bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral palsy masking spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ocasio-Silva María A. , McBride Alan , Moberg-Wolff Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive anterior horn cell disease that results in progressive muscular weakness and atrophy without sensory involvement. A wide clinical spectrum that ranges from early death to essentially normal adult live exists. We describe a case of two 12 years olds, who represent two of three surviving non-identical quadruplets, born at 25 weeks gestational age. A diagnosis of hypotonic cerebral palsy (CP) was made in early childhood and early intervention services were initiated. At 3 years of age, MRI's showed white matter changes. Both briefly attained Gross Motor Functional Classification Scale (GMFCS) 3 status, but by 12 years of age their ambulatory abilities had decreased to Level 4. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians were consulted. On exam, distal lower extremities atrophy, hypotonia, hyporeflexia, and muscle weakness were noted. Neither child had upper motor neuron signs or spasticity. Cognition was normal. Neuromuscular disorder was suspected and genetic testing confirmed spinal muscular atrophy in both patients. While prior MRI/CT demonstrated static encephalopathy, recognition of symptoms and signs consistent with neuromuscular disease should have led to a secondary diagnosis. Therapeutic and surgical treatment decisions may have differed. Fragmentation of care and lack of a comprehensive team approach also contributed to the delay in recognition of their dual diagnosis.
Injected contrast study fails to demonstrate catheter-pump	connector tear
Authors: Krach Linda E. , Partington Michael D.
Published: December 2024

Setting: Regional children's specialty hospital.

Patient: 11 year old boy with a history of quadriparetic cerebral palsy (CP), shunted hydrocephalus, and continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) to treat hypertonicity.

Case Description: The patient presented for a second opinion after experiencing three weeks of increased tone treated by shunt revision three times after two studies injecting contrast into the ITB pump catheter via the catheter access port did not demonstrate any extravasation of contrast material. Parents report that there was little change in his lower extremity tightness. His speech showed increased dysarthria during this time, and he had unusual difficulty with handling food. On evaluation, the patient had severely increased muscle tone. He also was noted to have palpable fluid in his pump pocket. Review of the X-rays that accompanied the patient revealed findings that caused us to be suspicious of a tear of the sleeve that is part of the mechanism that connects the intrathecal catheter to the pump. A 100 microgram bolus of ITB was administered, which did result in some relaxation.

Assessment/Results: Patient underwent surgery at which time a torn pump-catheter connector was confirmed and replaced with a different type of connector. His symptoms resolved and he required a lower dose of ITB than on admission for significantly better tone control.

Discussion: Individuals typically reach a stable dose of ITB and if they develop a need for increasing dose later, most frequently a catheter problem exists. Also, if there is fluid in the pump pocket, we have a high index of suspicion for this type of catheter/pump connector tear.

Conclusion: In this case, careful evaluation of plain radiographs coupled with careful history taking, including the individual's response to interventions, was all that was necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
Use of intrathecal baclofen in a pediatric cerebral palsy patient	with refractory hemiplegia to maintain orthopaedic surgery gains
Authors: Lai Lawrence P. , Reeves Susan , Smith Beth P. , Kolaski Kat , Shilt Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2024

Spasticity, a common symptom accompanying cerebral palsy (CP), can severely affect patients' function and cause disability in childhood. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a widely used treatment to reduce spasticity in quadriparetic CP patients. Likewise, adults sustaining strokes and subsequent spastic hemiplegic have proven excellent candidates as well from ITB therapy. However, data on ITB treatment in pediatric patients with hemiplegic CP are lacking. This is the first report to present such a case. A nine-year old girl with spastic hemiplegic CP failed chemical denervation and serial casting of lower extremity spasticity and an associated equinovarus contracture. An ITB bolus test revealed an improvement in her Ashworth score from a mean of 2.8 to 1.2 on the involved side, whereas the unaffected side stayed constant from a mean of 1.3 to 1.2. The patient was subsequently treated with continuous ITB with improvement of Ashworth scores from a mean of 2.8 at baseline to 1.1 at 17 months after implantation of the ITB pump. Subsequent surgery was performed to correct the residual ankle deformity resulting in improvements in passive range of motion, gait function and brace tolerance. Hemiplegic CP pediatric patients can be successfully treated with ITB to reduce spasticity, improve function, and retain postoperative surgical correction without affecting the normal side.
Worksite accommodations for manufacturing employees in a pipe	fabrication facility
Authors: Kevin R. Bates
Published: December 2024

