Confirmatory factor analysis of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire in an Australian compensable population

PURPOSE

This study examined the factor structure of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ; Sullivan et al. in J Occup Rehabil 18:249-261, 2008) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Two models were proposed for analysis: a single factor and a two-factor model.

METHODS

A total of 150 participants (81 males and 69 females, mean age = 45.48 years, SD = 10.71), with a chronic work-related musculoskeletal disorder (53 % back condition), and a mean duration of work disability of 4.34 years (SD = 5.14), completed the IEQ and measures of depression and anger. CFA was performed on the IEQ data using the maximum likelihood estimation method.

RESULTS

Neither proposed model provided an acceptable fit; however, a good fitting model with two highly correlated factors and one error covariance was derived through post hoc model fitting. The two-factors were differentially correlated to depression and duration of work disability, but not anger.

CONCLUSIONS

The IEQ appears to be a useful tool to support the comprehensive psychosocial assessment of injured workers with long-term disability secondary to a musculoskeletal disorder. In addition to identifying perceived injustice, the IEQ may also be used to inform the choice of psychological interventions. The IEQ has construct validity and generalizability across different populations of injured workers.

Friendship quality and psychosocial outcomes among children with traumatic brain injury

This study examined differences in friendship quality between children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopedic injury (OI) and behavioral outcomes for children from both groups. Participants were 41 children with TBI and 43 children with OI (M age=10.4). Data were collected using peer- and teacher-reported measures of participants' social adjustment and parent-reported measures of children's post-injury behaviors. Participants and their mutually nominated best friends also completed a measure of the quality of their friendships. Children with TBI reported significantly more support and satisfaction in their friendships than children with OI. Children with TBI and their mutual best friend were more similar in their reports of friendship quality compared to children with OI and their mutual best friends. Additionally, for children with TBI who were rejected by peers, friendship support buffered against maladaptive psychosocial outcomes, and predicted skills related to social competence. Friendship satisfaction was related to higher teacher ratings of social skills for the TBI group only. Positive and supportive friendships play an important role for children with TBI, especially for those not accepted by peers. Such friendships may protect children with TBI who are rejected against maladaptive psychosocial outcomes, and promote skills related to social competence.

THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MSDs AMONG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Evidence regarding possible risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can guide the selection of possible intervention measures and the work towards developing appropriate ergonomic and safety measures. The intention of the study was to explore the factors associated with developing MSDs among construction workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to measure the severity, duration, frequency and prevalence of symptoms of MSDs in nine anatomical body regions. Physical fitness was assessed based on the workers' answers regarding the perception of their own physical fitness. Psychosocial work demands were measured in terms of job control, psychological demands, social support and job dissatisfaction. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors related to upper back, neck and upper limb MSDs. Results from multiple logistic regression showed that distal upper limb MSDs were related to manual handling, work repetitiveness, psychosocial demands, job dissatisfaction and gender. Neck, shoulder or upper back MSDs were related to manual handling, work repetitiveness, psychosocial demands, job dissatisfaction and physical unfitness. The findings suggest that reducing neck, shoulder upper back and distal upper limb MSDs in the workplace requires appropriate measures aimed at making the physical environment more suitable with regard to equipment, machinery, tools and furniture, in order to reduce repetitiveness, the use of force and manual handling.

Safety climate, hardiness, and musculoskeletal complaints: a mediated moderation model

This study explores the mechanisms linking the psychosocial characteristics of the workplace with employees' work-related musculoskeletal complaints. Poor safety climate perceptions represent a stressor that may elicit frustration, and subsequently, increase employees' reports of musculoskeletal discomforts. Results from an employee sample supported that when employees' perceived safety was considered a priority, they experienced less frustration and reported fewer work-related upper body musculoskeletal symptoms. Psychological hardiness, a personality trait that is indicative of individuals' resilience and success in managing stressful circumstances, moderated these relationships. Interestingly, employees with high hardiness were more affected by poor safety climate.

Embitterment in patients with a rheumatic disease after a disability pension examination: occurrence and potential determinants

OBJECTIVES

Health care and vocational professionals regularly encounter patients with rheumatic diseases who are embittered after a disability pension examination. People who are embittered typically feel victimised, experience resentment and injustice, resist help, and have difficulty coping. Our objective was to examine the occurrence of embitterment in patients with rheumatic diseases after a disability pension examination and the association of embitterment with its possible determinants helplessness and illness invalidation at work.

METHODS

The Illness Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ), Illness Invalidation Inventory (3*I), and Bern Embitterment Inventory were completed by patients who had 9 to 12 weeks earlier received the result of a disability pension examination. Diagnoses were fibromyalgia (n=103), rheumatoid arthritis (n=46), osteoarthritis (n=158), another rheumatic disease (n=62), and more than one rheumatic disease (n=187). Scores were compared to scores of reference groups. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Eighteen to 27 percent of patients had high levels of embitterment with no differences between diagnostic groups (p=0.71). Helplessness (p<0.001), the two invalidation dimensions discounting and lack of understanding (p<0.001), and the combination of helplessness with these invalidation dimensions (p<0.01), were predictive of more embitterment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, after a disability pension examination, embitterment is present in about one out of five patients with a rheumatic disease. This is problematic insofar as embitterment limits well-being, functioning, and the potential to reintegrate to work. To the extent that helplessness and invalidation at work are causal determinants of embitterment, interventions targeting these aspects may be key to reduce embitterment.

Guidance strategies for a participatory ergonomic intervention to increase the use of ergonomic measures of workers in construction companies: a study design of a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

More than seven out of 10 Dutch construction workers describe their work as physically demanding. Ergonomic measures can be used to reduce these physically demanding work tasks. To increase the use of ergonomic measures, employers and workers have to get used to other working methods and to maintaining them. To facilitate this behavioural change, participatory ergonomics (PE) interventions could be useful. For this study a protocol of a PE intervention is adapted in such a way that the intervention can be performed by an ergonomics consultant through face-to-face contacts or email contacts. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the face-to-face guidance strategy and the e-guidance strategy on the primary outcome measure: use of ergonomic measures by individual construction workers, and on the secondary outcome measures: the work ability, physical functioning and limitations due to physical problems of individual workers.

METHODS/DESIGN

The present study is a randomised intervention trial of six months in 12 companies to establish the effects of a PE intervention guided by four face-to-face contacts (N = 6) or guided by 13 email contacts (N = 6) on the primary and secondary outcome measures at baseline and after six months. Construction companies are randomly assigned to one of the guidance strategies with the help of a computer generated randomisation table. In addition, a process evaluation for both strategies will be performed to determine reach, dose delivered, dose received, precision, competence, satisfaction and behavioural change to find possible barriers and facilitators for both strategies. A cost-benefit analysis will be performed to establish the financial consequences of both strategies. The present study is in accordance with the CONSORT statement.

DISCUSSION

The outcome of this study will help to 1) evaluate the effect of both guidance strategies, and 2) find barriers to and facilitators of both guidance strategies. When these strategies are effective, implementation within occupational health services can take place to guide construction companies (and others) with the implementation of ergonomic measures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

[corrected] Trailnumber: ISRCTN73075751, Date of registration: 30 July 2013.

Changes in pain catastrophizing following physical therapy for musculoskeletal injury: the influence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors that influence the change in pain catastrophizing during the course of a physical therapy intervention for musculoskeletal injury.

METHODS

187 clients enrolled in a 7-week physical therapy intervention were divided into four mutually exclusive groups on the basis of a pre-treatment assessment: (1) clients whose pre-treatment catastrophizing scores and measures of mental health problems were below clinical threshold, (2) clients whose pre-treatment catastrophizing scores were above clinical threshold but who scores on measures of mental health problems were below clinical threshold, (3) clients whose pre-treatment catastrophizing scores were above clinical threshold and whose scores on measures of mental health problems were also above clinical threshold, and (4) clients whose pre-treatment catastrophizing scores were below clinical threshold but whose scores on measures of mental health problems were above clinical threshold.

RESULTS

The most prevalent risk profile consisted of clients with high levels of pain catastrophizing and high mental health problems (37 %), followed by the low catastrophizing and low mental health problems profile (35 %), the high catastrophizing and low mental health problems profile (16 %), and low catastrophizing and high mental health problems profile (10 %). Clients were considered non-responders if their post-treatment catastrophizing score remained above clinical threshold following treatment. Chi square analyses revealed a significantly higher proportion of non-responders in the high catastrophizing and mental health problem group than in any other group.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of mental health symptoms markedly reduces the effectiveness of physical therapy for reducing catastrophizing scores. The 'risk value' of high catastrophizing scores thus appears to vary as a function of the presence or absence of mental health symptoms. The findings argue for the inclusion of measures of mental health problems in the routine screening of individuals treated in physical therapy.

Physical health-related quality of life predicts disability pension due to musculoskeletal disorders: seven years follow-up of the Hordaland Health Study Cohort

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal diseases are characterized by a high degree of comorbidity with common mental disorders and are a major cause of health-related exclusion from working life. Using a prospective design we aimed to examine the relative importance of physical and mental health-related quality of life as predictors of disability pension due to musculoskeletal diseases.

METHODS

A subsample (N = 18,581) born 1953-1957, participated in the The Hordaland Health Study (HUSK) during 1997-1999, and was followed through December 31st 2004. Baseline measures of health-related quality of life were estimated using the Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the Short Form-12 (SF-12). Further information on education, occupation, smoking, physical activity, number of musculoskeletal pain sites and BMI were provided by questionnaires and health examination. The association between self-perceived physical and mental health and subsequent disability pension, obtained from the national database of health and social benefits was estimated using Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Participants reporting poor physical health (quartile 1) had a marked increased risk for disability pension due to musculoskeletal diseases (age and gender-adjusted hazard ratio = 22.1, 95% CI = 12.5-39.0) compared with those reporting good/somewhat good physical health (quartiles 4 and 3 combined). Adjustment for socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors slightly attenuated the association (hazard ratio = 16.7), and adding number of reported pain sites weakened the association even more (hazard ratio = 7.1, 95% CI = 3.8-12.8). Also, participants reporting poor mental health had a higher risk for disability pension due to musculoskeletal diseases (age and gender adjusted hazard ratio = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.6); however, in the final model the risk was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The physical component in health-related quality of life (SF-12) was a strong predictor of disability pension due to musculoskeletal diseases, whereas the mental component played a less prominent role.

Recommendations for exercise adherence measures in musculoskeletal settings: a systematic review and consensus meeting (protocol)

BACKGROUND

Exercise programmes are frequently advocated for the management of musculoskeletal disorders; however, adherence is an important pre-requisite for their success. The assessment of exercise adherence requires the use of relevant and appropriate measures, but guidance for appropriate assessment does not exist. This research will identify and evaluate the quality and acceptability of all measures used to assess exercise adherence within a musculoskeletal setting, seeking to reach consensus for the most relevant and appropriate measures for application in research and/or clinical practice settings.

METHODS/DESIGN

There are two key stages to the proposed research. First, a systematic review of the quality and acceptability of measures used to assess exercise adherence in musculoskeletal disorders; second, a consensus meeting. The systematic review will be conducted in two phases and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a robust methodology. Phase one will identify all measures that have been used to assess exercise adherence in a musculoskeletal setting. Phase two will seek to identify published and unpublished evidence of the measurement and practical properties of identified measures. Study quality will be assessed against the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. A shortlist of best quality measures will be produced for consideration during stage two: a meeting of relevant stakeholders in the United Kingdom during which consensus on the most relevant and appropriate measures of exercise adherence for application in research and/or clinical practice settings will be sought.

