Could a feedback device help manage work-related shoulder disorders?: protocol of a mixed methods pilot study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Clinical Research Methodology

Background:

• Work-related shoulder disorders (WRSDs) are a significant issue, influenced by workload, environment, and an aging workforce.
• Existing interventions for WRSDs lack robust evidence, partly due to inadequate tools for measuring physical workload.
• The portable ShoulderWatchLoad (SWL) system was developed to estimate shoulder physical work demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of implementing the SWL system in the workplace and conducting a large-scale randomized clinical trial (RCT).
• To assess recruitment success, intervention adherence, technology usability, and research team capacity for refining the SWL.
• To explore the SWL's potential to reduce disability, pain, work limitations, and physical demands, while enhancing pain self-efficacy.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed methods pilot study including a two-arm parallel group external pilot RCT (n=42) with WRSD participants.
• Participants received a 2-week workplace intervention using SWL feedback (experimental) or standard care (control), with evaluations at baseline and 12 weeks.
• A qualitative component involved three focus groups (n=21) with the experimental group, using a joint display for data integration.

Main Results:

• Pilot data collection and analysis are ongoing.
• Feasibility metrics such as recruitment rates, adherence, and usability will be reported.
• Preliminary insights into the SWL's impact on pain, disability, and work limitations will be explored.

Conclusions:

• A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data is crucial for assessing SWL usability.
• This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale RCT for the SWL system.
• Findings will guide future interventions for managing work-related shoulder disorders.