Factors Associated With Work Ability in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy
Eunice Ng1, Venerina Johnston, Johanna Wibault
1*Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia †Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden ‡Neuroorthopedic Centre, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden §Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, and Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ¶Department of Neurosurgery, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, and Centre for Clinical Research Excellence, The University of Queensland, Australia; and ‖Centre of Clinical Research in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, The University of Queensland, Australia.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Objective:
To investigate the factors associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy.
Summary Of Background Data:
Surgery is a common treatment of cervical radiculopathy in people of working age. However, few studies have investigated the impact on the work ability of these patients.
Methods:
Patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy (n = 201) were recruited from spine centers in Sweden to complete a battery of questionnaires and physical measures the day before surgery. The associations between various individual, psychological, and work-related factors and self-reported work ability were investigated by Spearman rank correlation coefficient, multivariate linear regression, and forward stepwise regression analyses. Factors that were significant (P < 0.05) in each statistical analysis were entered into the successive analysis to reveal the factors most related to work ability. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index.
Results:
The mean Work Ability Index score was 28 (SD, 9.0). The forward stepwise regression analysis revealed 6 factors significantly associated with work ability, which explained 62% of the variance in the Work Ability Index. Factors highly correlated with greater work ability included greater self-efficacy in performing self-cares, lower physical load on the neck at work, greater self-reported chance of being able to work in 6 months' time, greater use of active coping strategies, lower frequency of hand weakness, and higher health-related quality of life.
Conclusion:
Psychological, work-related and individual factors were significantly associated with work ability in patients undergoing surgery for cervical radiculopathy. High self-efficacy was most associated with greater work ability. Consideration of these factors by surgeons preoperatively may provide optimal return to work outcomes after surgery.
Level Of Evidence:
3.
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