Title
Epidemiology of work related neck and upper limb problems: Psychosocial and personal risk factors (Part I) and effective interventions from a bio behavioural perspective (Part II)
Author
Bongers, P.M.
IJmker, S.
van den Heuvel, S.
Blatter, B.M.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2006
Abstract
Work related neck and upper limb symptoms have a multi-factorial origin. Possible risk factors are of a physical, psychosocial or personal origin. These factors can reinforce each other and their influence can also be mediated by cultural or societal factors. Initially, most research on neck and upper limb symptoms focused on work-related physical exposure. Nowadays, psychosocial work characteristics are recognized as important risk factors. Various models have been developed to offer frameworks for possible pathways, but their empirical support is still not conclusive. In part I of this paper an overview is presented of the results of recent epidemiological studies on work related psychosocial and personal risk factors for neck and upper limb symptoms. In addition, the interplay between these factors and the possible intermediate role of an individuals work style in this process is explored. In contrast to previous reviews, it is now possible to base the conclusions on the effect of work related psychosocial factors on neck and upper limb symptoms on quite a few longitudinal studies. These studies show that high work demands or little control at work are often related to these symptoms. However, this relationship is neither very strong nor very specific. Perceived stress is studied in not as many studies but more consistently related to neck and upper limb symptoms. This also applies to general distress or other pain (co-morbidity). Job dissatisfaction does not contribute to neck and upper limb symptoms. Too little research on personal characteristics is available to draw any conclusions. It is plausible that behavioural aspects, such as work style, are of importance in the etiology of work related upper limb symptoms. However, studies concerning these factors are promising but too scarce to draw conclusions. Future studies should address these behavioural aspects. In part II, the recent studies on the effectiveness of preventive measures for work related neck and upper limb problems are discussed. Few randomised or non randomised controlled trials have been carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of individual or organisational interventions to improve work related psychosocial factors. Very few have reported on the preventive effect for work related neck and upper limb symptoms. Therefore, there is a great need for additional high quality trials before any conclusions on effectiveness of bio-behavioural interventions for reduction of neck and upper limb problems and return to work after these symptoms can be made. From the low back pain intervention research can be learned that interventions should best be targeted to both the worker and the organisation and that interventions will only be successful when all stakeholders are involved. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.
Subject
Workplace
Epidemiology
Interventions
Neck and upper limb symptoms
Psychosocial factors
Arm injury
Attitude to health
Behavior
Behavior therapy
Clinical trial
Cognition
Cognitive therapy
Depression
Distress syndrome
Epidemiological data
Ergonomics
Health care cost
Human
Intervention study
Job performance
Job stress
Labor management
Longitudinal study
Musculoskeletal pain
Neck injury
Personality
Physical stress
Prevalence
Relaxation training
Review
Reward
Risk assessment
Risk factor
Social psychology
Symptom
Work environment
Work schedule
Worker
Workload
Adaptation, Psychological
Human Engineering
Humans
Job Satisfaction
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Neck Pain
Occupational Diseases
Stress
Stress, Psychological
Upper Extremity
To reference this document use:
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TNO identifier
239452
ISSN
1053-0487
Source
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 16 (3), 279-302
Document type
article