Through the use of professional experience and case studies, this article will examine the occurrence of injuries and work site accommodations for employees in a pipe fabrication facility. Specific means early injury intervention and environment or ergonomic controls can benefit both worker and employer regarding return-to-work transition will be discussed. Three case studies will be cited to specifically describe means a condition of events may contribute to a successful return-to-work outcome.
Delivery of dental care to persons with disabilities and other	special populations
Authors: C. Richard Bennett
Published: December 2024

Although humankind has long suffered from dental ills, and despite progressive efforts by the field of dentistry to provide dental healthcare in a compassionate and anxiety-free manner, the profession of dentistry has suffered a tarnished reputation. Going to the dentist is considered painful and induces fear among most people; however, this mindset is changing. Dentists of today are beginning to take their rightful place as integral members of the health care team, including disability management initiatives. The public and other health care providers are beginning to recognize the importance of oral health to the overall health of the body. Dental care is a vital component to rehabilitation planning. Unfortunately, some government agencies, insurance companies, and other policy making bodies have failed to grasp the importance of this concept. Also, professionals within the field of dentistry have not fully grasped the important of continued dental care for persons with disabilities, geriatric patients, the deinstitutionalized, and others in need of rehabilitation services. Problems associated with the delivery of dental care to patients with disabilities are discussed.
Reliability of independent observer judgments of level of lift	effort in a kinesiophysical Functional Capacity Evaluation
Authors: S.J. Isernhagen  , D.L. Hart  , L.M. Matheson
Published: December 2024

Functional Capacity Evaluation includes manual materials handling as a primary component. Return to work decisions are often made or influenced by both the heaviest amount of weight that can be safely lifted and the weight that can be handled repetitiously. Kinesiophysical observational criteria were developed to allow trained judges to categorize lifting in order to identify the category of lift effort. Bothinter rater and intrarater reliability were high. When light or heavy categories were isolated for accuracy there were no errors in judge's ratings.
A single case study: Striving for stability and work - ``it's a	real bastard of a disease''
Authors: Samson S. Tse  , Michael Yeats  , Anne E.S. Walsh
Published: December 2024

This paper outlines a narrative description of the inner experience of one man with bipolar affective disorder highlighting his attempts to strive for work while maintaining on-going mental stability. The narrative is based upon a semi-structured interview, review of case notes, psychiatric and psychosocial evaluation. Such narrative accounts may help to develop a better understanding of the complex work related issues for individuals with bipolar disorder and as such, may help generate hypotheses for further research. This gentleman's experiences are summarised under the following headings: i) personal factors related to employment, ii) employer/job factors and iii) community factors.
Validation of the theory: satisfaction with time-delimited daily	occupations
Authors: Ingrid S\"oderback
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives.} This study examines the construct validity of the theory Satisfaction with time-delimited daily occupations (STO). The outcome of STO concerns how individuals perceive their occupational health status and to what degree the individuals experience satisfaction with their performance of time-delimited daily occupations.

{\it Design.} The ``known-groups technique'' was used for discriminating the occupational health status among four groups (n = 147) of full-time workers or sick-listed participants. A mailed ActivityLog-sheet was used for recording their occupational health 24 times during 24 hours. The computerized program ActivityLog was used for data registration. The data analysis were accounted by ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test with significance level of p < 0,05 using the SPSS program.

{\it Results.} The occupational health status did not differ significantly among the four groups, but the number of records concerning work (p = 0,00) and care (p = 0,02) time-delimited daily occupations were significantly different. The patterns of occupational health status during the 24-hour-records were visually separated for the four groups.

{\it Conclusion.} There is need for refining the STO theory and then for undertaking further investigations of the STO construct validity.
Life satisfaction in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary	disease
Authors: Marine Sturesson  , Inga-Britt Br\"anholm
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives:} To examine the levels of life satisfaction for patients with chronic obstructive disease (COPD) and to explore the relationships between life satisfaction, lung function, walking distance test/exercise capacity and quality of life.

{\it Study design:} The population comprised 91 patients with COPD, 28 patients with COPD using long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and a reference group (R) of 150 healthy individuals. Before the study, a number of the COPD patients had been tested with regard to spirometry, walking distance and quality of life using the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ). All subjects filled in an eight-item checklist on levels of life satisfaction.

{\it Results:} Significantly lower levels of satisfaction were reported by both patient groups than the R group for satisfaction with life as a whole and satisfaction derived from vocational/occupational situation, sexual life and ADL, and by the LTOT group, furthermore, also with family life. Only 10% of the patients were satisfied with their health. The LTOT group reported significantly lower levels of satisfaction than the COPD group for life as a whole, satisfaction with their vocational/occupational situation, leisure, ADL situation and their satisfaction with family life and partnership relation. Factor analyses demonstrated different patterns between the R group and the patient group. No correlation was found between satisfaction with life as a whole and lung function parameters whereas three of the CRQ dimensions; emotional function, fatigue and mastery correlateded significicantly with satisfaction with life as a whole and several of the domains. No relationships was found between satisfaction with life as a whole or any of the domains and the CRQ dimension dyspnea.

