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Weir J, Fary R, Gibson M, Mitchell T, Johnston V, Wyatt M, Guthrie R, Myers B, Beales D. Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers' Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2024:10.1007/s10926-023-10168-6. [PMID: 38286892 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A workers' compensation claim may have significant negative impacts on an injured worker's wellbeing. Wellbeing provides a good global measure of potential effects of a claim on an individual, and is important for contemporary economic modelling. The purpose of this study was to synthesize knowledge about the wellbeing of injured workers after the finalization of a workers' compensation claim and identify gaps in the current literature. METHODS A systematic scoping review was conducted. RESULTS 71 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, with 32 articles eligible for this review. None of the included articles evaluated overall wellbeing. Included articles did evaluate a variety of constructs inherent in wellbeing. Injured workers were generally disadvantaged in some manner following claim finalization. The literature recommends a focus on reducing negative impacts on injured workers after finalization of a compensation claim, with a need for regulatory bodies to review policy in this area. CONCLUSION There appears to be potential for ongoing burden for individuals, employers, and society after finalization of a workers' compensation claim. A gap in knowledge exists regarding the specific evaluation of wellbeing of injured workers following finalization of a workers' compensation claim.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Weir
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Robyn Fary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute and Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Gibson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tim Mitchell
- Pain Options, 7 Hardy Street, South Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Venerina Johnston
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Darling Heights, Australia
| | - Mary Wyatt
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD, Australia
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert Guthrie
- Faculty of Business and Law, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute and Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Darren Beales
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute and Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Martin CJ, Woods S, Bertke S, Pinkerton L, Jin C. Increased Mortality Associated With Disability Among Workers' Compensation Claimants With Upper Extremity Neuropathy. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:798-802. [PMID: 37367631 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare mortality after disabling and nondisabling occupational injuries. METHODS Vital status was ascertained through 2020 for 2077 individuals with a workers' compensation claim for upper extremity neuropathy in West Virginia in 1998 or 1999. Standardized mortality ratios compared mortality to the West Virginia general population. Hazard ratios (HRs) obtained from Cox regression models compared mortality among those with and without lost work time or permanent disability. RESULTS Overall, the standardized mortality ratio for accidental poisoning deaths was elevated (1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.68). All-cause mortality HRs and cancer HRs were elevated for lost work time (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.93-1.28; HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09-2.08, respectively) and permanent disability (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04-1.44; HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.27-2.48, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Work-related disability was associated with broad elevations in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Martin
- From the West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia (C.J.M., S.W., C.J.); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio (S.B.); and Maximus, Inc, McLean, Virginia (L.P.)
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Boden LI, Asfaw A, Busey A, Tripodis Y, O'Leary PK, Applebaum KM, Stokes AC, Fox MP. Increased all-cause mortality following occupational injury: a comparison of two states. Occup Environ Med 2022; 79:816-823. [PMID: 36253089 PMCID: PMC10124819 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure the impact of lost-time occupational injuries on all-cause mortality in Washington State and, using the same data elements and study design, to determine whether the estimated impact was similar to previous estimates for New Mexico. METHODS We linked injuries in the Washington workers' compensation system with Social Security Administration data on earnings and mortality. We estimated Cox survival models of mortality for women and men with lost-time compared with medical-only injuries, adjusting for age, pre-injury earnings and industry. We used quantitative bias analysis to account for confounding by pre-injury smoking and obesity. RESULTS The estimated mortality HR was 1.24 for women (95% CI 1.21 to 1.28) and 1.22 for men (95% CI 1.20 to 1.24). After adjusting for unmeasured pre-injury smoking and obesity, the estimated HR for women was 1.10, 95% simulation interval (SI) 1.00 to 1.21; for men, it was 1.15, 95% SI 1.04 to 1.27. CONCLUSIONS All-cause mortality for Washington workers with lost-time injuries was higher than for those with medical-only injuries. Estimated HRs for Washington were consistent with those previously estimated for New Mexico, a less populous state with lower median wages and a different workers' compensation insurance mechanism. This suggests that the relationship between workplace injury and long-term mortality may be generalisable to other US states. These findings support greater efforts to enhance safety and to investigate factors that improve postinjury employment opportunities and long-term health. This association should be examined in additional locations, with different study conditions, or using additional data on pre-injury risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie I Boden
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abay Asfaw
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrew Busey
- NERA Economic Consulting, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul K O'Leary
- Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, U.S. Social Security Administration, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Katie M Applebaum
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrew C Stokes
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Jajtner KM, Brucker DL, Mitra S. Midlife Work Limitations are Associated with Lower Odds of Survival and Healthy Aging. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:790-802. [PMID: 34791218 PMCID: PMC8974351 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health conditions that limit work are associated with myriad socioeconomic disadvantages and around half of Americans could face a work limitation at some point in their working career. Our study examines the relationship between midlife work limitations and two aging outcomes: longevity and healthy aging. METHODS Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and restricted mortality data, multivariate logistic regressions estimate the odds of desirable aging outcomes around age 65 for individuals with various midlife work limitation histories in samples of around 2,000 individuals. RESULTS Midlife work limitations are consistently linked with a lower likelihood of desirable aging outcomes. Temporary limitations are associated with 59% and 69% lower survival and healthy aging odds, respectively. Chronic limitations are associated with approximately 80% lower survival odds and 90% lower healthy aging odds at age 65. DISCUSSION Even temporary work limitations can be highly disadvantageous for aging outcomes, emphasizing the need to understand different work limitation histories. Future research should identify underlying mechanisms linking midlife work limitations and less desirable aging outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Jajtner
- Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,Address correspondence to: Katie M. Jajtner, PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1180 Observatory Dr. Rm. 4408, Madison, WI 53706, USA. E-mail:
| | - Debra L Brucker
- Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Sophie Mitra
- Department of Economics, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA
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Sears JM, Fulton‐Kehoe D, Hogg‐Johnson S. Initial return to work and long-term employment patterns: Associations with work-related permanent impairment and with participation in workers' compensation-based return-to-work programs. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:323-337. [PMID: 33616241 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roughly 10% of injured workers experience work injuries that result in permanent impairment and a permanent partial disability (PPD) award. This study aimed to characterize and quantify long-term employment outcomes for injured workers, by the degree of whole body impairment (WBI) and by participation in several workers' compensation (WC)-based return-to-work (RTW) programs. METHODS A retrospective cohort of 43,968 Washington State workers were followed for up to 10 years after WC claim closure (2009-2017). Degree of impairment was classified as: (1) no PPD award, (2) PPD award with WBI < 10%, or (3) PPD award with WBI ≥ 10%. State wage files were used to construct employment outcomes for regression, modeling: (1) time to first RTW, (2) time to first RTW interruption, (3) RTW volatility, and (4) employment gaps. RESULTS Wage patterns and employment outcomes differed significantly by the degree of impairment. Compared to other workers, workers with WBI ≥ 10% had delayed RTW, shorter average times to first RTW interruption, and higher rates of both RTW interruptions and quarters without wages. Time to first RTW averaged over a year, increasing with the degree of impairment. About 9% overall-and 27% of workers with ≥10% WBI-had no observed wages after claim closure. In adjusted models, workers with WBI ≥ 10% had significantly poorer employment outcomes, compared to workers with no PPD award (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS State wage files provide an efficient approach to identifying RTW patterns. Workers with permanent impairment were at substantially higher risk of poor employment outcomes. WC-based RTW programs may promote better employment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Sears
- Department of Health Services University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Deborah Fulton‐Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Sheilah Hogg‐Johnson
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Sears JM, Schulman BA, Fulton-Kehoe D, Hogg-Johnson S. Workforce Reintegration After Work-Related Permanent Impairment: A Look at the First Year After Workers' Compensation Claim Closure. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:219-231. [PMID: 32651725 PMCID: PMC7796860 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09912-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to descriptively quantify experiences of injured workers with permanent impairment during their first year of work reintegration. Methods A representative survey was conducted to characterize health, disability, pain, employment, reinjury, and economic outcomes for 598 workers with permanent impairment who had returned to work during the year after workers' compensation claim closure. Survey responses were summarized by degree of whole body impairment (< 10% vs. ≥ 10%). Results Injured workers who had returned to work reported that permanent impairment made it difficult to get a job (47%) and to keep their job (58%). A year after claim closure, 66% reported moderate to very severe pain; 40% reported pain interference with work. About 13% reported new work injuries; over half thought permanent impairment increased their reinjury risk. Asked to compare current to pre-injury work status, workers with a higher degree of impairment more frequently reported working fewer hours (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.06, 2.42), earning less (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.04, 2.36), and being at higher risk of losing their current job due to their impairment (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.01, 2.71). Conclusions Injured workers with permanent impairment face long-term challenges related to health limitations, chronic pain, work reintegration, and economic impacts. Workers with a higher degree of impairment more frequently reported several economic and job security challenges. Developing workplace and workers' compensation-based interventions that reduce return-to-work interruption and reinjury for workers with permanent impairment should be prioritized as an important public health and societal goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Box 357660, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Beryl A Schulman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deborah Fulton-Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sheilah Hogg-Johnson
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sears JM, Schulman BA, Fulton‐Kehoe D, Hogg‐Johnson S. Estimating time to reinjury among Washington State injured workers by degree of permanent impairment: Using state wage data to adjust for time at risk. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:13-25. [PMID: 33210293 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many injured workers are reinjured, but reinjury risk is challenging to quantify. Because many injured workers face delayed return-to-work, or return to part-time or intermittent jobs, a calendar timescale may overestimate actual work-time at risk, yielding underestimated reinjury rates. Objectives included determining: (1) reinjury risk by degree of permanent impairment and other factors, and (2) how choice of timescale affects reinjury estimates. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included Washington State workers' compensation (WC) claims for 43,114 injured workers, linked to state wage files (2003-2018). Three timescales were used to define at-risk denominators: (1) calendar quarters; (2) quarters with any wages; and (3) full-time equivalent (FTE) quarters, defined as cumulative work hours ÷ 520. Associations between reinjury outcomes and worker, injury, job, and WC vocational rehabilitation program participation characteristics were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Overall reinjury rates were 5.9 per 100 worker-years using a calendar timescale (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.8-6.0), 10.0 using any-wage quarters (95% CI: 9.9-10.2), and 12.5 using FTE quarters (95% CI: 12.3-12.7). Reinjury rates were highest in the first two quarters after initial injury, remaining elevated for about 4 years. Using FTE quarters, workers with ≥10% whole body impairment had a 34% higher risk of reinjury relative to workers with no permanent partial disability award (95% CI: 1.25-1.44); no difference was detected using calendar time. CONCLUSIONS Timescale substantially affects reinjury estimates and comparisons between groups with differential return-to-work patterns. Linking wage data to WC claims facilitates measurement of long-term employment, yielding more accurate reinjury estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Sears
- Department of Health Services University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Work and Health Ontario Toronto Canada
| | - Beryl A. Schulman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Deborah Fulton‐Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Sheilah Hogg‐Johnson
- Institute for Work and Health Ontario Toronto Canada
- Research and Innovation Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Toronto Ontario Canada
- Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Martin CJ, Jin C, Bertke SJ, Yiin JH, Pinkerton LE. Increased overall and cause-specific mortality associated with disability among workers' compensation claimants with low back injuries. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:209-217. [PMID: 31833089 PMCID: PMC9969356 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality tends to be higher among people who do not work than among workers, but the impact of work-related disability on mortality has not been well studied. METHODS The vital status through 2015 was ascertained for 14 219 workers with an accepted workers' compensation claim in West Virginia for a low back injury in 1998 or 1999. Mortality among the cohort compared with the West Virginia general population was assessed using standard life table techniques. Associations of mortality and disability-related factors within the cohort were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Compared to the general population, mortality from accidental poisoning was significantly elevated among the overall cohort and lost-time claimants. Most deaths from accidental poisoning in the cohort were due to drug overdoses involving opioids. Mortality from intentional self-harm was also significantly elevated among lost-time claimants. In internal analyses, overall mortality and mortality from cancer, heart disease, intentional self-harm, and drug overdoses involving opioids was significantly associated with lost time. Overall mortality and mortality from drug overdoses involving opioids were also significantly associated with amount of lost time, permanent partial disability, and percent permanent disability. Heart disease mortality was also significantly associated with the amount of lost time. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that disability itself may impact mortality risks. If confirmed, these results reinforce the importance of return to work and other efforts to reduce disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Martin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - ChuanFang Jin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Stephen J. Bertke
- Field Research Branch, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - James H. Yiin
- Field Research Branch, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lynne E. Pinkerton
- Field Research Branch, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio,Attain, LLC, McLean, Virginia
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Scott KA, Liao Q, Fisher GG, Stallones L, DiGuiseppi C, Tompa E. Early labor force exit subsequent to permanently impairing occupational injury or illness among workers 50-64 years of age. Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:317-325. [PMID: 29400406 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severity of workplace injury tends to increase with age. Whether older workers who experience a workplace injury or illness exit the labor force sooner than comparable peers is not established. METHODS A case-cohort study design and complementary log-log model were used to identify factors associated with average time to early substantial labor force exit among workers' compensation claimants 50-64 years of age with permanent impairment from an occupational injury or illness. Analysis was based on Ontario's workers' compensation claimant data from 1998 to 2006 linked with Canadian tax files. RESULTS Workers with permanent impairment left the labor force earlier, on average, than peers without claims. Early retirement was associated with older age in the injury/illness year, greater impairment, lower pre-claim income, physically demanding jobs, and soft-tissue injuries. CONCLUSIONS Policies aiming to extend older adults' working lives should account for the potentially disparate impacts on older workers of occupational injury and illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Scott
- Denver Public Health; Denver Health and Hospital Authority; Denver, Colorado
| | - Qing Liao
- Institute for Work and Health; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Gwenith G. Fisher
- Department of Psychology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lorann Stallones
- Department of Psychology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Epidemiology; Colorado School of Public Health; Aurora, Colorado
| | - Carolyn DiGuiseppi
- Department of Epidemiology; Colorado School of Public Health; Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emile Tompa
- Institute for Work and Health; Toronto Ontario Canada
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Boden LI, O'Leary PK, Applebaum KM, Tripodis Y. The impact of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses on mortality. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:1061-1069. [PMID: 27427538 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little research has examined the relationship between non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses, and long-term mortality. METHODS We linked non-fatal injury cases reported to the New Mexico workers' compensation system for 1994-2000 with Social Security Administration data on individual earnings and mortality through 2014. We then derived sex-specific Kaplan-Meier curves to show time to death for workers with lost-time injuries (n = 36,377) and comparison workers (n = 70,951). We fit multivariable Cox survival models to estimate the hazard ratio separately for male and female workers with lost-time injuries. RESULTS The estimated hazard ratio for lost-time injuries is 1.24 for women and 1.21 for men. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals were 1.15, 1.35 and 1.15, 1.27, respectively. CONCLUSION Lost-time occupational injuries are associated with a substantially elevated mortality hazard. This implies an important formerly unmeasured cost of these injuries and a further reason to focus on preventing them. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1061-1069, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie I. Boden
- Department of Environmental Health; Boston University School of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Paul K. O'Leary
- U.S. Social Security Administration; Office of Retirement and Disability Policy; Washington District of Columbia
| | - Katie M. Applebaum
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health; Milken Institute School of Public Health; George Washington University; Washington District of Columbia
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics; Boston University School of Public Health; Boston Massachusetts
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Rachiwong S, Panasiriwong P, Saosomphop J, Widjaja W, Ajjimaporn A. Effects of Modified Hatha Yoga in Industrial Rehabilitation on Physical Fitness and Stress of Injured Workers. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2015; 25:669-674. [PMID: 25757725 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-015-9574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of modified hatha yoga training on physical fitness and stress level in injured workers. METHODS Eighteen male and female injured workers, age between 18 and 55 years, participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: an additive hatha yoga training to routine industrial rehabilitation program group (HYG: n = 9) and a control group with no yoga training (CG: n = 9). A modified hatha yoga protocol was designed for this population by two certified yoga instructors, approved by a physical therapist, and conducted for 1 h, three times weekly for 8 weeks. Physical fitness variables including flexibility of lower back and hamstrings, hand grip strength and lung capacity and scores of sensitivity to stress were evaluated at the time of recruitment and after 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS The values of all physical fitness variables and stress scores were no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. Significant post-yoga improvements for HYG group were noted in flexibility, hand grip strength, and vital capacity (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant change in the CG group. Stress scores did not change as a result of hatha yoga training. CONCLUSION An 8-week modified hatha yoga training experience exerted therapeutic effects on physical fitness variables including flexibility of lower back and hamstrings, hand grip strength and vital capacity, but not on stress level in injured workers. These findings indicate that hatha yoga can be a beneficial adjunct to routine physical therapy treatment in industrial rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rachiwong
- College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand
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