Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Lucinda Dale, Associate
Professor and Co-Director of Advanced Studies, School of Occupational Therapy,
University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA.
Tel.: +1 317 788 3561; Fax: +1 317 788 3542; E-mail: ldale@uindy.edu
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the risks for
the development of MSDs in older academics. Method: Four older academics needed modification of their offices to
reduce symptoms of MSDs. In order to improve their occupational performance,
data were gathered through interviews and observations, facilitating selection
of interventions responsive to their unique client factors, physical contexts,
and the organizational environment. Results: Older academics did not perceive risks for the development
of MSDs in work that was sedentary. Their routines included few health and
wellness behaviors in a culture rewarding excessive work, facilitating
commitment to the organization, and understating the importance of health and
wellness to the academic community. Conclusions: Occupational therapists must reframe sedentary work as
physically demanding and potentially risky for the development of MSDs, and
must recognize the organizational influences on the work of academics.
Prolonging work life might likely result from modifications in the physical
context and from the academic adopting healthy lifestyle routines within
multiple environments.
