Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Are Work Disability Prevention Interventions Effective for the Management of Neck Pain or Upper Extremity Disorders? A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose We conducted a systematic review to critically appraise and synthesize literature on the effectiveness of work disability prevention (WDP) interventions in workers with neck pain, whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), or upper extremity disorders. Methods We searched electronic databases from 1990 to 2012. Random pairs of independent reviewers critically appraised eligible studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Scientifically admissible studies were summarized and synthesized following best-evidence synthesis methodology. Results Of the 6,359 articles retrieved, 16 randomized controlled trials were eligible for critical appraisal and five were admissible. We found that a return-to-work coordination program (including workplace-based work hardening) was superior to clinic-based work hardening for persistent rotator cuff tendinitis. Workplace high-intensity strength training and workplace advice had similar outcomes for neck and shoulder pain. Mensendieck/Cesar postural exercises and strength and fitness exercises had similar outcomes for non-specific work-related upper limb complaints. Adding a brief job stress education program to a workplace ergonomic intervention was not beneficial for persistent upper extremity symptoms. Adding computer-prompted work breaks to ergonomic adjustments and workplace education benefited workers’ recovery from recent work-related neck and upper extremity complaints. Conclusions At present, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of WDP interventions for managing neck pain, WAD, and upper extremity disorders. Our review suggests a return-to-work coordination program is more effective than clinic-based work hardening. Also, adding computer-prompted breaks to ergonomic and workplace interventions benefits workers’ recovery. The current quality of evidence does not allow for a definitive evaluation of the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Côté P, Kristman V, Vidmar M, Van Eerd D, Hogg-Johnson S, Beaton D, et al. The prevalence and incidence of work absenteeism involving neck pain: a cohort of Ontario lost-time claimants. Spine. 2008;33(4 Suppl):S192–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Silverstein B, Welp E, Nelson N, Kalat J. Claims incidence of work-related disorders of the upper extremities: Washington State, 1987 through 1995. Am J Public Health. 1998;88(12):1827–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Aas RW, Tuntland H, Holte KA, Roe C, Lund T, Marklund S, et al. Workplace interventions for neck pain in worker. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;4:CD008160.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Boocock MG, McNair PJ, Larmer PJ, Armstrong B, Collier J, Simmonds M, et al. Interventions for the prevention and management of neck/upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review. Occup Environ Med. 2007;64(5):291–303.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Van Eerd D, Côté P, Kristman V, Rezai M, Hogg-Johnson S, Vidmar M, et al. The course of work absenteeism involving neck pain: a cohort study of Ontario lost-time claimants. Spine. 2011;36(12):977–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Hashemi L, Webster BS, Clancy EA, Courtney TK. Length of disability and cost of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity. J Occup Environ Med. 1998;40(3):261–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Côté P, Yang X, Kristman V, Hogg-Johnson S, Van Eerd D, Rezai M, et al. The association between workers’ compensation claims involving neck pain and future health care utilization: a population-based cohort study. J Occup Rehabil [Internet]. 2013 Apr 23.

