Defining Occupational Health Research
Factory Work
Occupational health (OH) is an evolving field and a clear definition of OH research has yet to be established. [1] Traditionally, OH has focused on healthcare assessment and the prevention and rehabilitation of certain health-related diseases working environment. [1] Accordingly, earlier studies explored issues such as hazard trends and work-related illness. [1]
More recently, the scope of OH has grown to consider the impact of health on return-to-work strategies and how specific health conditions can be managed in the workplace. [1] It is estimated that approximately 60% of the world’s population spend approximately 60% of their waking hours at work, so It is possible to influence the health behavior of a large number of individuals through work-based interventions. [2]
These evolving areas of research provide more information on trends in disease risk factors and outcomes of work interventions related to preventing disease, early recovery and return to work. By expanding the scope of OH research, we are deepening our understanding of how we can Improve worker functional capacity and develop cost-effective interventions. [1]
History of Occupational Health Research
Long hours, OH concern.
In the early 20th century, certain government agencies began to monitor and record trends in public health and disease. [1] However, it was not until the end of the 20th century that countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan began to develop an OH research agenda. [1] Priorities Each country is identified based on cost-benefit studies, occupational injuries, occupational cancer, psychosocial hazards, and changing workforce and work patterns. [3]
Priorities vary between countries based on economic and sociocultural context, as well as safety regulations and working demographics. [3] As funding for OH research is scarce, it is important that researchers understand their own national priorities in order to target funding and secure research Good for the community. [3]
Occupational health research has historically focused on reducing the impact of traditional occupational diseases. [1] However, the discipline of OH has evolved due to technologically progressive changes in the workplace/workforce and working demographics. There is now greater focus on promoting health and Well-being including health workers [4], and improving employee retention and work capacity. [3]
Recent OH research is now also considering the management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders and workplace chronic conditions associated with mental health work. It has begun to explore in more detail the management structures of occupational health and safety services and workplaces. [1] These transitions are in The focus presents new challenges for OH research, as it must take these additional factors into account, yet remain relevant to national priorities.
Limitations of Occupational Health Research
The actual evidence base for OH is relatively poor. There may be a lack of work-focused healthcare. [5] This means that physical therapists who do not work in OH may not have adequately considered job participation and job-related factors in their subjective interviews and planning Interventions[6][7][1] Beyond that, most conclusions about OH interventions come from studies that are biased or otherwise methodologically flawed. [1] This is problematic because physiotherapists need to be evidence-based in order to demonstrate the merits of intervention policies Manufacturers and insurers/funders. [1]
Recent Occupational Health Research
This section explores some recent OH research. Selected articles focus on musculoskeletal issues in the workplace as this is a high priority area for most governments – 28.2 million days[1] and 154 million days were lost to musculoskeletal disorders in the UK in 2017 Lost in Germany in 2016 [8] – it is also particularly relevant to physiotherapy.
Effects of workplace interventions on low back pain among workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
In 2021 Russo et al. [9] studied the impact of workplace interventions on clinical outcomes of low back pain in a worker population. Their meta-analysis found that participants who accepted the workplace reported improvements in pain, disability, fear, mental activity, and quality of life Reduction of intervention and relapse compared to control group. [9]
Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain in Europe
In a 2021 systematic review of guidelines by Corp et al [10] found that work-based interventions and return-to-work advice and programs were recommended for the management of low back pain.
Evidence for workplace interventions – a systematic review of systematic reviews
This review by Pieper et al. [8] from 2019 summarizes the current evidence on health promotion interventions in the workplace. It examines musculoskeletal disorders, psychological and behavioral disorders, and studies interventions for older workers, as well as economic evaluations. Although they can Evidence for providing some consistency in certain workplace interventions, such as exercise training/education programs and ergonomic desks/chairs, to reduce pain in people with musculoskeletal disorders is modest at best. Therefore, they state that there is insufficient evidence to recommend Specific interventions or programs. [8]
Effectiveness of workplace interventions for returning to work in musculoskeletal pain-related and mental health conditions: updated evidence and information for practitioners
The systematic review by Cullen et al. [11] from 2018 updated an earlier study conducted in 2005. They found strong evidence that continue-at-work interventions reduce time lost associated with musculoskeletal injuries, while pain-related conditions improve work function. [11]
A systematic review of workplace interventions for the management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders
A systematic review by Skamagki et al. [12] from 2018 explored whether there are effective workplace interventions to help address chronic musculoskeletal disorders. However, while there is some agreement that the use of high-intensity strength training and/or comprehensive programs There is a limited number of studies that can reduce pain and symptoms in the workplace. Therefore, they suggest that the use of multicomponent workplace interventions is beneficial for the management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. [12]
Workplace interventions to reduce sedentary work (review)
This review by Shrestha et al. [13] from 2018 examines interventions to reduce sedentary work. They found low-quality evidence to support the use of sit-stand desks to reduce sedentary use in the short/medium term. There was no evidence that they had an effect on sitting for longer follow-up. Furthermore, the quality of evidence for most other interventions aimed at addressing this issue (physical workplace changes, workplace policy changes, informational advertising counseling and multicomponent interventions) was low to very low. [13]
Early workplace conversations in a physiotherapy practice improve work capacity at 1-year follow-up – a randomized controlled trial in WorkUp primary care
This study by Sennehed et al. [14] from 2018 found that primary care physiotherapists who established early dialogue with their employers, in addition to physical therapy services, had improved performance at work compared with physical therapy alone.
Workplace-based upper extremity rehabilitation: a systematic review
This review by Hoosain et al [15] from 2018 also found high or moderate evidence to support the use of workplace exercise programs in the management of upper extremity conditions. However, they found that other work-based interventions (ergonomic adjustment of control workstations, etc.) required Further research [15]
Effectiveness of workplace interventions in preventing upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and conditions: an evidence update
Similarly, a systematic review by Van Eerd et al. [16] from 2016 found strong evidence to support the use of resistance training for the management of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms, but less consistent evidence for other interventions. Only moderate evidence supports Use the stretch program mouse with feedback and forearm support. They also found moderate evidence of no benefit from EMG biofeedback work stress management training and office workstation adjustments. [16]
Effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints and related job exposures: a systematic literature review
A systematic review by Leider et al. [17] from 2014 examined the effect of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints. However, the evidence is weak and it is not possible to draw strong conclusions from the studies reviewed. [17]
Effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms: a systematic review
A systematic review by Niekerk et al [18] from 2012 found moderate evidence from five studies supporting the use of ergonomic interventions, such as adjustable sit-stand desks, to reduce neck or back pain. However, the authors point out that they were unable to make strong Further clinical trials are needed. [18]
Summary of Research
As is clear from the studies discussed briefly above, the level of evidence varies widely when exploring the effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving return to work or work capacity outcomes. Some conclusions can be drawn:
- Strength and exercise programs should play an important role in any OH intervention
- There is moderate evidence to support the use of workplace adjustments and ergonomics, but further research is needed.
- Physiotherapists who can be in the workplace and establish early dialogue with employers can effectively deliver positive interventions.
- Further research in this area is needed. [1]
References
- ↑ Jump up to:1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Skamagki G. The evidence base for occupational health interventions. Plus. 2020.
- ↑ Shrestha N, Kukkonen-Harjula KT,, Verbeek JH, Ijaz S, Hermans V, Pedisic Z. Workplace interventions for reducing sitting at work (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018;(6): CD010912.pub4.
- ↑ Jump up to:3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Lalloo D, Demou E, Smedley J, Madan I, Asanati K, Macdonald EB. Current research priorities for UK occupational physicians and occupational health researchers: A modified Delphi study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2018; 75(11): 830–836.
- ↑ Søvold LE, Naslund JA, Kousoulis AA, Saxena S, Qoronfleh MW, Grobler C, Münter L. Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers: An urgent global public health priority. Front Public Health. 2021 May 7;9:679397.
- ↑ Oswald W, Ummels I, Raaijmakers T, Baart P, Staal JB, Bieleman HJ. Therapists’ experiences and needs with regard to providing work-focused care: a focus group study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Nov 2;22(1):923.
- ↑ Hutting N, Oswald W, Nijhuis-van der Sanden MWG, Filart M, Raaijmakers T, Bieleman HJ, et al. The effects of integrating work-related factors and improving cooperation in musculoskeletal physical therapy practice: protocol for the ‘WORK TO BE DONE’ cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Jun 8;21(1):360.
- ↑ Oswald W, Hutting N, Engels J, Staal JB, Nijhuis-van der Sanden M, Heerkens Y. Work participation of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: Is this addressed in physical therapy practice?. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. 2017; 12(1): 27.
- ↑ Jump up to:8.0 8.1 8.2 Pieper C, Schröer S, Eilerts A. L. Evidence of workplace interventions-A systematic review of systematic reviews. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019. 16(19).
- ↑ Jump up to:9.0 9.1 Russo F, Papalia GF, Vadalà G, Fontana L, Iavicoli S, Papalia R, Denaro V. The effects of workplace interventions on low back pain in workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 30;18(23):12614.
- ↑ Corp N, Mansell G, Stynes S, Wynne-Jones G, Morsø L, Hill JC, van der Windt DA. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain. 2021 Feb;25(2):275-95.
- ↑ Jump up to:11.0 11.1 Cullen KL, Irvin E, Collie A, Clay F, Gensby U, Jennings PA et al. Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions in Return-to-Work for Musculoskeletal, Pain-Related and Mental Health Conditions: An Update of the Evidence and Messages for Practitioners. J Occup Rehabil. 2018; 28: 1-15.
- ↑ Jump up to:12.0 12.1 Skamagki G, King A, Duncan M, Wåhlin, C. A systematic review on workplace interventions to manage chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapy Research International. 2018. 23(4).
- ↑ Jump up to:13.0 13.1 Shrestha N, Kukkonen-Harjula KT,, Verbeek JH, Ijaz S, Hermans V, Pedisic Z. Workplace interventions for reducing sitting at work (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018;(6): CD010912.pub4.
- ↑ Sennehed CP, Holmberg S, Axén I, Stigmar K, Forsbrand M, Petersson IF, Grahn B. Early workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice improved work ability at 1-year follow-up-WorkUp, a randomised controlled trial in primary care. Pain. 2018. 159(8), 1456–1464.
- ↑ Jump up to:15.0 15.1 Hoosain M, de Klerk S, Burger M. Workplace-Based Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Conditions: A Systematic Review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2019; 29(1): 175–193.
- ↑ Jump up to:16.0 16.1 Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Irvin E, Rempel D, Brewer S, van der Beek AJ et al. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2016; 73(1): 62-70.
- ↑ Jump up to:17.0 17.1 Leider P, Boschman J, Frings-Dresen M, Molen, HF. Effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints and related work exposures: a systematic literature review. Ergonomics. 2014; 58(1): 1-15.
- ↑ Jump up to:18.0 18.1 van Niekerk SM, Louw Q, Hillier S. The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. A systematic review. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2012; 13(1): 145.
