VU University Medical Center

About: VU University Medical Center is a healthcare organization based out in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Randomized controlled trial. The organization has 10882 authors who have published 22907 publications receiving 1156378 citations. The organization is also known as: VUmc.

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)

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