Article

There is evidence that rehabilitation with a multidisciplinary focus on
work-related demands effectively improves work ability and quickens return to
work in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
There could be benefits to the
transfer of work-related components into rehabilitation aftercare. We examined
the effectiveness of an intensified work-related rehabilitation aftercare program
compared with standard intensified rehabilitation aftercare in Germany on work
ability. We randomly assigned 307 patients with musculoskeletal disorders from 11
rehabilitation centers to an aftercare program with work-related functional
capacity training, work-related psychosocial groups, social counseling,
relaxation training and exercise therapy (intervention group), or the usual
aftercare program consisting of only exercise therapy (control group). The
6-month follow-up questionnaire was completed by 78.5% of patients. There was no
statistically relevant between-group difference in follow-up primary (work
ability) and secondary outcomes (e.g. health-related quality of life, sick leave
duration). Significant improvements were observed within both the intervention
and the control groups. Severely disabled participants in the intervention group
had better physical functioning and shorter sick leave duration after 6 months
compared with severely disabled patients in the control group. A partial
replacement of standard exercise therapy by a more work-related therapy does not
seem to improve work ability superiorly. Improved aftercare treatment may require
a focus on employer participation and involvement within the actual work environment.

Langue : ANGLAIS