DISCUSSION

This study will benefit clinicians who seek to evaluate patients' levels of exercise adherence and those intending to undertake research, service evaluation, or audit relating to exercise adherence in the musculoskeletal field. The findings will impact upon new research studies which aim to understand the factors that predict adherence with exercise and which test different adherence-enhancing interventions. PROSPERO reference: CRD42013006212.

A prospective study of musculoskeletal outcomes among manufacturing workers: II. Effects of psychosocial stress and work organization factors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize associations between psychosocial and work organizational risk factors and upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders.

BACKGROUND

Methodological limitations of previous studies of psychosocial and work organizational risk factors and musculoskeletal outcomes have produced inconsistent associations.

METHOD

In this prospective epidemiologic study of 386 workers, questionnaires to assess decision latitude ("control") and psychological job demands ("demand") were administered to study participants and were used to classify them into job strain "quadrants". Measures of job stress and job change were collected during each week of follow-up. Incident hand/arm and neck/shoulder symptoms and disorders were ascertained weekly. Associations between exposure measures and musculoskeletal outcomes were estimated with proportional hazard methods.

RESULTS

When compared to the low-demand/high-control job strain referent category, large increases in risk of hand/arm disorders were observed for both high-demand/high-control (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.23, 16.4]) and high-demand/low-control job strain categories (HR = 5.18,95% CI = [1.39, 19.4]). Similar associations were observed for hand/arm symptoms. A strong association was also observed between the low-demand/low-control job strain category and neck/shoulder disorders (HR = 6.46, 95% CI = [1.46, 28.6]). Statistically significant associations were also observed between weekly stress level and weekly job change and several musculoskeletal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Associations between psychosocial risk factors and work organizational factors and musculoskeletal outcomes were large and in the hypothesized direction.

APPLICATION

Prevention of occupational musculoskeletal disorders may require attention to psychosocial and work organizational factors in addition to physical factors. Methods to control adverse effects of psychosocial and work organizational risk factors should be explored.

Constant negotiating: managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders while remaining at the workplace

We used grounded theory to explore processes and strategies used by workers affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) while they remained in the workplace, and we developed a theory to describe the overall process. Participants included 25 workers affected by WMSDs who were currently employed in various workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The theoretical model has five main phases: (a) becoming concerned, (b) getting medical help, (c) dealing with the workplace, (d) making adjustments to lifestyle, and (e) taking charge, each with separate subphases. Constant negotiating was the core variable that explained the overall process, with workers engaged in negotiations with others in occupational, health, and social contexts. Using a two-dimensional figure, we illustrate the negotiation strategies workers used. We discuss implications for health care, workplaces, education, and research for creating a culture of understanding and respect for injured workers who wish to remain working after developing WMSDs.

Is complementary and alternative medicine effective in job satisfaction among dentists with musculoskeletal disorders? A cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders have serious impact on the profession of dentistry. There is common occurrence of pain due to incorrect posture in dental professionals. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies may cast a new light on preventing and intercepting musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). An epidemiological study was conducted in an effort to contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSD at dentists using CAM as a treatment and preventive modality for MSD and to compare job/career satisfaction between dentists who use CAM and conventional therapy (CT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dentists registered in Uttrakhand state, India, under the Dental Council of India and registered members of the Indian Dental Association, Uttrakhand branch (N = 1496) were surveyed. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 17.

RESULTS

A response rate of 84% (N = 1257) was obtained, revealing that 90% (N = 1131) had the problem of MSD. Seventy three percentage (N = 826) of dentists with MSD reported the use of CAM and CT. Complementary and alternative medicine users reported greater overall health (72.7% vs. 51%, p < 0.001), job satisfaction (61.2% vs. 35%, p < 0.001) and work efficiency compared to CT users.

