The Evidence Base for Occupational Health Interventions

Original Editor - Jess Bell

Top Contributors - Jess Bell, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton and Tarina van der Stockt

Defining Occupational Health Research[edit | edit source]

Factory Work

Occupational Health (OH) is an area that is constantly evolving and a clear definition for Occupational Healthcare research has not yet been established.[1] Traditionally, OH has been focused on healthcare assessment, as well as the prevention and rehabilitation of certain conditions that relate to the work environment.[1] Early research, therefore, explored issues such as hazards, trends and work related ill-health.[1]

More recently, the scope of OH has evolved to consider the impact of health on work, return to work strategies, as well as how specific health conditions can be managed in the workplace.[1] Around 60% of the population worldwide are estimated to spend approximately 60% of their waking hours at work, so it is possible to influence the health behaviours of a large number of individuals through work-based interventions.[2]

These evolving research areas provide more information about trends of disease, risk factors and the outcomes of work interventions in relation to prevention of disease, early rehabilitation and return to work. By widening the scope of OH research, we are enhancing our understanding of how we can improve functional capabilities of workers and develop cost effective interventions.[1]

History of Occupational Health Research[edit | edit source]

Long hours, OH concern.

During the early 20th century, certain government agencies began to monitor and record trends in public health and disease.[1] However, it was not until the end of the 20th century that countries, such as the US, United Kingdom, Italy and Japan started to develop OH research agendas.[1] Priorities for each country were determined based on cost-benefit studies, workplace injuries, occupational carcinogenesis, psychosocial hazards and changing workforces and work patterns.[3]

Priorities vary between countries based on economic and sociocultural background, as well as safety regulations, and work demographics.[3] As funding is scarce for OH research, it is important that researchers understand their own national priorities in order to target funding and ensure that research is beneficial to the community.[3]

Historically, OH research has focused on reducing the impact of traditional occupational diseases.[1] However, due to technological advances, changes in workplaces/workforce and working population demographics, the discipline of OH has evolved. There is now a much greater focus on promoting health and wellbeing, including of health workers,[4] as well as improving worker retention and the functioning of workers.[3]

Recent OH research is now also considering mental health, work related musculoskeletal disorders, chronic conditions, and the management of long-term conditions in the workplace. It has started to explore in more detail OH safety services and the management structures in a workplace.[1] These shifts in focus have created new challenges for OH research as it has to take into consideration these additional factors, but still relate to national priorities.

Limitations of Occupational Health Research[edit | edit source]

The actual evidence base for OH is relatively poor. There may be a lack of work-focused healthcare.[5] This means that physiotherapists who do not work in OH may not be taking into sufficient account work participation and work related factors during subjective interviews and when planning interventions.[6][7][1] In addition to this, most of the conclusions about OH interventions have come from studies with bias or other methodological flaws.[1] This is problematic as physiotherapists are required to be evidence based in order to demonstrate the merit of an intervention to policy makers and insurers/funders.[1]

Recent Occupational Health Research[edit | edit source]

This section will explore some of the recent OH research. The articles chosen focus on musculoskeletal issues in the workplace as this is a high priority area for most governments - in 2017, 28.2 million days were lost due to musculoskeletal conditions in the United Kingdom[1] and 154 million days were lost in in 2016 in Germany[8] - it is also particularly relevant to physiotherapy.

The Effects of Workplace Interventions on Low Back Pain in Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis[edit | edit source]

In 2021, Russo et al.[9] looked at the effects of workplace interventions on low back pain clinical outcomes in a worker population. Their meta-analysis found there were improvements in pain, disability, fear-avoidance of psychical activity, and quality of life for participants who received a workplace intervention compared to controls and a reduction in recurrence.[9]

Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations for Neck and Low Back Pain Across Europe[edit | edit source]

In a 2021 systematic review of guidelines, Corp et al.[10] found that work-based interventions, and return to work advice and programmes are recommended for low back pain.

Evidence of Workplace Interventions - A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews[edit | edit source]

This review by Pieper et al.[8] from 2019 summarised current evidence of health promotion interventions in the workplace. It reviewed musculoskeletal disorders, psychological and behavioural disorders and looked at interventions for older workers, as well as economic evaluations. While they were able to provide some consistency in certain workplace interventions, such as exercises, training/education programmes, ergonomic desk/chairs to reduce pain for people with musculoskeletal disorders, the evidence is at best moderate. As a result, they note that there is not enough evidence to recommend specific interventions or programmes.[8]

Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions in Return-to-Work for Musculoskeletal, Pain-Related and Mental Health Conditions: An Update of the Evidence and Messages for Practitioners[edit | edit source]

This systematic review by Cullen et al.[11] from 2018 updated an earlier study done in 2005. They found strong evidence that Move to Remain at Work Interventions can reduce lost time associated with musculoskeletal injuries and pain related conditions can improve work function.[11]

A systematic review on workplace interventions to manage chronic musculoskeletal conditions[edit | edit source]

This systematic review by Skamagki et al.[12] from 2018 explored whether there are effective workplace interventions to help address chronic musculoskeletal disorders. However while there was some consistency suggesting that high-intensity strength training and/or the use of integrative programmes in a workplace can reduce pain and symptoms, the number of studies are limited. They, therefore, suggest that the use of a multicomponent workplace intervention is beneficial in the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions in the workplace.[12]

Workplace Interventions for Reducing Sitting at Work (A Review)[edit | edit source]

This review by Shrestha et al.[13] from 2018 looked at interventions that reduced sitting at work. They found low quality evidence to support the use of sit to stand desks to reduce sitting in the short/medium term. There was no evidence about their impact on sitting over longer follow up periods. Moreover, there was low to very low quality evidence for most other interventions (physical workplace changes, workplace policy changes, information ad counselling and multi-component interventions) designed to address this issue.[13]

Early workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice improved work ability at 1-year follow-up - WorkUp, a randomised controlled trial in primary care[edit | edit source]

This study by Sennehed et al.[14] from 2018 found that primary care physiotherapists who establish an early dialogue with an employer in addition to physiotherapy services improved workability when compared to physiotherapy alone.

Workplace-based rehabilitation of upper limb conditions: A systematic review[edit | edit source]

This review by Hoosain et al.[15] from 2018 also found high or moderate level evidence to support the use of workplace exercise programmes in the management of upper limb conditions. However, they found that other work-based interventions (ergonomic control, work station adjustments, etc) require further research.[15]

Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence[edit | edit source]

Similarly, this systematic review by Van Eerd et al.[16] from 2016 found strong evidence to support the use of resistance training to manage upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms, but the evidence for other interventions was less consistent. There was only moderate evidence to support the use of stretching programmes, mouse use feedback and forearm supports. They also found that there was moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback, job stress management training and office workstation adjustment.[16]

Effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints and related work exposures: a systematic literature review[edit | edit source]

This systematic review by Leider et al.[17] from 2014 examined the effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints. However, the evidence was weak and it was not possible to draw strong conclusions from the studies reviewed.[17]

The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms: a systematic review[edit | edit source]

This systematic review by Niekerk et al.[18] from 2012 found that there was moderate evidence from five studies to support the use of ergonomic interventions such as adjustable sit to stand desks to reduce neck or back pain. However, the authors noted that they were unable to make strong recommendations and that further clinical trials need to be undertaken.[18]

Summary of Research[edit | edit source]

As is clear from the studies discussed briefly above, the level of evidence varies considerably when exploring the effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving return to work or work ability outcomes. Some conclusions can be drawn:

  • Strength and exercise programmes should play an important role in any OH intervention
  • There is moderate evidence to support the use of workplace adjustments and ergonomics, but further research is needed.
  • Physiotherapists who can be at the workplace and establish early dialogue with employers are able to provide positive interventions effectively.
  • Further research on this area is required.[1]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Skamagki G. The evidence base for occupational health interventions. Plus. 2020.
  2. Shrestha N, Kukkonen-Harjula KT,, Verbeek JH, Ijaz S, Hermans V, Pedisic Z. Workplace interventions for reducing sitting at work (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018;(6): CD010912.pub4.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Lalloo D, Demou E, Smedley J, Madan I, Asanati K, Macdonald EB. Current research priorities for UK occupational physicians and occupational health researchers: A modified Delphi study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2018; 75(11): 830–836.
  4. Søvold LE, Naslund JA, Kousoulis AA, Saxena S, Qoronfleh MW, Grobler C, Münter L. Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers: An urgent global public health priority. Front Public Health. 2021 May 7;9:679397.
  5. Oswald W, Ummels I, Raaijmakers T, Baart P, Staal JB, Bieleman HJ. Therapists' experiences and needs with regard to providing work-focused care: a focus group study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Nov 2;22(1):923.
  6. Hutting N, Oswald W, Nijhuis-van der Sanden MWG, Filart M, Raaijmakers T, Bieleman HJ, et al. The effects of integrating work-related factors and improving cooperation in musculoskeletal physical therapy practice: protocol for the 'WORK TO BE DONE' cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Jun 8;21(1):360.
  7. Oswald W, Hutting N, Engels J, Staal JB, Nijhuis-van der Sanden M, Heerkens Y. Work participation of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: Is this addressed in physical therapy practice?. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. 2017; 12(1): 27.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Pieper C, Schröer S, Eilerts A. L. Evidence of workplace interventions-A systematic review of systematic reviews. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019. 16(19).
  9. 9.0 9.1 Russo F, Papalia GF, Vadalà G, Fontana L, Iavicoli S, Papalia R, Denaro V. The effects of workplace interventions on low back pain in workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 30;18(23):12614.
  10. Corp N, Mansell G, Stynes S, Wynne-Jones G, Morsø L, Hill JC, van der Windt DA. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain. 2021 Feb;25(2):275-95.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Cullen KL, Irvin E, Collie A, Clay F, Gensby U, Jennings PA et al. Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions in Return-to-Work for Musculoskeletal, Pain-Related and Mental Health Conditions: An Update of the Evidence and Messages for Practitioners. J Occup Rehabil. 2018; 28: 1-15.
  12. 12.0 12.1 Skamagki G, King A, Duncan M, Wåhlin, C. A systematic review on workplace interventions to manage chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapy Research International. 2018. 23(4).
  13. 13.0 13.1 Shrestha N, Kukkonen-Harjula KT,, Verbeek JH, Ijaz S, Hermans V, Pedisic Z. Workplace interventions for reducing sitting at work (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018;(6): CD010912.pub4.
  14. Sennehed CP, Holmberg S, Axén I, Stigmar K, Forsbrand M, Petersson IF, Grahn B. Early workplace dialogue in physiotherapy practice improved work ability at 1-year follow-up-WorkUp, a randomised controlled trial in primary care. Pain. 2018. 159(8), 1456–1464.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Hoosain M, de Klerk S, Burger M. Workplace-Based Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Conditions: A Systematic Review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2019; 29(1): 175–193.
  16. 16.0 16.1 Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Irvin E, Rempel D, Brewer S, van der Beek AJ et al. Effectiveness of workplace interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms: an update of the evidence. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2016; 73(1): 62-70.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Leider P, Boschman J, Frings-Dresen M, Molen, HF. Effects of job rotation on musculoskeletal complaints and related work exposures: a systematic literature review. Ergonomics. 2014; 58(1): 1-15.
  18. 18.0 18.1 van Niekerk SM, Louw Q, Hillier S. The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. A systematic review. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2012; 13(1): 145.