{\it Conclusions:} The low levels of satisfaction with life as a whole, in addition to low levels of satisfaction with several domains, indicate that the majority of the patients had not managed to cope successfully with the consequences of their impairment. More attention must, thus, be given to these patients in the rehabilitation work.
A study of well-being among a population of Swedish workers using	a job-related criterion-referenced multidimensional vocational assessment
Authors: Ingrid S\"oderback  , Karen Jacobs
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives.} This study involved Swedish workers (n = 106) who perform jobs categorized into four occupational groups from Jist's Enhanced Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) (Technical, Clerical, Service and Miscellaneous occupations) [1]. The workers capacity for work were investigated according to the Criterion Referenced Multidimensional Vocational Assessment (CMVA) comprising four aspects (described below), which were assessed in 14 different ways using 465 items. {\it Method}. The participants were interviewed [2], observed during performance of simulated work tasks [3], and answered mailed questionnaires [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. The collected data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and the tests of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, ANOVA, Chi-square, linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient. {\it Results.} The participants' work contained different level of occupationally substantive complexity showing that {\it the work demands} were different for the four work groups. For some of the participants ill-health were detected; The workers' work skills, e.g., {\it the demands} (VALPAR work samples) [3] {\it the jobs required of the worker} was higher than 14 of the workers' capacity for work. It was remarkable that many of the workers (34%) estimated themselves in need for rehabilitative measures (Functional Status Questionnaire) [12,13]. The results suggested that there was a negative discrepancy of what the workers' valued and strived for in connection to what they had attained in their work-lives [15,16]. The {\it psychosocial work environment influenced} the worker both positively and negatively. Participants (about 17%) who are performing their usual work for at least 20 hours a week had risks for ill-health [6]. In several components of CMVA there were significant differences between male and female workers, probably showing that the female workers had a greater burden to perform all the myriad of daily occupations (Self-Assessed Capabilities to Perform Daily Occupations) [7] including salaried work.
Demographic study on Occupational Therapy Work Rehabilitation	Programs in Hong Kong Hospital Authority
Authors: Eddy K.S. Lo
Published: December 2024

A survey was implemented to collect demographic data of Occupational Therapy Work Rehabilitation Programs in the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in order to reflect the patterns of services delivery within the largest health care organization in Hong Kong. The questionnaire covered types of settings, services provided, instruments/equipment used, sources and aims of referrals, types of patient, training programs attended by occupational therapists, staffing and research. The results of this survey demonstrated that there has been a significant development of the Occupational Therapy Work Rehabilitation Programs in Hong Kong Hospital Authority in the last decade. Future directions for further development are also identified.
Multidimensional aspects of work capability
Authors: Marie-Louise Schult  , Ingrid S\"oderback  , Karen Jacobs
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective.} Comparisons of the results of a multidimensional criterion-referenced vocational assessment (CMVA) were performed between a group of patients with chronic pain (group P; $n =$ 86) and individuals working (group W; $n =$ 106). The participants had experience of five job categories.

{\it Methods.} The participants' capability to work was assessed from the aspects of personal factors, background data, present work experience, personal and work environmental factors probably influencing work capacity and capacity to perform occupations. Eleven instruments comprising 407 items were used.

{\it Results.} The results of the comparisons suggest that group P participants' work capacity was significant decreased by how they perceived their present work experience ( $X^2; p <$ 0.001), self-assessed or observed capability to perform daily and work occupations ( $t; p <$ 0.000). Among the factors which probably influenced their work capability, group P participants significantly ( $t; p <$ 0.05) more often used confrontive, emotive, palliative and covert coping strategies and had attained work and other life values to a less extent. Moreover, group P participants perceived that they had had a significant ( $t; p <$ 0.000) higher degree of psychosocial demands and more strain incurred from the psychosocial work environment.
A psychophysiological view of pain: Mind-body interaction in the	rehabilitation of injury and illness
Authors: Gary M. Szirony
Published: December 2024

A shift toward a psychophysiological view of pain appears to be gaining ground as the cost of health care continues to increase. Billions of dollars are expended in America due to persistent pain. Psychotherapist involvement in the treatment of pain may be an effective form of intervention. People injured within and outside the bounds of compensation systems may display different pain patterns. Variables affecting pain, alternative treatment methods and needs, and return to gainful work are discussed.
Street children: Causes, consequences, and innovative treatment	approaches
Authors: M. Kenyon Densley  , Donna M. Joss
Published: December 2024

``Children are travelers, newly arrived in a country ofwhich they know nothing.''