CONCLUSION

Complementary and alternative medicine therapies may improve quality of life, reduce work interruption and enhance job satisfaction for dentists who suffers from MSD. Through the course of their studies, dentists should be equipped with knowledge on ergonomics and CAM therapies, such as yoga and others, to help them prevent musculoskeletal disorders more effectively.

Epidemiology of health concerns among collegiate student musicians participating in marching band

Participation in marching band requires intense physical and mental requirements, altered and potentially elevated biomechanical demands related to performing musical instruments while marching, routine exposures to elevated noise levels and at times hazardous weather conditions, and time commitments for practice and travel. Unfortunately, there are no known epidemiologic studies that systematically examine the perception of health-related consequences among college students participating in a collegiate marching band. There are no known studies that attempt to understand if the perceived consequences of marching band are different for students majoring in music compared to non-music major students. In response to this deficiency, this study collected and characterized occupational health patterns and concerns associated with participation in a collegiate marching band. Members of a large collegiate marching band (n=246/310, 76%) responded to a 70-item epidemiologic survey. Results reveal patterns of health concerns and how they differ when compared across music majors vs non-music majors and instrument groups.

Yoga for functional ability, pain and psychosocial outcomes in musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Musculoskeletal conditions (MSCs) are the leading cause of disability and chronic pain in the developed world, impacting both functional ability and psychosocial health. The current review investigates the effectiveness of yoga on primary outcomes of functional ability, pain and psychosocial outcomes across a range of MSCs.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of 20 databases was conducted for full-text, randomized controlled trials of yoga in clinically diagnosed MSCs.

RESULT

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 1,626 participants with low back pain (LBP), osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), kyphosis or fibromyalgia. Studies were quality rated, and analysed for the effect of yoga on primary outcomes, immediately post-intervention. Twelve studies were rated as good quality. Yoga interventions resulted in a clinically significant improvement in functional outcomes in mild-to-moderate LBP and fibromyalgia, and showed a trend to improvement in kyphosis. Yoga significantly improved pain in OA, RA and mild-to-severe LBP. Psychosocial outcomes were significantly improved in mild-to-moderate LBP and OA. Meta-analysis of good-quality studies showed a moderate treatment effect for yoga of -0.64 (95%CI -0.89 to -0.39) for functional outcomes and -0.61 (95%CI -0.97 to -0.26) for pain outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that yoga is an acceptable and safe intervention, which may result in clinically relevant improvements in pain and functional outcomes associated with a range of MSCs. Future analysis of outcomes which take into account the amount of yoga received by participants may provide insight into any putative duration or dosage effects of yoga interventions for MSCs.

Psychological factors at work and musculoskeletal disorders: a one year prospective study

The etiology of musculoskeletal disorders is complex, with physical and psychosocial working conditions playing an important role. This study aimed to determine the relationship between psychosocial work conditions, such as psychological job demands, decision latitude, social support and job insecurity and musculoskeletal complains (MSCs) and (repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) in a 1-year prospective study. The job content questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and provocation tests were used to study 725 employees aged 20-70 years. Pain in the lower back (58 % of subjects), neck (57 %), wrists/hands (47 %) and upper back (44 %) was most frequent. The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (33.6 %), rotator cuff tendinitis (15.4 %), Guyon's canal syndrome (13.4 %), lateral epicondylitis (7.6 %), medial epicondylitis (5.3 %), tendinitis of forearm-wrist extensors (7.8 %) and tendinitis of forearm-wrist flexors (7.3 %) were the most frequent RSIs. Logistic analysis showed that increased psychological job demands statistically significantly increased the probability of lateral and medial epicondylitis, and increased control (decision latitude) statistically significantly decreased the risk of CTS. There was no relationship between job insecurity, social support and the studied RSIs. Psychosocial factors at work predict prevalence of MSCs and RSIs, irrespectively of demographic factors, e.g., age or gender, and organizational and physical factors.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument: a cross-sectional evaluation in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires to evaluate pediatric musculoskeletal diseases in Brazil. The Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) is widely used elsewhere for pediatric patients with musculoskeletal disorders, but it has not been fully validated in Brazil. Validation of the PODCI in the Brazilian Portuguese language is important to improve the assessment of pediatric patients with musculoskeletal diseases and to compare Brazilian study results with results from the international literature. This study aimed to analyze the test-re-test reliability and the convergent validity indicators for the quality of life scores obtained by application of the PODCI to children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

