Physical functioning after occupational rehabilitation and returning to work among employees with chronic musculoskeletal pain and comorbid depressive symptoms

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this investigation was to assess whether measures of physical functioning after multidisciplinary rehabilitation are associated with return to work among individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions and comorbid depressive symptoms.MethodsIncluded were 92 employees with chronic musculoskeletal disorders who had participated in a 57- week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Their ages ranged from 25–59 years. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. Different aspects of physical functioning (muscle strength, mobility, endurance capacity, and balance) were measured with single-item visual analog scales, and physical fitness was measured with the validated COOP/WONCA charts. Being on “active work strategies,” such as receiving rehabilitation benefit/vocational rehabilitation or being reported partly or completely fit, was defined as “on their way into/in work”. Cross-sectional associations were measured using logistic regression models, estimating odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThere were no differences between the “on their way into/in work” group (n=70) and the “on their way out/out of work” group (n=22) regarding age, sex, or levels of anxiety or pain. Surprisingly, regression analyses showed that those with higher levels of physical functioning had significantly lower odds of returning to work.ConclusionThe findings of an inverse relationship between self-reported physical function and returning to work in this sample illustrate that the return-to-work process among employees with chronic musculoskeletal pain and comorbid depressive symptoms is multifactorial and influenced by factors other than physical functioning at the individual level. Further research, especially longitudinal studies, is needed to assess the occupational trajectories among employees with chronic musculoskeletal pain and comorbid depressive symptoms after participation in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.

Relationship between sleep disturbance, pain, depression and functioning in long-term sick-listed patients experiencing difficulty in resuming work

“…These findings are in line with those of others (15,35). A recent study from norway (36) pointed out that factors other than physical functioning could influence return to work among employees with chronic musculoskeletal pain and comorbid depressive symptoms. this is also in line with the findings of Theorell's group, that employees without a history of sickness, in comparison with employees with a history of sickness, experienced less sleep disturbances and less neck, shoulder and back pain (37).…”

A scoping review to ascertain the parameters for an evidence synthesis of psychological interventions to improve work and wellbeing outcomes among employees with chronic pain

“…Thirty-one studies (34%) were part of a registered clinical trial. There was no control condition in n = 42 (46%) of the studies (Angst et al, 2014 ; Asih et al, 2018 ; Beemster et al, 2020 ; Bergstrom et al, 2010 ; Burton et al, 2016 ; Caby et al, 2016 ; Hardison & Roll, 2017 ; Harris et al, 2017 ; Hartzell et al, 2014 ; Ibrahim et al, 2019 ; Johansen et al, 2019 ; Lebon et al, 2017 ; Lindholdt et al, 2017 ; Luthi et al, 2018 ; Mayer et al, 2013 ; McCubbin et al, 2014 ; Mochari-Greenberger et al, 2020 ; Pato et al, 2010 ; Poulain et al, 2010 ; Reme et al, 2016 ; Stein & Miclescu, 2013 ; Vindholmen et al, 2016 ; Calner et al, 2017 ; Ernsten & Lillefjell, 2014 ; Gismervik et al, 2020 ; Hara, Bjørngaard, Jacobsen et al, 2018 ; Howard et al, 2012 ; Jensen et al, 2011 ; Jensen et al, 2012a ; Kold et al, 2012 ; Luk et al, 2010 ; Myhr & Augestad, 2013 ; Pereira et al, 2019 ; Saltychev et al, 2014 ; Sorensen et al, 2010 ; Stapelfeldt et al, 2011 ; Streibelt & Bethge, 2014 ; Sjöström et al, 2013 ; Sullivan & Simon, 2012 ; Sullivan & Adams, 2010 ; Sullivan et al, 2012 ; Tavares Figueiredo et al, 2016 ). Of the remaining 54% of studies containing a control group, 61% of them ( Berglund et al, 2018 ; Bergström et al, 2012 ; Busch et al, 2011 ; Busch et al, 2018 ; Campello et al, 2012 ; Chaléat-Valayer et al, 2016 ; Frederiksen et al, 2017 ; Hara, Bjørngaard,...…”

Evaluation eines Behandlungskonzeptes für die neurologische Anschlussrehabilitation nach Schlaganfall (Phase D): Studienprotokoll für eine Multicenterstudie

“…So wird bspw. die Funktionsfähigkeit der oberen Extremitäten nur dann getestet, wenn aufgrund eingeschränkter Motorik von Hand und/oder Arm auch entsprechende Therapie-Elemente durch den Arzt verordnet wurden [10] (▶tab. 2).…”

“…Der MCID gibt an, inwiefern eine gemessene Veränderung für den Patienten oder den Kliniker relevant ist [9]. Unterscheiden sich die alten und neuen Behandlungsergebnisse höchstens um den MCID, so wären die Konzepte als gleichwertig zu betrachten [10]. Übersteigt bzw.…”

“…Die ▶tab. 5 zeigt, dass die einzelnen Rehabilitationseinrichtungen unterschiedlich lang (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)…”