{\it --John Locke}

Street children represent a rapidly growing socio-educational challenge affecting both the developing and industrialized nations of the world. At risk for physical, emotional, social, and cognitive violation, these children are in need of interventions that appropriately address their needs in the context of their environment, and build upon the positive survival skills that they have developed as a result of street life. This paper explores the causes, and consequences of this growing phenomenon. It seeks to make known the global dimensions of the physical, social, mental and developmental health consequences of street life for the child. It offers possible occupational therapy intervention strategies and opportunities for working with street children which transition them from youth to mainstream adult and citizenship in the world.
Intervention options: Participation in work activities for people	with schizophrenia
Authors: Voit Susan
Published: December 2024

Vocational rehabilitation is a method by which people with disabilities are able to learn skills and receive supports that are necessary to take part in work activities. Vocational rehabilitation interventions can be used in a wide variety of settings with many different populations of people with disabilities, including those with schizophrenia. However, there is little available research to help guide clinicians to identify which vocational rehabilitation intervention methods may be the most effective for their clients.

{\it Objectives:} The purpose of this paper is to identify what is the best practice for obtaining and maintaining participation in work activities for people with schizophrenia.

{\it Study design:} This paper reviewed sixteen previously conducted studies (seven specific solely to schizophrenia) to identify which vocational rehabilitation method is the best practice to aid those with schizophrenia to obtain and maintain participation in work activities.

{\it Results:} The reviewed literature suggests that there are a variety of vocational rehabilitation intervention methods that may be effective treatment interventions. The effective interventions were those programs that had a client-centered approach and enabled the client to play an active role in his/her vocational rehabilitation.

{\it Conclusion:} With this study review, clinicians will be able to examine a variety of successful client-centered vocational rehabilitation methods that may aid in helping their clients with schizophrenia to obtain and maintain participation in work activities.
Ergonomics in a hospital and a university setting: The effect of	worksite analysis on upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal	disorders
Authors: Hanson Carolyn S. , Shechtman Orit , Gardner-Smith Portia
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives:} The purpose of this study was to determine whether individuals with work-related injuries receiving worksite analysis would have less lost workdays than individuals not receiving worksite analysis. Therapeutic management of work-related injuries in a hospital and a university setting were also compared.

{\it Study design:} Over a one-year period, employees who sustained an upper extremity work-related injury were issued questionnaires regarding their injury, treatment, functional status and pain level. Participants were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of hospital employees (N=14) who underwent worksite analysis, group 2 included university employees (N=15) who underwent worksite analysis whereas group~3 included university employees (N=14) who underwent no analysis.

{\it Results:} All groups were similar in demographics, functional status, and pain level. Satisfaction with the worksite analysis was similar for groups one and two.

{\it Conclusion:} A pattern of less absenteeism but greater modified duty days was associated with those individuals undergoing worksite analysis.
Relationship among grip strength, functional outcomes, and work	performance following hand trauma
Authors: Michener Shannon K. Wahi , Olson Amy L. , Humphrey Beth A. , Reed Janna E. , Stepp Dawn R. , Sutton Adrienne M. , Moyers Penelope A.
Published: December 2024

This study examined the relationship among the recovery grip strength, functional outcomes, and work performance following occupational therapy intervention for hand trauma. This study had a sample size of 15 participants whose recovery grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer, whose satisfaction with outcomes was measured by the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and whose compliance with the home therapy program was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). A Pearson r correlation demonstrated a significant relationship between recovery grip strength and two MHQ subset scores: overall hand function ( $r = 0.59$ , $p = 0.019$ ) and activities of daily living (ADL) performance ( $r = 0.61$ , $p = 0.016$ ). The participants' self-rating of compliance did not predict or influence either recovery grip strength or MHQ scores. A moderate positive correlation approaching significance ( $r = 0.51$ , $p = 0.052$ ) was found between grip strength and overall MHQ scores. The researchers concluded that a recovery grip strength measure should be used along with functional measures to appropriately assess overall hand function following hand trauma.
Functional capacity evaluation: Ecological validity of three	static endurance tests
Authors: Reneman M.F. , Joling C.I. , Soer E.L. , G\"oeken L.N.H.
Published: December 2024

