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Updated: May 20, 2026
The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
Comparison of chronic occupational upper extremity versus lumbar disorders for differential disability-related
Krista J Howard1, Tom G Mayer, Robert J Gatchel
1Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Objective:
To systematically evaluate if an interdisciplinary functional restoration program (FRP), shown to be a viable treatment option for patients with chronic disabling occupational lumbar disorders, is as effective in treating chronic disabling occupational upper extremity disorders.
Methods:
Participants were 2484 consecutive patients with either arm or lumbar disorders admitted to an FRP. Analyses compared demographic, psychosocial, and work-related factors, and 1-year post-rehabilitation socioeconomic outcomes.
Results:
Socioeconomic outcomes showed that work-return and work-retention rates after successful completion of the FRP did not differ between the two groups, or among the upper extremity subgroups.
Conclusions:
FRP is equally effective for patients with chronic upper extremity or lumbar spine disorders, regardless of the injury type, site in the upper extremity, or the disparity in injury-specific and psychosocial factors identified before treatment.