Repetition in Clinical Job Strength Rating Calculations: Facilitating Safe Dynamic Rehabilitation in a Lumbar Cumulative Trauma Injury

Abstract

A work-related repetitive trauma disorder to the lumbar spine was treated effectively with initial appropriate Physical Therapy Modalities followed by a Dynamic “Active” approach. Return-to-work orders, duties restriction, and improvement were substantiated with regular Functional Capacity Evaluations, following NIOSH guidelines intermediate level of the lifting task evaluation. Job Strength Rating (JSR) calculations were made concerning ability to return to work by calculating repetitions into the equation. Upon obtaining acceptable JSR readings, the patient was allowed to return to work on a graduated scale and a mild exacerbation was experienced. Due to this incident, functional exercises were developed to help achieve higher repetition movements, thus satisfying his high repetitious job duty specifications. By reviewing the findings, we were able to categorize this patient as a Qualified Injured Worker enabling him vocational rehabilitation. The most effective component to his release was the development of functional dynamic lifting task exercises, and calculation of his Job Strength Rating, remembering the importance of repetitions, and its effect on true Functional Capacity.