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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: {\it Objective:} The purposes of this pilot study were to examine the working position of middle school children during their media/technology class, test student's knowledge of healthy computing habits, and evaluate the efficacy of two educational interventions compared to a control group. {\it Method:} A multi-group pre-test/post-test design was used. 19 students (mean age 11.6) participated in the study during their media/technology class. Students' postures while computing were evaluated on-site. Additionally five students were video…recorded while they used the classroom computers so that on-site observations could be compared to video recorded data. All participants were given a written pre-test prior to educational interventions. The 12-minute educational intervention session focused on healthy computing habits, the importance of stretching, and group performance of specific upper extremity stretches. Additional education regarding overall postural health including good body mechanics was provided to one intervention group. {\it Results:} The results of this study indicate that a twelve-minute educational intervention significantly improved participants' knowledge of healthy computing habits as measured by written pre-tests and post-tests. Participants who received additional education on overall postural health and body mechanics demonstrated the largest rate of improvement in positioning while computing. No statistical difference between intervention groups was noted on post-test scores, which attempted to measure long-term learning of healthy computing habits. {\it Conclusion:} Although more research in this area is warranted, it appears that education regarding correct positioning at computer workstations combined with instructing students on the importance of overall healthy posture may foster correct positioning while students use computers at school.
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Abstract: A participatory approach was used to create a computer ergonomics workshop for college students, incorporating an instructional systems design process and adult learning inquiry perspectives. The primary objective of this participatory ergonomic pilot intervention was to involve students throughout the training design process in solving computer workstation ergonomic problems and adopting healthy computing behaviors. Students' level of participation included becoming part of the training design team, a co-facilitator, or a student trainee.…A second objective was to examine the translation of an industrial office ergonomics training program into a college computer ergonomics training program. The long term goal was to reduce upper extremity symptoms and disability. The program was piloted at one private university. The three student trainees significantly increased their knowledge of computer ergonomics from 69% post-training. Trainees were also successful in conducting computer ergonomic evaluations of students' computing work areas. They achieved 100% proposing solutions in five ergonomic workstation assessments in the field. This approach was successful in creating a sense of ownership among the student developers and facilitators as reflected in their self-reports during a post-intervention debriefing. The results of this pilot study justify formal controlled trials of this intervention in university students, who will become tomorrow's workers.
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Abstract: {\it Objectives.} To understand how upper extremity disorders related to computer use affect graduate and undergraduate university students; and, to develop hypotheses for prevention and management of these disorders. {\it Methods.} Focus group discussions concerning upper extremity disorders were conducted among sixteen symptomatic undergraduate and graduate students at a private university in the US. Discussions were tape recorded, transcribed, coded for themes, and analyzed qualitatively. {\it Results.} The findings point to four main themes:…1) the essential role of computers in academic, social, and personal activities; 2) the negative impact of upper extremity disorders on students' physical and emotional well-being, including their career aspirations; 3) students' expectations and perceptions of medical care providers; and 4) recommendations for interventions. {\it Conclusion.} Students with upper extremity disorders experience numerous adverse consequences on a college campus. Effective strategies for prevention, and treatment of upper extremity disorders in young adults in universities are needed. Based on this research, an educational and skills development intervention would appear to be appropriate for preventing disability due to upper extremity disorders.
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Keywords: upper extremity disorders, repetitive strain injury (RSI), college and university