Functional Capacity Evaluation's (FCE's) are designed to measure the functional capacity of injured workers. Static endurance tests are integrated aspects of FCE's. Little is known about the validity of the tests. In this study, three static endurance tests (overhead work, crouching and kneeling) of the Isernhagen Work Systems FCE are studied for ecological validity. By manipulating the environment in an experiment using three different conditions (normal, loud noise, high production requirement), the ecological validity of the tests was investigated. Results: the different conditions did not seem to influence the holding times, the perceived exertion and the productivity of the subjects. The results are discussed and it is concluded that the three static endurance tests meet conditions of ecological validity. In order to be able to state that the tests of the IWS FCE are ecologically valid, more research is needed to enable a generalization.
The basics of nonparametric statistics
Authors: Fitzgerald Shawn , Dimitrov Dimiter , Rumrill Phillip
Published: December 2024

This article introduces readers to the data analytic sub-paradigm of nonparametric statistics. The authors begin with an explanation of how and under what circumstances nonparametric statistics are used, then describe specific nonparametric techniques which are commonly used in social science research. Examples from the contemporary rehabilitation literature are provided throughout the article.
Violence prevention in the schools: Implications for occupational	therapy
Authors: Robbins Jill E.
Published: December 2024

The prevalence of violence in the United States has begun to take its toll on the youth in schools. As children spend the majority of their waking hours in school, it is there that programs to prevent violence should be implemented. Various factors compiled from the literature including traits of children ``at risk'', lack of adult supervision, and architectural barriers, are identified as contributing to on-campus crime. Skills training for educators, school officials, parents, and children, in addition to reduction of architectural barriers, are discussed as methods to promote awareness and prevention. Implications for occupational therapy practitioners are discussed.
Current issues in HIV disease and AIDS: Implications for health	and rehabilitation professionals
Authors: McReynolds Connie J. , Garske Gregory G.
Published: December 2024

HIV disease and AIDS are being redefined as chronic, long-term conditions that are suitable for vocational rehabilitation interventions. With the advent of more effective medical interventions, many individuals with these diseases are living longer and are interested in pursuing employment options. In this article, physiological and neurological symptoms, psychological and mental health issues, psychosocial issues affecting women, and employment-related issues and interventions are discussed as they apply to the health and rehabilitation practitioner working with individuals with HIV disease and AIDS.
Work stress and musculoskeletal disorder etiology: The relative	roles of psychosocial and physical risk factors
Authors: Warren Nicholas
Published: December 2024

The intense battles preceding the recent promulgation of OSHA's Ergonomics Program Standard serve as a case study demonstrating the growing understanding that MSD causation, development, and exacerbation are the result of the combined contribution of (and possibly interaction between) a wide range of biomechanical and psychosocial stressors. The best designed studies, those that adequately measure both biomechanical and psychosocial exposures, strongly support this hypothesis. Work stress is one of the results of this stressor combination and is part of the physiological pathway to MSDs and a wide range of other occupational diseases. Prevention efforts geared to a single or single class of exposure may be only partly effective, ineffective, or even counter productive. The most effective control strategies are rooted in on-going, participatory ergonomics programs, incorporating a joint labor/management ergonomic team; this blueprint for intervention necessarily addresses the roots of both physical and psychosocial work stress experienced by workers.
Preventing workplace aggression and violence -- A role for	occupational therapy
Authors: Rai Shreeavtar
Published: December 2024

Workplace aggression and violence is the fastest growing societal concerns in USA. The review of literature indicates that violence is a substantial contributor to occupational injuries and death. Preventative strategies for minimizing the risk of workplace violence include, cash-handling policies, physical separation of workers from customers, environmental modifications; good lighting, security devices, escort services, and employee training. Studies also suggest that as a preventive measure, employers will attract and retain the best workers if high-risk behaviors are discouraged and appropriate behaviors are supported. Proactive strategies reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance creativity. A role for occupational therapy practitioners in the prevention of workplace violence is proposed.
The effectiveness of ergonomic intervention in the classroom
Authors: Shinn Janette , Romaine Kari-Ann , Casimano Tara , Jacobs Karen
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} To see if an in-service on proper body mechanics and ergonomics for computer workstation usage can increase a student's knowledge regarding these areas.

{\it Study design:} This was a quasi-experimental design using a questionnaire. Subjects included seventy-three male and forty-four female sixth-grade students enrolled in a word processing class at a New York Middle School. A non-standardized demographic and ergonomic based questionnaire was administered before and after an in-service. An environmental checklist was used to formulate a percentage of ergonomically correct computer workstations.

{\it Results:} There was a statistically significant difference between pre and post-test scores, indicating that learning took place. Pre-test scores suggest that there exists a need for ergonomic education in classrooms. Results from an environmental checklist support the need for revision of computer workstations in classrooms.

