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01-03-2020 | Affective Disorder

Reductions in Fatigue Predict Occupational Re-engagement in Individuals with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Authors: Keiko Yamada, Heather Adams, Tamra Ellis, Robyn Clark, Craig Sully, Michael J. L. Sullivan

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background Symptoms of fatigue have been shown to be associated with heightened levels of disability in patients suffering from a wide range of debilitating health and mental health conditions. The role of fatigue as a determinant of work disability in individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) has received little attention. The present study examined the role of fatigue as a determinant of work-disability in individuals with WRMDs. Methods Participants included 117 individuals with WRMDs who completed measures of pain severity, fatigue, depression and disability before and after participating in a behavioral activation rehabilitation intervention. Results Cross-sectional analyses on pre-treatment measures revealed that fatigue contributed significant variance to the prediction of self-reported disability, beyond the variance accounted for by pain severity and depression. Prospective analyses revealed that reductions in fatigue through the course of treatment predicted occupational re-engagement following termination of the intervention. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest fatigue contributes to occupational disability, independent of the effects of pain and depression. The findings also suggest that meaningful reductions in fatigue might be achieved through psychosocial interventions that promote gradual re-integration into discontinued activities, increase participants’ exposure to success and achievement experiences, and reduce the severity of depressive symptoms. Behavioural activation interventions such as the one used in the present study might contribute to more positive occupational outcomes in work-disabled individuals who report high levels of fatigue.

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Title: Reductions in Fatigue Predict Occupational Re-engagement in Individuals with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Keiko Yamada
Heather Adams
Tamra Ellis
Robyn Clark
Craig Sully
Michael J. L. Sullivan
Publication date: 01-03-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Affective Disorder
Affective Disorder
Fatigue
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-019-09856-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Reductions in Fatigue Predict Occupational Re-engagement in Individuals with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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