The PODCI underwent translation, transcultural adaptation, and field testing. Fifty-seven children and adolescents with JIA were administered the PODCI questionnaire. The Child Health Questionnaire - Parent Form 28 (CHQ PF-28) was used as the gold standard. Pain scales were employed, clinical examinations were performed, and laboratory inflammatory activity tests were conducted.

RESULTS

The three versions of the PODCI exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient > 0.70), good reproducibility (p < 0.05), and good correlation compared with the gold standard (CHQ), as shown by a Spearman coefficient (Rho) > 0.40 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The PODCI was validated in patients with JIA in Brazil. This questionnaire was found to be valid, precise, and reliable. It can be successfully applied in research conducted by healthcare professionals who work with children and adolescents with musculoskeletal system disorders.

Work-related musculoskeletal injury and suicide: opportunities for intervention and therapeutic jurisprudence

This article presents evidence for the existence of a common trajectory from work-related musculoskeletal injury to suicide. Specifically, it is argued that the pathway from injury to suicide is typically mediated by three critical events: unsuccessful return to work; the development of chronic pain or disability; and suicidal ideation in the context of chronic pain. The moderating influence of systemic factors is also examined, along with opportunities for intervention at the individual and systemic levels, the latter arising from a therapeutic jurisprudence perspective.

Occupational hazards in a public ambulance service

AIM

To identify the occupational risks in an ambulance service and to assess their impact on the health of employees.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two marched groups (number, sex, age, length of exposure) from two different work sectors were selected. A 60 item questionnaire was used. The 60 items were grouped into four categories related to work organization, work environment, neuropsychosensorial risk factors and health system and occupational safety-related risk factors and hazards. The data were statistically processed, significant correlations between the risk factors and the associated symptoms being found.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Compared to the control group, significantly higher values (p<0.001) for work complexity, work environment factors, and organizational risk factors (walking on uneven ground, carrying weight, vicious postures) were found in ambulance service staff; cervical and lumbar spine problems were the most common complaints of ambulance service staff.

CONCLUSION

The specific risk factors for ambulance service employees directly related to musculoskeletal disorders have been established.

Prevalence, predictors and covariates of functional status impairment among Finnish Second World War veterans during 1992-2004

BACKGROUND

the functional status is one of the most important health measurements in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported physical and mental conditions among Finnish Second World War veterans during 1992-2004. We also aimed to study the ability of these conditions in 1992 to predict the functional status impairment in 2004 and to determine whether the worsening of symptoms or the onset of new diseases during 1992-2004 was associated with impaired basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in 2004.

METHODS

the study population was 4,999 veterans living in Finland participating in both the Veteran Project 1992 and 2004. Logistic regression models were employed to identify predictors for impaired BADL and IADL. Analyses were conducted separately for men with and without disability and for women.

RESULTS

the highest risk estimate for impaired BADL in 2004 was in men without disability who had a neurological disease in 1992 [odds ratios (OR): 5.78, 95% CI: 2.49-13.43], in men with disability with walking difficulties in 1992 (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.79-3.25) and in women with a musculoskeletal disease in 1992 (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.58-3.62). For impaired IADL, walking difficulties had the highest risk estimate in all veteran groups.

CONCLUSION

mental and physical conditions, especially walking difficulties, can predict veterans' future functional impairment even 12 years in advance, and worsening of these conditions is associated with impaired ADL.