{\it Conclusion:} Ergonomic education is one way to help students to reduce their risks of developing musculoskeletal injury in a classroom environment that impedes correct positioning.
Psychosocial factors related to job stress and women in	management
Authors: Lyons Emily
Published: December 2024

This literature review explores women in management and how the psychosocial factors they face in the workplace affect their job-related stress level. The psychosocial factors identified include tokenism, sexual harassment and discrimination, work-family conflict, and workload. Various studies are cited and solutions to decrease job-related stress level are included.
Psychological factors that influence traumatic injury occurrence	and physical performance
Authors: Gregg R.L. , Banderet L.E. , Reynolds K.L , Creedon J.F. , Rice V.J.
Published: December 2024

This 9 month prospective study, conducted at the US Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASGMA), examined the association of selected psychological variables (e.g., measures of tension/anxiety, sleep disturbance, Type A behavior pattern) with injury occurrence and physical performance in 126 soldiers. ANOVA and logistic regression analyses revealed significant relationships between: 1) Traumatic injury occurrence and mean tension/anxiety scores, 2) Mean self-reported sleep disturbance scores and traumatic injury occurrence, 3) The Type A behavior pattern (abbreviated Jenkins Activity Survey) and number of sit-ups repetitions completed in 2 minutes, one component of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), 4) The Type A behavior pattern and total score APFT. No significant associations were found for mean tension/anxiety scores and overuse injuries, or Type A behavior pattern and two mile run time or number of push-up repetitions completed in 2 minutes. These data suggest traumatic injury occurrence is influenced by tension/anxiety and disturbances in sleep habits. Additionally, individuals with higher Jenkins Activity scores (characteristic of the Type A behavior pattern) perform better physically.
Occupational therapists working in hand therapy: The practice of	holism in a cost containment environment
Authors: Dale Lucinda M. , Fabrizio Andrew J. , Adhlakha Pamela , Mahon Marion K. , McGraw Erin E. , Neyenhaus Ryan D. , Sledd Tatianna , Zaber Julie M.
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} Occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy are challenged to provide care that reflects foundational concepts of occupation and holism. The researchers investigated cost containment influences on occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy to determine how therapists provide holistic care within cost containment constraints.

{\it Method:} Five hand therapists were chosen based on selection criteria of hand therapy and holistic care practice. Using a grounded theory approach, the researchers gathered data via interviews and clinical observations. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, and critiqued by an expert panel for emerging theory and concepts.

{\it Results:} Occupational therapists developed new skills or refined existing skill through adapting, educating, and strategizing in response to environmental demands. Tenets of the occupational adaptation model matched the strategies used by the participants.

{\it Conclusion:} Occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy adapted to cost containment constraints by modifying professional settings and skills, educating multiple consumers, and implementing innovative interventions.
Disability management and psychosocial rehabilitation:	Considerations for integration
Authors: Olsheski Jerry A. , Rosenthal David A. , Hamilton Michelle
Published: December 2024

Disability management strategies have been successful in preventing or accommodating physical disabilities in the workplace. Similar success has not been realized in the realm of psychological/mental health related disabilities. Integration of the principles and strategies of psychosocial rehabilitation and disability management programs can assist employers to control costs related to psychological/mental health disabilities and protect individual workers employability.
An invisible disability: Qualitative research on upper extremity	disorders in a university community
Authors: Cortés Marissa C. , Hollis Christine , Amick, III Benjamin C. , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: December 2024

{\it Objectives.} To understand how upper extremity disorders related to computer use affect graduate and undergraduate university students; and, to develop hypotheses for prevention and management of these disorders.

{\it Methods.} Focus group discussions concerning upper extremity disorders were conducted among sixteen symptomatic undergraduate and graduate students at a private university in the US. Discussions were tape recorded, transcribed, coded for themes, and analyzed qualitatively.

{\it Results.} The findings point to four main themes: 1) the essential role of computers in academic, social, and personal activities; 2) the negative impact of upper extremity disorders on students' physical and emotional well-being, including their career aspirations; 3) students' expectations and perceptions of medical care providers; and 4) recommendations for interventions.

