Research Plus

Upper limb injuries

There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials that vocational rehabilitation either does or does not promote return to work in individuals with acute upper limb injuries, according to this Cochrane systematic review. Vocational rehabilitation is widely practised, covers a range of interventions designed to help individuals cope better at work, and includes workplace adjustments and physical exercises. The reviewers identified 15 potentially relevant studies, from 322 citations, but none met inclusion criteria. Studies involving workers with chronic upper-limb conditions and those with cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive strain injuries, such as tendonitis or tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, were excluded. Quality research is needed to verify current OH practice.

Vocational rehabilitation for enhancing return-to-work in workers with traumatic upper limb injuries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013; 10: CD010002.

 

Tags evidence based practice Rehabilitation upper limb disorders

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2013/2014 (vol. 10/4) pp45