bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurogenic bowel and continence programs for the individual with	spina bifida
Authors: Leibold Susan 
Published: December 2024

The neurogenic bowel in the person with spina bifida has been difficult to manage. Current literature reveals very little research conducted on the outcome of continence programs in the person with spina bifida. It has different characteristics than the neurogenic bowel seen with spinal cord injury because it occurs during fetal development. Management of the neurogenic bowel to achieve continence is based upon thirteen assessment items that include stool form, individual physiologic parameters, family patterns, diet and medications. Programs are developmentally related to appropriately support the child's involvement. Continence strategies include the use of oral medication early in the day and timed sitting, suppositories or enemas later in the day at a time convenient to the family. The timing of the medications and evacuation is very important to the success. An interdisciplinary team is important in supporting the family as the child with spina bifida grows into an independent adult. The dietician and occupational therapist have invaluable insight into diet, fluids, adaptive aids and techniques that contribute to positive outcomes of the continence program.
Vocational rehabilitation for clients with cognitive and	behavioral disorders associated with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Watanabe Shu 
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE: To report on functional outcomes of clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to a sub-acute rehabilitation hospital and rehabilitation facility in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: The subjects included 300 adults with TBI who underwent a rehabilitation in-patient program at the hospital at the Kanagawa Rehabilitation Center. METHODS: Individual and group programs were designed for TBI clients using an interdisciplinary teamwork model including supported employment. All clients were evaluated by the Barthel Index, WAIS-R, and social outcome. RESULTS: Overall, at discharge from the hospital, 46.4% of 300 clients were placed in gainful employment or returned to the school they had attended previously. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high prevalence of cognitive and behavioral disorders after moderate-to-severe TBI, long-term functional improvement is likely to occur in clients with TBI. Greater gains in both physical and cognitive functions are made through a multidisciplinary, wide-ranging, comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.
Are relaxation techniques effective in relief of chronic	pain?
Authors: Cathleen Lecky  
Published: December 2024

Alternative therapies are becoming more popular in the United States despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting that they are effective treatments. Some alternative therapies used in the relief of chronic pain are relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback. Overall, the existing research suggests that relaxation techniques are effective in reducing pain [6,8,21]. Research concerning guided imagery has also suggested that it is helpful in reducing pain [19,22,23]. Finally, most of the research concerning biofeedback and the reduction of pain in people with chronic pain has been positive [7,10,14,20]. Despite these findings, one can not conclude that relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback are effective in reducing pain in individuals with chronic pain. There were many problems with most of the studies, including small sample sizes and unstated reliability and validity of assessments. These limitations lower the significance of the studies, which makes it impossible to draw conclusions from the research as a whole. More research needs to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback concerning chronic pain. Information regarding the transference of these learned techniques to one's roles and daily activities should also be incorporated into the research by occupational therapists.
Wheelchair coasting downhill is a reliable work task
Authors: Dennis G. O'Connell  , Byron Russell  , F.A. Acosta  , Collen J. Queen  , Mary K. Crowley  , Nicolas Walsh  
Published: December 2024

{\it Objective:} To measure test-retest reliability of physiological responses during submaximal wheelchair downhill and horizontal treadmill ergometry. {\it Design:} A test-retest design was used on a convenience sample. Four male and three female non-wheelchair users, (22--43 years of age) propelled or coasted in a wheelchair under steady-state conditions. Four minute work bouts were performed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 km/hr. (0.62, 1.24, 1.86 and 2.5 mph, respectively) at 0 $^\circ$ , $-$ 2 $^\circ$ , and $-$ 4 $^\circ$ . Subjects were studied twice under each of the 12 conditions. Six tests were performed daily, with testing occurring over four days. Dependent variables included oxygen consumption, minute ventilation and heart. Intraclass correlation coefficients were determined for each set of paired tests. {\it Results:} Intraclass correlation coefficients were high for absolute VO $_{2}$ ( $R= 0.84-0.99$ ), $V_{\rm E} (R= 0.86-0.98$ ) and HR ( $R= 0.95-1.0$ ) over the range of 4 speeds and 3 inclinations studied. On average, % to test 2 were less than 3%. {\it Conclusion:} At the treadmill speeds and inclinations (positive and negative) studied in this investigation, untrained wheelchair users responded in a physiologically reliable manner.
Work-site health and fitness programs: Impact on the employee and	employer
Authors: Voit Susan 
Published: December 2024

Physical fitness and health lifestyle habits have been reported to lower the risk of death from disease, foster healthy muscles, joints and bones, and enhance personal function and mental health. Given these benefits, many employers are implementing health and fitness programs into their workplace with the goals of improving and maintaining the health of their employees and increasing worker productivity. However, research is still being conducted to determine if these programs are an effective means of achieving these goals. {\it Objective:} The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of these programs on employee physical and mental health, employee work performance, and the employer. This paper also investigates the effectiveness of the specific program structures and intervention procedures that were used in the employee health and fitness programs that have been implemented. {\it Study design:} This paper analyzed 15 previously conducted studies to investigate the impact and design of employee health and fitness programs. {\it Results:} The reviewed literature suggests that the incorporation of an employee health and fitness program can have positive effects for both the employee and the employer. Programs that are structured using a variety of physical fitness programs, health education classes, outreach and one on one counseling with follow up contact have proven to be most beneficial in terms of employee and employer satisfaction. {\it Conclusion:} The implementation of an employee health and fitness program can have positive lasting effects on both the employee and employer. In addition to implementing programs that offer a variety of choices and one on one counseling, employers would benefit from targeting the at-risk population to ensure that the programs benefit the greatest number of employees possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The effect of shiftwork related fatigue on the family life of	train operators: Implications for safety and health professionals
Authors: Holland Dennis W. 
Published: December 2024

Drawing upon an original research study about the effects of fatigue on train operators, the present article focuses upon family issues as having the most significant impact on the participants. Family support, for example, represents an important mechanism for managing and coping with fatigue. Family support comprises understanding of the physiological and emotional issues surrounding shiftwork and erratic work schedules. This article explores the impact of fatigue upon a variety of family and relational issues. This inquiry describes the impact of family on the broader employee view of managing fatigue that considers such comprehensive issues as perception of the work environment, emotional stability, personal control concerns and other positive attributes. These issues ultimately impact the health, productivity and performance of employees. Final discussion includes implications for workplace application of the research findings.