{\it Conclusion.} Students with upper extremity disorders experience numerous adverse consequences on a college campus. Effective strategies for prevention, and treatment of upper extremity disorders in young adults in universities are needed. Based on this research, an educational and skills development intervention would appear to be appropriate for preventing disability due to upper extremity disorders.
Strategies used when conducting work-related assessments
Authors: Innes Ev , Straker Leon
Published: December 2024

The attributes of work-related assessments have been found to differ between types of assessment. This suggests that there may also be strategies that are more appropriately used with some assessments than with others.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine: the reported frequency with which strategies were actually and ideally used when conducting each of three types of work-related assessment (workplace assessment (WPA); functional capacity evaluation (job) (FCEJ); functional capacity evaluation (no job) (FCENJ)); if there were differences between the strategies used with each type of work-related assessment; and the barriers, if any, that existed to achieving ideal practice when conducting work-related assessments.

Study Design: A questionnaire was sent to all accredited occupational or vocational rehabilitation providers in Australia, targeting occupational therapists and physiotherapists who conducted work-related assessments. The response rate was 25.3%, and 132 questionnaires were analysed.

Results: MANOVAs revealed there were significant differences between the 3 forms of work-related assessments for the strategies actually used $F_{78,40}=3.47; p<0.001$ ) and ideally used ( $F_{78,24}=2.36; p=0.010$ ). For both actually and ideally used strategies there was a core of strategies with no significant difference and shared by all forms of assessment. Several patterns of difference emerged. The largest group was where WPAs were different from both forms of FCE. A smaller group of strategies showed a difference between FCENJs and both WPAs and FCEJs. There were also some strategies that were different for all forms of assessment. Reliability analysis revealed 7 constructs which reflected the process of conducting work-related assessments. The major barrier to achieving ideal practice was time/cost.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that there were significant differences between 3 forms of work-related assessments (WPAs, FCEJs & FCENJs) for the reported actual and ideal use of strategies. These strategies were associated with more qualitative or quantitative forms of assessment. This appeared to represent a continuum of work-related assessments that ranged from WPAs demonstrating strategies most associated with qualitative approaches to FCENJs demonstrating strategies most associated with quantitative approaches, with FCEJs between the two. By using strategies appropriate to each type of assessment, clinicians will be able to enhance the excellence of their practice.
Examining the effectiveness of health and safety committees and	representatives: A review
Authors: Milgate Nadine , Innes Ev , O'Loughlin Kate
Published: December 2024

The establishment of a health and safety committee in the workplace and/or the appointment of an elected health and safety representative is believed to foster employee participation and consultation in the workplace. Despite an emphasis within the Australian occupational health and safety legislation towards employee participation in relation to health and safety issues, there is little known about the effectiveness of the strategies used to involve workers in health and safety matters in the workplace. There is anecdotal evidence published in relation to the implementation of health and safety committees and their effectiveness in the Australian workplace. Few opinions however are substantiated by empirical evidence. Significantly more research has been conducted on the role of health and safety representatives in Australia. This paper presents the findings of a review of the literature and identifies the factors that are considered to impact on the effectiveness of workplace health and safety committees and representatives. Several factors are described as being fundamental to the effective performance of committees and representatives. These factors include management commitment, communication, training and information, union involvement, the infrastructure of an organisation, committee processes and the involvement of professional experts. It is concluded that the effectiveness of health and safety committees in Australia is unexplored and it is unknown if these committees achieve the purpose for which they were established. Recommendations are made for future research to be conducted to test the current anecdotal evidence and assumptions associated with the operation and effectiveness of health and safety committees.
A review of research on techniques for lifting low-lying objects:	2. Evidence for a correct technique
Authors: Straker Leon M.
Published: December 2024

Teaching 'correct' lifting technique is common, with squat lifting generally recommended. However the available evidence is less clear about which technique should be favoured. The purpose of this paper was to present an accessible synthesis of the evidence to assist professionals in their decision about whether to teach a specific technique for lifting objects lying on or near the ground. Squat, stoop and semi-squat techniques are described and the psychophysical, physiological, biomechanical, psychological, performance and clinical evidence for each technique summarised. Evidence for other lifting guidelines is also presented. It is concluded that no one technique has clear evidence and that a work design approach should be the prime focus of intervention. Recommendations for correct lifting technique guidelines are given for where technique training must be provided.
Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in VDT users: A	comprehensive health promotion program
Authors: Wilkens Patrick M.
Published: December 2024

As we enter the 21st century, technology has revolutionized the workplace, as nearly half of the working population in the United States currently uses a computer at work. Although computers continue to effectively improve productivity in the workplace, the adverse effects of prolonged computer use on the musculoskeletal system cannot go unnoticed. The astounding rise in computer use in the last decade has been paralleled by a rise in work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive typing or key entry. Because national ergonomic standards aimed at reducing these injuries have not yet been enforced, the prevention of this national health problem lies in the hands of health care professionals. The following will outline a comprehensive health promotion program, based on Green and Kreuter's PRECEDE-PROCEED model, to serve as an example of how health professionals across the nation can begin to effectively prevent this astronomical problem.
Psychosocial themes in durable employment transitions
Authors: Allen Shelley , Carlson Glenys
Published: December 2024

