A Systematic Review on the Effect of Physical Therapist Delivered Ergonomic Intervention on Workers in a Physically Taxing Workplace

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries have increased in the past decade, and this has caused a sequela
of pain and missed work time due to injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of
physical therapist delivered ergonomic intervention on workers in a physically taxing workplace. A
systematic review was performed, which evaluated changes in pain and functional status of injured
workers when ergonomic interventions were delivered by physical therapists. Methods: A literature
search of ProQuest Central, Science Direct, PubMed, Taylor and Francis and EbscoHost was conducted
using PEDro guidelines. The search limits and selection criteria were employed. A systematic review of
literature using PEDro guidelines was used. In total, six RCTs met the selection criteria. Conclusion:
Moderate to strong mixed evidence exists to show the effect physical therapist can have on providing
workplace solutions to improve function and decreases pain with employees in a physically taxing
workplace