Effect on health-related quality of life of a multimodal physiotherapy program in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders are major causes of morbidity in the world, and these conditions have a strong negative influence in terms of health-related quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an 8-week multimodal physical therapy program on general health state and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

METHODS

There were 244 participants in this prospective cohort analysis with 8-week follow-up. The primary outcome was general health state (physical and mental components), determined with the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12). The secondary outcome was health related quality of life, determined with the EuroQoL-5D and VAS. The intervention was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-outcome measurements. T-tests were performed for paired data.

RESULTS

Differences were statistically significant for physical health state: +1.68 (p < 0.05) (baseline: 42.38); mental health state: +3.15 (p < 0.001) (baseline: 46.57); and health related quality of life: +0.18 (EuroQoL 5D) (baseline: 46.57) and +7.22 (EuroQoL_VAS) (p < 0.001) (baseline: 60.81). Intervention resulted in clinically relevant changes in terms of percentage improvement from baseline scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Eight weeks of a Multimodal Physical Therapy Program seemed to moderately enhance the general health state and HRQoL of patients with chronic musculoskeletal diseases. This kind of therapeutic exercise can be recommended to patients with chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain and osteoarthritis, at least in the short term.

Gender differences in personal and work-related determinants of return-to-work following long-term disability: a 5-year cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the differential effect of personal and work-related psychosocial, physical and organizational determinants by gender on time to return-to-work (RTW) following long-term disability.

METHODS

Data come from a larger study conducted in the province of Quebec, Canada. A cohort of 455 adults on long-term disability due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders at the back/neck/upper limb was followed for 5 years through structured interviews and administrative databases. Left-truncated Cox regression modeling stratified by gender was used to assess time to a first partial or full RTW of at least 3 days.

RESULTS

Survival curves of time to RTW were similar between men and women on long-term disability (log-rank test p value = 0.920) but many personal and occupational factors influencing RTW differed by gender. Women's risk factors included older age (HR = 0.734--in 10 years unit), poor to very poor perceived economic status (HR = 0.625), working ≥40 h/week and having dependents (HR = 0.508) and awareness of workplace-based occupational health and safety program (HR = 0.598); higher gross annual income (in $10,000 s) was a facilitator (HR = 1.225). In men, being over 55 years old (HR = 0.458), poor perceived economic status (HR = 0.653), working ≥40 h/week and high perceived physical workload (HR = 0.720) and higher job insecurity (HR = 0.825) negatively influenced time to RTW. For both men and women, probabilities of not returning to work varied widely according to workers' specific profile of personal and occupational factors (high or low risk profile).

CONCLUSION

Results confirm the importance of gender-sensitive strategies to investigate RTW determinants from a gender perspective.

Self perceptions as predictors for return to work 2 years after rehabilitation in orthopedic trauma inpatients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify self-perception variables which may predict return to work (RTW) in orthopedic trauma patients 2 years after rehabilitation.

METHODS

A prospective cohort investigated 1,207 orthopedic trauma inpatients, hospitalised in rehabilitation, clinics at admission, discharge, and 2 years after discharge. Information on potential predictors was obtained from self administered questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were applied.

RESULTS

In the final model, a higher likelihood of RTW was predicted by: better general health and lower pain at admission; health and pain improvements during hospitalisation; lower impact of event (IES-R) avoidance behaviour score; higher IES-R hyperarousal score, higher SF-36 mental score and low perceived severity of the injury.

CONCLUSION

RTW is not only predicted by perceived health, pain and severity of the accident at the beginning of a rehabilitation program, but also by the changes in pain and health perceptions observed during hospitalisation.

Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in music students-associated musculoskeletal signs

BACKGROUND

Pain and overuse are common problems for musicians. Up to 80% of professional musicians suffer from playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). The prevalence rate in music students is very high as well. Sufficient data on the underlying musculoskeletal dysfunctions however is scarce. Additionally, the self-assessment of health in musicians seems to differ compared to non-musicians, which might influence their attitudes concerning preventive strategies.

AIM

Evaluation of frequency of PRMD in music students, investigation of signs and symptoms in music students compared to non-music controls, comparison of self-reported health and well-being between the two groups.

DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional, case control, non-randomized.

SETTING

Other (University volunteers).

POPULATION

Music students in comparison to a non-music control group.

METHOD

Musculoskeletal examination and questionnaire of 36 volunteers of a music university and 19 volunteer students of an university of education were analyzed. The total number of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and differences between the student groups were examined. The personal pain and health self-rating were compared between music and non-music students.

RESULTS

Eighty one percent of musicians experienced PRMD. Musicians experienced 6.19 pain regions on average compared to 4.31 of non-musicians. Musicians experiencing PRMD reported significantly (P<0.05) more pain locations than musicians without. Music students presented with nearly the double amount (8.39 versus 4.37) of musculoskeletal dysfunctions per person compared to the non-music control group. Nevertheless, musicians significantly (P<0.05) rated their health more positively than the controls.

CONCLUSION

Musicians presented with more pain regions and a higher amount of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Further studies evaluating the clinical relevance and their role in the development of PRMD are warranted.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Screening of musicians for musculoskeletal dysfunction may identify those musicians at increased risk. Early treatment may prevent PRMD in musicians. Additional research is needed to confirm our hypothesis.

What is the rate of functional improvement during occupational rehabilitation in workers' compensation claimants?

OBJECTIVES

We examined the rate of functional change (using performance measures and a self-report questionnaire) during interdisciplinary occupational rehabilitation in workers' compensation claimants with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. We also estimated the rate of improvement that could be considered clinically important and examined factors associated with rate of functional improvement.

METHODS

A prospective cohort design was used, with data collected before and after claimants participated in an interdisciplinary occupational rehabilitation program. A consecutive sample was formed of claimants admitted between July 2005 and June 2007. Measures included performance-based functional measures (functional capacity evaluation, FCE) and a self-report questionnaire (pain disability index, PDI).

RESULTS

The sample included 582 compensation claimants with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. The majority of claimants experienced functional improvement during rehabilitation. Claimants with the outcome status 'Return-to-Work Pre-accident' had the highest rate of functional change (up to 5 kg/week on floor to waist lifting, ~7 points/week on the PDI).

CONCLUSION

The clinically important rate of functional change appears to be 5 kg/week on FCE floor-to-waist lifting and 7 points/week on the PDI (scored out of 100). Rate of functional change appears to be multifactorial, with a variety of physical, demographic, clinical, and environmental factors explaining rate of change.

Outpatients' perceptions of their experiences in musculoskeletal rehabilitation care

BACKGROUND

While patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation care is often measured, the knowledge of their experiences during delivery of care and of which characteristics may lead them to experience problems remains largely undocumented.

AIM

To assess the quality of patients' experiences receiving post-acute care for musculoskeletal disorders in outpatient rehabilitation settings. To describe the extent to which variations in reported quality of patients' experiences were related to their characteristics.

DESIGN

A cross sectional, self-reported survey.

SETTING

3 outpatient rehabilitation units.

POPULATION

Four hundred sixty-five outpatients. Mean age 39.4 (SD=11.9).

METHODS

A problem score (from 0 to 100%) of self-reported experiences was calculated on 7 specific aspects of care (belonging to organizational environment and professionals' attitudes and behaviors) and compared among participants' subgroups.

RESULTS

Mean scores of the organizational environment area showed higher amount of problems (43.3%) than the professionals' attitudes and behaviours area (34.7%). Two multivariate linear regression models (with adjusted R(2) 9.3% and 4.9%) indicated that older patients and those with high global rating change were less likely to experience problems in the two areas.

CONCLUSION

Problems on aspects of care were commonly experienced by patients with musculoskeletal disorders in outpatient rehabilitation settings. The age and health of patients were associated to these problems, but explained only a small variation in them.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Surveys measuring patients' experiences can be used to monitor the actual performance of rehabilitation settings and to pinpoint the exact issues needing to be addressed to improve quality as well as to make comparison among centres.