The effect of workplace intervention on pain and sickness absence caused by upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders

作者：Shiri Rahman^*; Martimo Kari Pekka; Miranda Helena; Ketola Ritva; Kaila Kangas Leena; Liira Helena; Karppinen Jaro; Viikari Juntura Eira

来源：Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 2011, 37(2): 120-128.

DOI：10.5271/sjweh.3141

• elbow
• epicondylitis
• lifestyle
• MSD
• RCT
• randomized controlled trial
• rotator cuff
• shoulder
• wrist

Shiri R, Martimo K-P, Miranda H, Ketola R, Kaila-Kangas L, Liira H, Karppinen J, Viikari-Juntura E. The effect of workplace intervention on pain and sickness absence caused by upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2011;37(2):120-128. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3141
Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an ergonomic intervention on pain and sickness absence caused by upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods In this randomized controlled study, subjects aged 18-60 years (N=177) seeking medical advice due to upper-extremity symptoms were included if their symptoms, or the exacerbation of symptoms, had started < 30 days prior to the medical consultation and immediate sick leave was not required. Workplace ergonomic improvements were made in the intervention group. Data on symptoms and sickness absences were gathered during one-year follow-up.
Results Pain intensity, pain interference with work, leisure time, or sleep did not differ between the intervention and control group during the one-year follow-up. During the first three months of follow-up, the percentage of employees with sickness absence due to upper-extremity or other musculoskeletal disorders did not differ between the intervention (N=89) and control (N=84) group, but the total number of sickness absence days in the intervention group was about half of that in the control group (mean 6.2 versus 9.8 days for upper-extremity disorder and 6.0 versus 11.5 days for upper-extremity and other musculoskeletal disorders combined). During 4-12 months of follow-up, the percentage of employees with sickness absence due to upper-extremity disorder (10.1% versus 16.7%, P=0.20) or upper-extremity and other musculoskeletal disorders combined (20.2% versus 32.1%, P=0.07) was lower in the intervention than the control group.
Conclusions Our findings suggest that an early ergonomic intervention reduces sickness absence due to upper-extremity or other musculoskeletal disorders.

• 出版日期2011-3