Loss of work capacity through illness or injury may result in loss of employment. The transition to durable employment with those reduced capacities poses many challenges. This paper is based on phenomenological research into the experiences of 13 people who had a disabling injury or chronic illness. These participants lost their capacity for their former employment. After a period of time, extending up to 14 years, the participants successfully changed employment in the open labor market, and retained their current employment for 13 weeks or longer. Data from in excess of 30 hours of in-depth semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group were transcribed and analyzed inductively. Analysis was aided by immersion in the data, reflections on entries in a researcher's log, and a computer program for analyzing textual data. Eleven psychosocial themes emerged. These themes were: pain, intense emotions, determination, financial concerns, role models, concealment, assistance, control, self-concept, satisfaction with employment, and personal change. Each theme is presented with representative text from participants and implications for work rehabilitation professionals. Further research to identify the extent of transferability of the findings is recommended.
Experience of cumulative trauma disorders on life roles of worker	and family member: A case study of a married couple
Authors: Dale Lucinda , Barkley Amy , Bayless Stephanie , Coleman Shelley D. , McDonald Brad , Myszkowski Janell , Phipps-Stevens Lenore
Published: December 2024

The prevalence of diagnosed cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) within the workforce comes at a high price for employers burdened with financial losses from missed work and worker's compensation costs. Research has focused primarily on the impact of CTD on the worker role within the workplace, overlooking the impact on roles across multiple environments [24,35,54]. Furthermore, the influence of CTD on life roles of a spouse has not been examined. This single case study illustrated the experience of CTD within a marital relationship through the use of grounded theory. Results indicated that adaptations to CTD symptoms were least altering to the established routines and roles of the couple. With progression of symptoms, the spouse without symptoms was relied on more heavily for adaptations to manage pain. The results of this study indicate that occupational therapists must examine the client's valued roles and incorporate the family into intervention strategies.
Vocational rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS): A profile of	clients seeking services
Authors: Fraser R.T. , Johnson E.K. , Clemmons D.C. , Getter A. , Johnson K.L. , Gibbons L.
Published: December 2024

Although a number of innovative vocational rehabilitation (VR) demonstration projects have been completed with MS populations, there remains a lack of clarity as to a profile of these VR participants. An effort is made in this article to carefully describe the demographic and occupational characteristics of people with MS seeking vocational services at intake, as well as their self-perceived psychosocial functioning across a range of pertinent measures. The issue of "program dropouts" in VR services for people with MS is also addressed. Implications for better understanding participants with MS within the VR process and improved nuances in service delivery are then discussed.
Features of occupational rehabilitation systems in Australia: A	map through the maze
Authors: Harrison Kate , Allen Shelley
Published: December 2024

This review contributes to the limited literature on systems of occupational rehabilitation in Australia. Occupational rehabilitation is defined and features of occupational rehabilitation systems within the workers' compensation framework are described. Common features include: (a) the trend to workplace management, (b) preferred rehabilitation program settings and (c) widespread acceptance of some identified principles of occupational rehabilitation. Other features such as roles of stakeholders and participants, relationship of rehabilitation providers and employers, and the services provided have a number of variations in the Australian systems. Similarities and differences between features of Australian and North American systems are noted. Implications for occupational rehabilitation providers are discussed, and recommendations for practice and future research are made.
Low back pain and lifting: A review of epidemiology and	aetiology
Authors: Cole M.H. , Grimshaw P.N.
Published: December 2024

The incidence of low back pain has continued to increase in modern society, despite the considerable amount of scientific research that has aimed to isolate its exact aetiology. Although low back pain is still largely idiopathic, research has identified over one hundred risk factors for the condition. Of these risk factors, manual material handling tasks are perhaps the most widely explored within the biomechanical literature, as these tasks have been associated with high mechanical stresses on the lower back. Numerous technique-related variables have been addressed by researchers, whilst the influence of intra-abdominal pressure has also been considered. In addition to this, the implications of variations in the size and structural composition of the load have also been assessed. However, low back pain continues to pose a significant threat to the financial stability and happiness of millions of people worldwide. In addition, a number of functional work capacity assessment tests use lifting as a method for assessment of return to work condition. Many of these tests are not standardised and do not consider the implications of low back loading. Therefore new research attempts in this area are justified and should aim to identify the extent of the association that exists between the known risk factors and the incidence of low back pain.