Interventions for the prevention and management of neck/upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review

Mark G Boocock ^1*, Peter J McNair ¹, Peter J Larmer ¹, Bridget Armstrong ¹, Jill Collier ¹, Marian Simmonds ¹ and Nick Garrett ¹

¹ Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: mboocock{at}aut.ac.nz.

Accepted 17 August 2006

Abstract

Whether considered from medical, social or economic perspectives, the cost of musculoskeletal injuries suffered in the workplace is substantial and there is a need to identify the most efficacious interventions for their effective prevention, management and rehabilitation. Previous reviews have highlighted the limited number of studies that focus on upper extremity intervention programmes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the findings of primary, secondary and/or tertiary intervention studies for neck/upper extremity conditions undertaken between 1999 and 2004 and compare these results with those of previous reviews. Relevant studies were retrieved through the use of a systematic approach to literature searching and evaluated using a standardised tool. Evidence was then classified according to a ‘pattern of evidence’ approach. Studies were categorised into subgroups depending on the type of intervention: mechanical exposure interventions; production systems/organisational culture interventions; and modifier interventions. Thirty one intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings provided evidence to support the use of some mechanical and modifier interventions as approaches for preventing and managing neck/upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions and fibromyalgia. Evidence to support the benefits of production systems/organisational culture interventions was found to be lacking. This review identified no one single or multidimensional strategy for intervention that was considered effective across occupational settings. There is limited information to support the establishment of evidence-based guidelines applicable to a number of industrial sectors.

Keywords: Ergonomic interventions, Musculoskeletal disorders, Systematic literature review, Upper extremity conditions

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

Relevant Article

Why is the information on cost effectiveness of interventions to manage neck and upper limb symptoms still lacking, while all stakeholders would benefit from this information?

Paulien M Bongers
Occup. Environ. Med. 2007 64: 289-290. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Burton, A. K., Kendall, N. A. S., Pearce, B. G., Birrell, L. N., Bainbridge, L. C. (2009). Management of work-relevant upper limb disorders: a review. Occup Med (Lond) 59: 44-52 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Bongers, P. M (2007). Why is the information on cost effectiveness of interventions to manage neck and upper limb symptoms still lacking, while all stakeholders would benefit from this information?. Occup. Environ. Med. 64: 289-290 [Full Text]  
• Palmer, K. (2007). Work in brief. Occup. Environ. Med. 64: 289-289 [Full Text]