  8. Cancelliere C, Cassidy JD, Ammendolia C, Côté P. Are workplace health promotion programs effective at improving presenteeism in workers? A systematic review and best evidence synthesis of the literature. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:395.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Loisel P, Côté P. The work disability paradigm and its public health implications. In: Loisel P, Anema JR, editors. Handbook of work disability: prevention and management. New York: Springer; 2013. p. 59–67.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  10. Loisel P. Intervention for return to work—what is really effective? Scand J Work Environ Health. 2005;31(4):245–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Brewer S, Van Eerd D, Amick BC 3rd, Irvin E, Daum KM, Gerr F, et al. Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: a systematic review. J Occup Rehabil. 2006;16(3):325–58.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Hurwitz EL, Carragee EJ, van der Velde G, Carroll LJ, Nordin M, Guzman J, et al. Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(4 Suppl):S123–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Aaras A, Horgen G, Bjorset HH, Ro O, Thoresen M. Musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial stress in VDU operators before and after multidisciplinary ergonomic interventions. Appl Ergon. 1998;29(5):335–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Aaras A, Horgen G, Bjorset HH, Ro O, Walsoe H. Musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial stress in VDU operators before and after multidisciplinary ergonomic interventions. A 6 years prospective study-Part II. Appl Ergon. 2001;32(6):559–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. van den Heuvel SG, de Looze MP, Hildebrandt VH, The KH. Effects of software programs stimulating regular breaks and exercises on work-related neck and upper-limb disorders. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2003;29(2):106–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Williams RM, Westmorland MG, Schmuck G, MacDermid JC. Effectiveness of workplace rehabilitation interventions in the treatment of work-related upper extremity disorders: a systematic review. J Hand Ther. 2004;17(2):267–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Guzman J, Hurwitz EL, Carroll LJ, Haldeman S, Côté P, Carragee EJ, et al. A new conceptual model of neck pain: linking onset, course, and care: the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(4 Suppl):S14–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Spitzer WO, Skovron ML, Salmi LR, Cassidy JD, Duranceau J, Suissa S, et al. Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders: redefining “whiplash” and its management. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1995;20(8 Suppl):1S–73S.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Harrington JM, Carter JT, Birrell L, Gompertz D. Surveillance case definitions for work related upper limb pain syndromes. Occup Environ Med. 1998;55(4):264–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Pransky G, Benjamin K, Hill-Fotouhi C, Himmelstein J, Fletcher KE, Katz JN, et al. Outcomes in work-related upper extremity and low back injuries: results of a retrospective study. Am J Ind Med. 2000;37(4):400–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprained Ankle. 2012. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150.

  22. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprains and strains: what’s the difference? 2007. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111.

  23. Woodward TW, Best TM. The painful shoulder: part II. Acute and chronic disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(11):3291–300.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries. 2007. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00304.

  25. Chan O, Del Buono A, Best TM, Maffulli N. Acute muscle strain injuries: a proposed new classification system. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(11):2356–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Noonan TJ, Garrett WE Jr. Muscle strain injury: diagnosis and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 1999;7(4):262–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgenons. Rotator cuff tears. 2011. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00064.

  28. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tendinitis. 2011. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00032.

  29. Burns JW, Higdon LJ, Mullen JT, Lansky D, Wei JM. Relationships among patient hostility, anger expression, depression, and the working alliance in a work hardening program. Ann Behav Med. 1999;21(1):77–82.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Schaafsma F, Schonstein E, Ojajarvi A, Verbeek J. Physical conditioning programs for improving work outcomes among workers with back pain. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2011;37(1):1–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Gardner BT, Pransky G, Shaw WS, Nha Hong Q, Loisel P. Researcher perspectives on competencies of return-to-work coordinators. Disabil Rehabil. 2010;32(1):72–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Shaw W, Hong QN, Pransky G, Loisel P. A literature review describing the role of return-to-work coordinators in trial programs and interventions designed to prevent workplace disability. J Occup Rehabil. 2008;18(1):2–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Driessen MT, Proper KI, van Tulder MW, Anema JR, Bongers PM, van der Beek AJ. The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review. Occup Environ Med. 2010;67(4):277–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Sampson M, McGowan J, Cogo E, Grimshaw J, Moher D, Lefebvre C. An evidence-based practice guideline for the peer review of electronic search strategies. J Clin Epidemiol. 2009;62(9):944–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. McGowan J, Sampson M, Lefebvre C. An evidence based checklist for the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS EBC). Evid Based Libr Inf Pract. 2010;5(1):149–54.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Harbour R, Miller J. A new system for grading recommendations in evidence based guidelines. BMJ. 2001;323(7308):334–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. van der Velde G, van Tulder M, Côté P, Hogg-Johnson S, Aker P, Cassidy JD, et al. The sensitivity of review results to methods used to appraise and incorporate trial quality into data synthesis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007;32(7):796–806.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, Peloso PM, Giles-Smith L, Cheng CS, Greenhalgh SW, et al. Methods for the best evidence synthesis on neck pain and its associated disorders: the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009;32(2 Suppl):S39–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, Peloso PM, Garritty C, Giles-Smith L. Systematic search and review procedures: results of the WHO Collaborating Centre Task Force on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Rehabil Med. 2004;43(Suppl):11–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Cote P, Cassidy JD, Carroll L, Frank JW, Bombardier C. A systematic review of the prognosis of acute whiplash and a new conceptual framework to synthesize the literature. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(19):E445–58.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Hayden JA, Cote P, Bombardier C. Evaluation of the quality of prognosis studies in systematic reviews. Ann Intern Med. 2006;144(6):427–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Hayden JA, van der Windt DA, Cartwright JL, Cote P, Bombardier C. Assessing bias in studies of prognostic factors. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(4):280–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Slavin RE. Best evidence synthesis: an intelligent alternative to meta-analysis. J Clin Epidemiol. 1995;48(1):9–18.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Viera AJ, Garrett JM. Understanding interobserver agreement: the kappa statistic. Fam Med. 2005;37(5):360–3.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Abrams KR, Gillies CL, Lambert PC. Meta-analysis of heterogeneously reported trials assessing change from baseline. Stat Med. 2005;24(24):3823–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Follmann D, Elliott P, Suh I, Cutler J. Variance imputation for overviews of clinical trials with continuous response. J Clin Epidemiol. 1992;45(7):769–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med. 2009;6(7):e1000097.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. van Eijsden-Besseling MD, Staal JB, van Attekum A, de Bie RA, van den Heuvel WJA. No difference between postural exercises and strength and fitness exercises for early, non-specific, work-related upper limb disorders in visual display unit workers: a randomised trial. Aust J Physiother. 2008;54(2):95–101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Cheng AS, Hung LK. Randomized controlled trial of workplace-based rehabilitation for work-related rotator cuff disorder. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(3):487–503.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Feuerstein M, Nicholas RA, Huang GD, Dimberg L, Ali D, Rogers H. Job stress management and ergonomic intervention for work-related upper extremity symptoms. Appl Ergon. 2004;35(6):565–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Zebis MK, Andersen LL, Pedersen MT, Mortensen P, Andersen CH, Pedersen MM, et al. Implementation of neck/shoulder exercises for pain relief among industrial workers: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2011;12:205.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Bernaards CM, Ariens GA, Simons M, Knol DL, Hildebrandt VH. Improving work style behavior in computer workers with neck and upper limb symptoms. J Occup Rehabil. 2008;18(1):87–101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Andersen CH, Andersen LL, Gram B, Pedersen MT, Mortensen OS, Zebis MK, et al. Influence of frequency and duration of strength training for effective management of neck and shoulder pain: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(14):1004–10.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Andersen LL, Christensen KB, Holtermann A, Poulsen OM, Sjogaard G, Pedersen MT, et al. Effect of physical exercise interventions on musculoskeletal pain in all body regions among office workers: a one-year randomized controlled trial. Man Ther. 2010;15(1):100–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Andersen LL, Jorgensen MB, Blangsted AK, Pedersen MT, Hansen EA, Sjogaard G. A randomized controlled intervention trial to relieve and prevent neck/shoulder pain. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;40(6):983–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Bernaards CM, Ariens GA, Knol DL, Hildebrandt VH. The effectiveness of a work style intervention and a lifestyle physical activity intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers. Pain. 2007;132(1–2):142–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Ketola R, Toivonen R, Hakkanen M, Luukkonen R, Takala EP, Viikari-Juntura E. Effects of ergonomic intervention in work with video display units. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2002;28(1):18–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Martimo KP, Shiri R, Miranda H, Ketola R, Varonen H, Viikari-Juntura E. Effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention on the productivity of workers with upper-extremity disorders—a randomized controlled trial. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2010;36(1):25–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Rempel DM, Wang PC, Janowitz I, Harrison RJ, Yu F, Ritz BR. A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of new task chairs on shoulder and neck pain among sewing machine operators: the Los Angeles garment study. Spine. 2007;32(9):931–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Sandsjo L, Larsman P, Huis in ‘t Veld RM, Vollenbroek-Hutten MM. Clinical evaluation of a myofeedback-based teletreatment service applied in the workplace: a randomized controlled trial. J Telemed Telecare. 2010;16(6):329–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Voerman GE, Sandsjo L, Vollenbroek-Hutten MM, Larsman P, Kadefors R, Hermens HJ. Effects of ambulant myofeedback training and ergonomic counselling in female computer workers with work-related neck-shoulder complaints: a randomized controlled trial. J Occup Rehabil. 2007;17(1):137–52.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Werner RA, Franzblau A, Gell N. Randomized controlled trial of nocturnal splinting for active workers with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2005;86(1):1–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Lundblad I, Elert J, Gerdle B. Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy and Feldenkrais interventions in female workers with neck-shoulder complaints. J Occup Rehabil. 1999;9(3):179–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Stralka SW, Jackson JA, Lewis AR. Treatment of hand and wrist pain. A randomized clinical trial of high voltage pulsed, direct current built into a wrist splint. AAOHN J. 1998;46(5):233–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Juni P, Holenstein F, Sterne J, Bartlett C, Egger M. Direction and impact of language bias in meta-analyses of controlled trials: empirical study. Int J Epidemiol. 2002;31(1):115–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Moher D, Fortin P, Jadad AR, Juni P, Klassen T, Le Lorier J, et al. Completeness of reporting of trials published in languages other than English: implications for conduct and reporting of systematic reviews. Lancet. 1996;347(8998):363–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Moher D, Pham B, Lawson ML, Klassen TP. The inclusion of reports of randomised trials published in languages other than English in systematic reviews. Health Technol Assess. 2003;7(41):1–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Morrison A, Polisena J, Husereau D, Moulton K, Clark M, Fiander M, et al. The effect of English-language restriction on systematic review-based meta-analyses: a systematic review of empirical studies. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2012;28(2):138–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Sutton AJ, Duval SJ, Tweedie RL, Abrams KR, Jones DR. Empirical assessment of effect of publication bias on meta-analyses. BMJ. 2000;320(7249):1574–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge and thank all of the individuals who have made important contributions to this review: Arthur Ameis, Carlo Ammendolia, Poonam Cardoso, Douglas Gross, Gail Lindsay, Margareta Nordin, Mike Paulden, Roger Salhany, John Stapleton, Maja Stupar, and Angela Verven. We would also like to thank Trish Johns-Wilson at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology for her review of the search strategy. Ontario Ministry of Finance; the study sponsor had no involvement in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, writing of the manuscript or decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Conflict of interest

