Effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase knowledge
and reduce use of risky behaviors associated with cumulative trauma in office
workers
Affiliations: Program in Physical Therapy, Oakland University School
of Health Sciences, Rochester, MI 48309, USA | Work Wise Program, The University of Michigan Health
System 325 Eisenhower Parkway, 2nd Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48108-0744, USA | Work Wise Program, The University of Michigan Health
System 325 East Eisenhower Parkway, 2nd Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48108-0744,
USA
Note: [] PT, PhD, Associate Professor and Director, Program in Physical
Therapy, Oakland University, School of Health Sciences, Rochester, MI
48309-4482, USA. Tel.: +1 248 370 4043; Fax: +1 248 370 4287; E-mail:
marcoux@oakland.edu
Abstract: {\it Objective:} This pilot project assessed the effectiveness of an
intervention to increase knowledge and reduce risky behaviors related to
cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in office workers. {\it Study Design:} All
124 employees from the administrative offices of a health maintenance
organization were invited to participate. Subjects were followed across time
using an identification number. Data were collected via questionnaire in June
1994 (pretest1) (N=84), August 1994 (pretest II) (N= 63) and September 1995
(posttest) (N=40). The yearlong intervention focused on functional activities
to prevent CTD. {\it Results:} of chi-square analyses for the 40 subjects who
completed all surveys indicated this intervention significantly increased
overall knowledge of CTD (p = .002). Significant changes in self-reported
hand/wrist (p = .016) and neck/shoulder (p = .003) posture were also found.
{\it Conclusions:} This study is a first step in identifying effective
educational interventions to increase knowledge and reduce risk factors related
to CTD in office workers.
Keywords: educational intervention program for CTD, knowledge of CTD, office workers, prevention of CTD
