A research framework for the development and implementation of interventions preventing work-related musculoskeletal disordersShow others and affiliations
2017 (English)In: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, ISSN 0355-3140, E-ISSN 1795-990X, Vol. 43, no 6, p. 526-539Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are highly prevalent and put a large burden on the (working) society. Primary prevention of work-related MSD focuses often on physical risk factors (such as on manual lifting and awkward postures), but has not been too successful in reducing the MSD burden. This may partly be caused by insufficient knowledge of etiological mechanisms and/or a lack of adequately feasible interventions (theory failure and program failure, respectively), possibly due to limited integration of research disciplines. A research framework could link research disciplines thereby strengthening the development and implementation of preventive interventions. Our objective was to define and describe such a framework for multi-disciplinary research on work-related MSD prevention.
Methods: We described a framework for MSD prevention research, partly based on frameworks from other research fields (i.e., sports injury prevention and public health).
Results: The framework is composed of a repeated sequence of six steps comprising the assessment of 1) incidence and severity of MSD, 2) risk factors for MSD, and 3) underlying mechanisms; and the 4) development, 5) evaluation, and 6) implementation of preventive intervention(s).
Conclusions: In the present framework for optimal work-related MSD prevention, research disciplines are linked. This framework can thereby help to improve theories and strengthen the development and implementation of prevention strategies for work-related MSD.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2017. Vol. 43, no 6, p. 526-539
Keywords [en]
Musculoskeletal disorders, Prevention, Research framework, Work-related, Occupational
National Category
Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-24023DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3671ISI: 000417722200004PubMedID: 28945263Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85032907817OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-24023DiVA, id: diva2:1096942
2017-05-192017-05-192020-11-23Bibliographically approved