Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

The objective of the Back on Track study is to evaluate a computer-assisted reintegration protocol for musculoskeletal disorders of a major occupational health service in the Netherlands on its (cost-)effectiveness and conduct a process evaluation. The computer-assisted reintegration protocol aims to reduce sick leave duration and sick-leave associated costs, with the intention to mitigate the impact of sick leave for both employee and employer. Furthermore, this study might provide valuable insights for the improvement of reintegration guidance for workers with musculoskeletal disorders in general.

In this research project, the researchers will implement the Start-MSK tool, which is a screening instrument to support and facilitate the work of directing the right treatment to the right patient with musculoskeletal pain to promote recovery and improve health outcomes. The screening tool aims to identify prognostic factors to stratify patients into groups with different risks for long-term pain and disability. A total of 300 patients, 18 years and older, with musculoskeletal pain who seek primary care rehabilitation and a physiotherapist will be recruited. For this project, the investigaters are in contact with 10-15 primary care units in the Stockholm, Västra Götaland, Uppsala and Skåne Regions. Patients who are recruited will receive care from a physiotherapist and with a follow-up for 6 months. The primary aim is to investigate whether Start-MSK can predict the outcome (pain, quality of life) of the treatment at 3 months, and at long-term follow-up 6 months. The investigators will also conduct interview studies using focus groups with the physiotherapists and individual interviews with included patients who are part of the study to capture their experiences of using the Start-MSK; about how the participants feel the use has affected treatment and the measures they have received. Through Start-MSK, which is a step towards precision-based treatment for musculoskeletal pain, some of the long-term pain should be preventable.

This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools. The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.