Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ergonomics Contribution in the RTW of Workers After Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Book cover Advances in Social & Occupational Ergonomics (AHFE 2017)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 605))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the use of ergonomic intervention (EI) in rehabilitation programs for workers with compensated work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), aimed to achieve sustainable return-to-work (RTW). Groups of terms allow searching 10 databases. Thirty-one articles were selected. Recurrent themes were identified and content analyzed to describe the EI. The results support the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programs with ergonomic component in achieving sustainable RTW for workers with WRMSDs. However, the content of EIs and the way to conduct it differ according to the definition of ergonomics and the approach used. The management of the RTW process seems still be challenging in terms of training the major actors in how to better modify work and workplace. A comprehensive ergonomic framework seems needed to guide rehabilitation professionals in using ergonomics to improve the RTW sustainability by ergonomic changes and modifications in the workplace.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Durand, M.-J., Berthelette, D., Loisel, P., Imbeau, D.: Validation of the program impact theory of a work rehabilitation program. Work J. Prev. Assess. Rehabil. 42(4), 495–505 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Franche, R.L., Severin, C.N., Hogg-Johnson, S., Côté, P., Vidmar, M., Lee, H.: The impact of early workplace-based return-to-work strategies on work absence duration: a 6-month longitudinal study following an occupational musculoskeletal injury. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 49(9), 960–974 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. van Beurden, K.M., Vermeulen, S.J., Anema, J.R., van der Beek, A.J.: A participatory return-to-work program for temporary agency workers and unemployed workers sick-listed due to musculoskeletal disorders: a process evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial. J. Occup. Rehabil. 22(1), 127–140 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Varatharajan, S., Cote, P., Shearer, H.M., Loisel, P., Wong, J.J., Southerst, D., Yu, H., Randhawa, K., Sutton, D., van der Velde, G., Mior, S., Caroll, L.J., Jacobs, C., Taylor-Vaisey, A.: Are work disability prevention interventions effective for the management of neck pain or upper extremity disorders? a systematic review by the ontario protocol for traffic injury management (OPTIMa) collaboration. J. Occup. Rehabil. 24(4), 692–708 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Cole, D., Rivilis, I., Van Eerd, D., Cullen, K., Irvin, E., Kramer, D.: Effectiveness of Participatory Ergonomic Interventions: A Systematic Review. Institute for Work & Health, Toronto (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Rivilis, I., Van Eerd, D., Cullen, K., Cole, D.C., Irvin, E., Tyson, J., Mahood, Q.: Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on health outcomes: a systematic review. Appl. Ergonomics 39(3), 342–358 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Arksey, H., O’Malley, L.: Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. Int. J. Soc. Res. Methodol. 8(1), 19–32 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Elders, L.A.M., van der Beek, A.J., Burdorf, A.: Return to work after sickness absence due to back disorders – a systematic review on intervention strategies. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73(5), 339–348 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Goodman, G., Kovach, L., Fisher, A., Elsesser, E., Bobinski, D., Hansen, J.: Effective interventions for cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity in computer users: practice models based on systematic review. Work 42(1), 153–172 (2012). (Reading, Mass.)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Shaw, W.S., Hong, Q.N., Pransky, G., Loisel, P.: A literature review describing the role of return-to-work coordinators in trial programs and interventions designed to prevent workplace disability. J. Occup. Rehabil. 18(1), 2–15 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Verhagen, A.P., Bierma-Zeinstra, S.M., Burdorf, A., Stynes, S.M., de Vet, H.C., Koes, B.W.: Conservative interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. (12) (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Burton, A.K., Kendall, N.A.S., Pearce, B.G., Birrell, L.N., Bainbridge, L.: Management of work-relevant upper limb disorders: a review. Occup. Med. (Lond.) 59(1), 44–52 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Franche, R.L., Cullen, K., Clarke, J., Irvin, E., Sinclair, S., Frank, J.: Workplace-based return-to-work interventions: a systematic review of the quantitative literature. J. Occup. Rehabil. 15(4), 607–631 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Williams, R.M., Westmorland, M.G., Lin, C.A., Schmuck, G., Creen, M.: Effectiveness of workplace rehabilitation interventions in the treatment of work-related low back pain: a systematic review. Disabil. Rehabil. 29(8), 607–624 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Allaire, S.J., Backman, C.L., Alheresh, R., Baker, N.A.: Ergonomic intervention for employed persons with Rheumatic conditions. Work 46(3), 355–361 (2013). (Reading, Mass.)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Bourmaud, G., Retaux, X.: Review of practices for keeping people with disabilities in employment: moving beyond the concept of compensation to implement a developmental approach. Work J. Prev. Assess. Rehabil. 41, 4699–4708 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Faucett, J., McCarthy, D.: Chronic pain in the workplace. Nurs. Clin. N. Am. 38(3), 169 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Bendix, T., Bendix, A., Labriola, M., Haestrup, C., Ebbehoj, N.: Functional restoration versus outpatient physical training in chronic low back pain: a randomized comparative study. Spine 25(19), 2494–2500 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Calvo-Cerrada, B., Martinez, J.M., Dalmau, A.: Adoption of preventive measures after returning to work among workers affected by De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. J. Occup. Rehabil. 22(4), 579–588 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Shaw, W.S., Robertson, M.M., McLellan, R.K., Verma, S., Pransky, G.: A controlled case study of supervisor training to optimize response to injury in the food processing industry. Work 26(2), 107–114 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Arnetz, B.B., Sjogren, B., Rydehn, B., Meisel, R.: Early workplace intervention for employees with musculoskeletal-related absenteeism: a prospective controlled intervention study. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 45(5), 499–506 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Baldwin, D., Johnstone, B., Ge, B., Hewett, J., Smith, M., Sharp, G.: Randomized prospective study of a workplace ergonomic intervention for individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res. 64(10), 1527–1535 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Bontoux, L., Roquelaure, Y., Billabert, C., Dubus, V., Sancho, P.O., Colin, D., Brami, L., Moisan, S., Fanello, S., Penneau-Fontbonne, D., Richard, I.: Prospective study of the outcome at one year of patients with chronic low back pain in a program of intensive functional restoration and ergonomic intervention. Fact. Predicting Return Work Annales de réadaptation et de médecine physique 47(8), 563–572 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Anema, J.R., Cuelenaere, B., Van der Beek, A.J., Knol, D.L., de Vet, H.C., Van Mechelen, W.: The effectiveness of ergonomic interventions on return-to-work after low back pain; a prospective two-year cohort study in six countries on low back pain patients sicklisted for 3–4 months. Occup. Environ. Med. 61(4), 289–294 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Loisel, P., Gosselin, L., Durand, P., Lemaire, J., Poitras, S., Abenhaim, L.: Implementation of a participatory ergonomics program in the rehabilitation of workers suffering from subacute back pain. Appl. Ergonomics 32(1), 53–60 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Anema, J.R., Steenstra, I.A., Urlings, I.J.M., Bongers, P.M., de Vroome, E.M., van Mechelen, W.: Participatory ergonomics as a return-to-work intervention: a future challenge? Am. J. Ind. Med. 44(3), 273–281 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Shaw, W.S., Feuerstein, M., Lincoln, A.E., Miller, V.I., Wood, P.M.: Case management services for work related upper extremity disorders. In: Integrating Workplace Accommodation and Problem Solving. American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, vol. 49(8), pp. 378–389 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Cabral, A., Souza e Silva, M., Louzada, E., Cesar, W.: An ergonomic analysis of work in the process of professional rehabilitation in Brazil. Work 41(1), 1841–1848 (2012). (Reading, Mass.)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Grayson, D., Dale, A.M., Bohr, P., Wolf, L., Evanoff, B.: Ergonomic evaluation: part of a treatment protocol for musculoskeletal injuries. Am. Assoc. Occup. Health Nurses J. 53(10), 450–457 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Chetty, L.: Physiotherapy and ergonomics for a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Int. J. Ther. Rehabil. 17(2), 84–91 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Fabrizio, P.: Ergonomic intervention in the treatment of a patient with upper extremity and neck pain. Phys. Ther. 89(4), 351–360 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Lincoln, A.E., Feuerstein, M., Shaw, W.S., Miller, V.: Impact of case manager training on worksite accommodations in workers’ compensation claimants with upper extremity disorders. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 44(3), 237–245 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Povlsen, B.: Physical rehabilitation with ergonomic intervention of currently working keyboard operators with nonspecific/Type II work-related upper limb disorder: a prospective study. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 93(1), 78–81 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Sherrod, C., Casey, G., Dubro, R.E., Johnson, D.F.: The modulation of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders for a knowledge worker with chiropractic care and applied ergonomics: a case study. J. Chriopractic Med. 12(1), 45–54 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Leyshon, R.T., Shaw, L.E.: Using the ICF as a conceptual framework to guide ergonomic intervention in occupational rehabilitation. Work 31(1), 47–61 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Cole, D.C., Hogg-Johnson, S., Manno, M., Ibrahim, S., Wells, R.P., Ferrier, S.E.: Worksite upper extremity research group; reducing musculoskeletal burden through ergonomic program implementation in a large newspaper. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 80(2), 98–108 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Dul, J., Bruder, R., Buckle, P., Carayon, P., Falzon, P., Marras, W.S., Wilson, J.R., van der Doelen, B.: A strategy for human factors/ergonomics: developing the discipline and profession. Ergonomics 55(4), 377–395 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Falzon, P., Nascimento, A., Gaudart, C., Piney, C., Dujarier, M.A., Germe, J.F.: Performance-based management and quality of work: an empirical assessment. Work 41(1), 3855–3860 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Falzon, P.: Constructive Ergonomics, p. 294. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2014). Edited by Pierre Falzon

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This paper was prepared with support from the Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité au travail (IRSST). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Furthermore, the authors are grateful to the following colleagues from various disciplines, who kindly offered helpful ideas and comments: Georges Toulouse, Ana Cibotaru, Marie-José Durand, Marie-France Coutu, Nicole Vézina and Benedicte Calvet.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut de Recherche Robert Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité du Travail, 505 de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC, H3A 3C2, Canada

    Iuliana Nastasia

  2. Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

    Iuliana Nastasia & Sarah Gaspard

Authors
  1. Iuliana Nastasia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sarah Gaspard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Iuliana Nastasia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department Industrial Design, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, CE Delft, The Netherlands

    Richard H.M. Goossens

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this paper

Cite this paper

Nastasia, I., Gaspard, S. (2018). Ergonomics Contribution in the RTW of Workers After Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. In: Goossens, R. (eds) Advances in Social & Occupational Ergonomics. AHFE 2017. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 605. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60828-0_27

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60828-0_27

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-60827-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-60828-0

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation