Prognostic factors for time away from work among workers with chronic low-back pain: a systematic review update

Reasons for the study

Workers, employers and workers’ compensation boards have many questions about the impact of low-back pain (LBP) on return to work. The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) previously assessed the evidence on factors that predict duration of time away from work among workers who are at the beginning of a LBP-related episode. In 2005, IWH published a systematic review on prognostic factors for duration on sick leave due to acute low-back pain. This study expanded this systemic review by looking at the prognostic factors for duration on sick leave due to chronic low-back pain.

Objectives of the study

  • To assess the evidence on factors that predict duration of time away from work by workers at the chronic stage of an episode of time away from work related to low-back pain
  • To develop an evidence-based handbook to help direct return-to-work practices in the province of Manitoba

Related scientific publications

IWH Speaker Series presentations

Project status

Completed 2017

Research team

  • Ivan Steenstra, Institute for Work & Health (PI)
  • Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, Institute for Work & Health
  • Emma Irvin, Institute for Work & Health
  • Quenby Mahood, Institute for Work & Health
  • Claire Munhall, Institute for Work & Health
  • Dwayne Van Eerd, Institute for Work & Health
  • Nelson Oranye, University of Manitoba
  • Steve Passmore, University of Manitoba

Collaborators and partners

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba

Funded by

Manitoba Workers Compensation Board, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario's Research Advisory Council