No conflicts of interest to disclose for all authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. UOIT-CMCC Centre for the Study of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON, M2H 3J1, Canada

    Sharanya Varatharajan, Pierre Côté, Heather M. Shearer, Jessica J. Wong, Danielle Southerst, Hainan Yu, Kristi Randhawa, Deborah Sutton, Craig Jacobs & Anne Taylor-Vaisey

  2. UOIT-CMCC Centre for the Study of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON, M2H 3J1, Canada

    Sharanya Varatharajan, Pierre Côté, Heather M. Shearer, Jessica J. Wong, Danielle Southerst, Hainan Yu, Kristi Randhawa, Deborah Sutton, Craig Jacobs & Anne Taylor-Vaisey

  3. Division of Graduate Education and Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON, M2H 3J1, Canada

    Sharanya Varatharajan, Heather M. Shearer, Patrick Loisel, Hainan Yu, Kristi Randhawa, Deborah Sutton & Silvano Mior

  4. Canada Research Chair in Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Oshawa, ON, Canada

    Pierre Côté

  5. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Oshawa, ON, Canada

    Pierre Côté & Silvano Mior

  6. Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Patrick Loisel

  7. Division of Undergraduate Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON, M2H 3J1, Canada

    Jessica J. Wong & Danielle Southerst

  8. Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Gabrielle van der Velde

  9. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Gabrielle van der Velde

  10. Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Gabrielle van der Velde

  11. Department of Public Health Sciences and Alberta Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Linda J. Carroll

  12. Division of Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON, M2H 3J1, Canada

    Craig Jacobs

Authors
  1. Sharanya Varatharajan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pierre Côté
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Heather M. Shearer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Patrick Loisel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jessica J. Wong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Danielle Southerst
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Hainan Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Kristi Randhawa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Deborah Sutton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Gabrielle van der Velde
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Silvano Mior
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. Linda J. Carroll
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. Craig Jacobs
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. Anne Taylor-Vaisey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sharanya Varatharajan.

Additional information

Systematic Review Registration Number: CRD42012003390.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (PDF 98 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Varatharajan, S., Côté, P., Shearer, H.M. et al. Are Work Disability Prevention Interventions Effective for the Management of Neck Pain or Upper Extremity Disorders? A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. J Occup Rehabil 24, 692–708 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-014-9501-1

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-014-9501-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation