Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence

Abstract

The burden of disabling musculoskeletal pain and injuries (musculoskeletal disorders, MSDs) arising from work-related causes in many workplaces remains substantial. There is little consensus on the most appropriate interventions for MSDs. Our objective was to update a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for preventing and managing upper extremity MSD (UEMSD). We followed a systematic review process developed by the Institute for Work & Health and an adapted best evidence synthesis. 6 electronic databases were searched (January 2008 until April 2013 inclusive) yielding 9909 non-duplicate references. 26 high-quality and medium-quality studies relevant to our research question were combined with 35 from the original review to synthesise the evidence on 30 different intervention categories. There was strong evidence for one intervention category, resistance training, leading to the recommendation: Implementing a workplace-based resistance training exercise programme can help prevent and manage UEMSD and symptoms. The synthesis also revealed moderate evidence for stretching programmes, mouse use feedback and forearm supports in preventing UEMSD or symptoms. There was also moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback, job stress management training, and office workstation adjustment for UEMSD and symptoms. Messages are proposed for both these and other intervention categories.

Lifting and exertion injuries decrease after implementation of an integrated hospital-wide safe patient handling and mobilisation programme

“…The programme did not address all types of musculoskeletal disorders and we did not observe a reduction in other types of injuries. There are many other injury hazards within patient care units that can contribute to work-related injuries that may need other types of interventions;15 34 however, we did not see an increase in injuries and pain in these other areas, suggesting the programme did not shift the injuries to other regions of the body. Our patient handing practice outcomes were self-reported; however, there was a large increase in the use of slings, indicating that through the programme evaluation, there was a corresponding change in the demand for and use of slings associated with the use of mechanical lifts.…”

Comparing the effectiveness of integrating ergonomics and motor control to conventional treatment for pain and functional recovery of work‐related neck–shoulder pain: A randomized trial

“…The International Neck Pain Task Force (Hurwitz et al, 2008) and other systematic reviews have reported that exercises and manual therapy provide some degree of short-term relief of non-traumatic neck pain (Boocock et al, 2007;D'Sylva et al, 2010;. Active exercise is probably the single intervention that has the strongest scientific evidence for its clinical effectiveness (Andersen, Andersen, Zebis, & Sjøgaard, 2014;van Eerd et al, 2016;Viljanen et al, 2003;Waling, Järvholm, & Sundelin, 2002). Some recent studies have reported significant effects of resistance exercises in strengthening neck-shoulder musculature and reducing neck pain among office workers (Andersen et al, 2014;van Eerd et al, 2016).…”

Workplace Stresses and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Perceived fatigue was measured with 10 items altogether, referring to latent factors about lack of motivation, sleepiness, lack of energy, and physical exertion (26). The validity of the fatigue questionnaire was tested in the prior study (27).…”