on long term sick leave in Sweden. An additional aim was to further highlight the actual rehabilitation process.

Material and method: Ten clients, five men and five women aged between 35 and 40, were included in the project. All ten were at the project start both long-term unemployed (2–13 years) and on long term sick leave (2–6 years). The project was evaluated from four perspectives: Quality of life (SF 36), sickness absence, and contact with working life were investigated before and after the project. The rehabilitation process was investigated during and after the project.

Results and conclusion: The result from the study was positive. Of the 10 clients who participated in the project, six have improved their quality of life, seven have a diminished sickness absence and seven have a closer contact to working life after the project than before. With regards to the rehabilitation process, the results here also impart a positive picture. It should be noted, however, that the study is small and not based on a random sample. The results should not be generalized, but recognized instead as a positive indication.
A comparison of training methods to increase neck muscle	strength
Authors: Burnett Angus F. , Naumann Fiona L. , Price Ryan S. , Sanders Ross H.
Published: December 2024

Objective: To compare two neck strength training modalities.

Background: Neck injury in pilots flying high performance aircraft is a concern in aviation medicine. Strength training may be an effective means to strengthen the neck and decrease injury risk.

Methods: The cohort consisted of 32 age-height-weight matched participants, divided into two experimental groups; the Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) and Thera-Band tubing groups (THER), and a control (CTRL) group. Ten weeks of training were undertaken and pre-and post isometric strength testing for all groups was performed on the MCU. Comparisons between the three groups were made using a Kruskal-Wallis test and effect sizes between the MCU and the THER groups and the THER and CTRL groups were also calculated.

Results: The MCU group displayed the greatest increase in isometric strength (flexion 64.4%, extension 62.9%, left lateral flexion 53.3%, right lateral flexion 49.1%) and differences were only statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the CTRL group. Increases in neck strength for the THER group were lower than that shown in the MCU group (flexion 42.0%, extension 29.9%, left lateral flexion 26.7%, right lateral flexion 24.1%). Moderate to large effect sizes were found between the MCU and THER as well as the THER and CTRL groups.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the MCU was the most effective training modality to increase isometric cervical muscle strength. Thera-Band tubing did however, produce moderate gains in isometric neck strength
Content validation on the Work Performance Rating Scale for	sheltered workshop workers
Authors: Lo Kaiser K.Y. , Li Eria P.Y.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to revise the content of the Work Performance Rating Scale (WPRS) as a valid assessment tool for sheltered workshop workers. A focus group of 11 sheltered workshop workers was recruited to collect their opinions about the relevance of the WPRS from the service users' perspectives. A panel of 23 frontline practitioners who had experience in using various work assessment instruments provided at their work setting was recruited to review the content of the WPRS. A 14-item amended version of the WPRS with five new items added was proposed based on the opinions of service users, frontline practitioners, and the concept of the Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment (MTWA). An expert panel of 12 professionals at the senior level from various vocational rehabilitation settings was recruited to comment on the content validity of the 14-item amended version of the WPRS. The expert panel agreed that the amended version of the WPRS was related to the concept of job satisfactoriness which could be used to assess the work performance of sheltered workshop workers. Thus, the use of the MTWA for improving the content validity of the WPRS to assess the employability of sheltered workshop workers was supported by the findings of the study.
Workplace discrimination and HIV/AIDS: The national EEOC ADA	research project
Authors: Conyers Liza , Boomer K.B. , McMahon Brian T.
Published: December 2024

This article utilizes data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Integrated Mission System database to document the levels of employment discrimination involving individuals with HIV/AIDS. The researchers explore the theory that the nature of HIV/AIDS related employment discrimination is rooted in deeper stigmatization than discrimination against other disability groups. Researchers compare and contrast key demographic characteristics of Charging Parties and Respondents involved in HIV/AIDS related allegations of discrimination and their proportion of EEOC merit resolutions to those of persons with other physical, sensory, and neurological impairments. Findings indicate that, in contrast to the general disability group, HIV/AIDS was more likely to be male, ethnic minorities, between the ages of 25–44, in white collar jobs, in the South and West and to work for businesses with 15 to 100 employees. Additionally, the allegations in HIV/AIDS were more likely to receive merit resolution from the EEOC by a large difference of ten percent.
Gender-age environmental associates of middle school students' low	back pain
Authors: Chiang Hsin-Yu , Jacobs Karen , Orsmond Gael
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe adolescents' low back pain, investigate its prevalence and explore its associations with backpack load, time spent carrying loads, time sitting, and time playing sports, to determine whether relationships exist among these variables.

Method: One hundred urban middle school students in Manchester, New Hampshire completed a questionnaire (55% response rate). Participants were between 13–14 years old. Weights of students, loaded backpacks, backpack contents, and students' heights were measured separately.

Results: Eighty-nine percent of the participants wore the two-straps backpack. Over eighty percent of them preferred to carry the load over two shoulders. The average load weighed 4.9 kg (approximating 9.6% of the participants' body weight). There was a significant association found between backpack carrying time and adolescent low back pain.

Conclusion: Daily backpack carrying is a frequent cause of musculoskeletal discomfort for adolescents. The association between backpack carrying time and low back pain may provide the impetus for parents, teachers, and school administrators to decrease the prolonged carrying of backpacks. Further investigations should be conducted to evaluate the intervention effectiveness after implementation of controls.
Employment transitions for Clubhouse members
Authors: McKay Colleen E. , Johnsen Matthew , Banks Steven , Stein Reva
Published: December 2024

Using a longitudinal dataset which followed 2195 individuals employed in 3379 separate job placements over a four-year period, this paper explores movement between the employment supports, [Transitional (TE), Supported (SE), and Independent Employment (IE)], offered by clubhouses. Sixty-four percent of employed members held only one job (N=1395) and 36% held multiple jobs during the study (N=791). Patterns of movement were consistent for transitions between the first and second job and subsequent transitions. Forty-six percent of individuals holding multiple jobs moved from one employment type to another. When movement occurred clubhouse members were significantly more likely to move from employment types offering more supports to those that offer less supports.