IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Relationship between the concept of margin of manoeuvre and the healthy return to work of workers with musculoskeletal disorders following a rehabilitation program

Abstract

Several studies confirm that rehabilitation programs that include an ergonomic intervention in an actual working environment accelerate the return to work and improve the quality of life of workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Many questions on the best practices to adopt during this type of intervention remain unanswered, however, including that of assessing the difference between the worker’s capacities and the task’s requirements. Called the margin of manoeuvre, this concept has not yet been well described in the context of rehabilitation ergonomics. The researchers will attempt to clarify and determine the indicators that must be taken into consideration to evaluate this margin of manoeuvre in relation to the return to work of people with MSDs. This will lead to the future development of a guide for clinicians in this field and of decision-assistance tools to facilitate the return-to-work process.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-4770
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2008
Research Field: Occupational Rehabilitation
Team:
  • Marie-José Durand (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Patrick Loisel (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Nicole Vézina (Université du Québec à Montréal )
  • Raymond Baril (IRSST)