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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Musculoskeletal pain and effort-reward imbalance- a systematic review

Authors: Peter Koch, Anja Schablon, Ute Latza, Albert Nienhaus

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Musculoskeletal pain may be triggered by physical strains and psychosocial risk factors. The effort-reward imbalance model (ERI model) is a stress model which measures psychosocial factors in the working world. The question is whether workers with an effort-reward imbalance report musculoskeletal pain more frequently than those with no effort-reward imbalance. A systematic review using a best evidence synthesis approach was conducted to answer this question.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for the period from 1996 to 2012, using three databases (Pubmed, Embase and PsycINFO). The research criteria related to psychosocial, work-related stress as per the ERI model and to musculoskeletal pain. A quality score was developed using various quality criteria to assess the standard of the studies. The level of evidence was graded as in (Am J Ind Med 39:180–193, 2001).

Results

After applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 19 studies were included in the review: 15 cross-sectional studies, three prospective studies and one case–control study. 74% of all studies exhibited good methodological quality, 53% collected data using the original ERI questionnaire, and in 42% of the studies, there was adequate control for physical working conditions. Furthermore, different cut-off points were used to classify exposed and non-exposed individuals. On the basis of 13 studies with a positive, statistically significant association, a moderate level of evidence was inferred for the association between effort-reward imbalance and musculoskeletal pain. The evidence for a role of over-commitment and for its interaction with effort-reward imbalance was rated as inconclusive - on the basis of eight and five studies, respectively.

Conclusions

On the basis of the available evidence, no reliable conclusion may be drawn about any association between the psychosocial factors ascertained using the ERI model and musculoskeletal pain. Before a reliable statement can be made on the association between ERI and musculoskeletal pain, additional longitudinal studies must be performed - with a standardised method for recording and classifying exposure, as well as control of physical confounders. Appropriate preventive measures can then be specified.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/14/37/prepub

Title: Musculoskeletal pain and effort-reward imbalance- a systematic review
Authors: Peter Koch
Anja Schablon
Ute Latza
Albert Nienhaus
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-37

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Musculoskeletal pain and effort-reward imbalance- a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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