Does body mass index increase the risk of low back pain in a population exposed to whole body vibration?

The aim of this study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) influences the risk of low back pain (LBP) in a population exposed to whole body vibration (WBV). For this a self-administered questionnaire was sent to 467 participants, driving occupational vehicles. Vibration measurements were performed according to ISO 2631-1 on a representative sample (n=30) of this population.

Effects of a thermal-insulating mouse pad on temperature of forearm and hand during computer tasks.

This laboratory experiment studied the effects of a thermal-insulating mouse pad on arm temperature and comfort during computer work. Fourteen subjects performed two 20-min computer tasks (a mouse task and a combined task alternating keyboard and mouse use), under three conditions, namely with: 1) a thermal-insulating pad; 2) a placebo pad; 3) no pad (desktop). The temperatures of the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers were measured with four thermocouples.

Percutaneous penetration of sodium lauryl sulphate is increased in uninvolved skin of patients with atopic dermatitis compared with control subjects.

Background: Involved regions of the skin in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have been shown to have higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating a compromised skin barrier. Whether uninvolved skin also has diminished barrier characteristics is controversial.

Objectives: To study the penetration of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) into uninvolved skin of patients with AD compared with the skin of control subjects.

Adult survivors of childhood cancer and unemployment: A metaanalysis.

A range of late effects is associated with the survival of childhood cancer, including problems with employment. The purpose of this metaanalysis was to assess the risk of unemployment of adult survivors of childhood cancer compared with healthy controls and to explore prognostic factors. A literature search of studies published between 1966 and January 2006 was conducted using the databases of MedLine, CINAHL, EMBASE, ClinPSYCH, PsycINFO, and OSHROM.

Evaluation of an occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration in forklift truck drivers: a controlled trial.

Objectives: To evaluate process and outcome of a multifaceted occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration (WBV) in forklift truck drivers.

Methods: An experimental pretest/post-test control group study design. The authors trained occupational health services (OHS) in the experimental group in the use of the programme.

Cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment in sick-listed patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized, controlled trial with one-year follow-up.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a return-to-work outpatient multidisciplinary treatment programme for sick-listed workers with non-specific upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up was carried out. Thirty-eight subjects were allocated to multidisciplinary treatment (intervention, n=23), or to usual care provided by occupational health services (n=15).

Psychometric properties of the Need for Recovery after work scale: test-retest reliability and sensitivity to detect change.

Background: Monitoring worker health and evaluating occupational healthcare interventions requires sensitive instruments that are reliable over time. The Need for Recovery scale (NFR), which quantifies workers' difficulties in recovering from work related exertions, may be a relevant instrument in this respect.

Objectives: To examine (1) the NFR's test-retest reliability and (2) the NFR's sensitivity to detect the effect of a fatigue inducing change, namely an increase in working hours.

What is known about temperature and complaints in the upper extremity? A systematic review in the VDU work environment.

Unlabelled: Upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints and disorders are frequently reported among visual display units (VDU) workers. These complaints include cold forearms, hands or fingers.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to gain an insight into the relationship between objective and subjective temperature decrease and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the upper extremity in a VDU work environment by (internal or external) cooling of the arm and hand.

Is the use of ergonomic measures associated with behavioural change phases?

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the absolute number of completed behavioural change phases (ABP) and the sequentially ordered number of completed behavioural change phases (SBP) are positively associated with the use of ergonomic measures by two groups of stakeholders in bricklaying companies (employers/planners, foremen/bricklayers). The measures, consisting of trestles, bricklaying scaffolds, mast-climbing work platforms and cranes, reduce the physical work demands made upon bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants. Structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of 27 companies.

Conceptual framework for the implementation of interventions in the construction industry.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the necessary steps to define the implementation of interventions aimed at reducing physical work demands due to manual materials handling in the construction industry.

Methods: A theoretical structured framework of six steps is outlined as a method for developing the implementation of interventions. In this framework, both the proposal for implementing the intervention measures and the context analysis are conditional.

Effectiveness of measures and implementation strategies in reducing physical work demands due to manual handling at work.

This review aimed at producing insight into the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the physical work demands associated with manual (materials) handling in the work situation and musculoskeletal symptoms in the longer-term. A systematic electronic literature search between 1990 and February 2003 was performed in the following databases: Embase, Medline, HSE-line, Nioshtic, and Nioshtic-2. Three inclusion criteria were applied, and altogether 44 studies were included for review.

Evaluation of effective return-to-work treatment programs for sick-listed patients with non-specific musculoskeletal complaints: a systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review seeks to gain insight into the effectiveness of return-to-work treatment programs among sick-listed patients with non-specific musculoskeletal complaints. The focus here lies on the composition of effective treatment programs, itemized for regional non-specific musculoskeletal complaints.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed and methodological quality criteria were applied.

Behavioural change phases of different stakeholders involved in the implementation process of ergonomics measures in bricklaying.

The objective of this qualitative study was to assess whether a hypothesised sequential order of behavioural change phases would be fulfilled in different groups of stakeholders involved at the start of a process to implement ergonomic [corrected] measures in bricklaying teams. The measures include trestles, bricklaying scaffolds, mast climbing work platforms [corrected] and cranes. The behavioural change phases were: (1) being aware of measures, (2) understanding measures, (3) wanting measures, (4) intention to buy or hire measures, (5) ability to use measures, (6) using measures (experience), and (7) continuing to use measures.