Design of a randomized controlled trial on the effect on return to work with coaching plus light therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for workers with work-related chronic stress

BMC Public Health

Study Protocol

Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen¹  Judith K. Sluiter²  Antonius M. C. Schoutens³ 

[1] Academic Medical Center, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;Academic Medical Center, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;Academic Medical Center, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;FluxPlus BV, Tilburg, The Netherlands;

关键词: Work-related chronic stress;    Burnout;    Light therapy;    Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF);    Work participation;    Stress;    Fatigue;    Quality of life;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-016-3276-6

 received in 2015-08-25, accepted in 2016-07-02,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWork-related chronic stress is a common problem among workers. The core complaint is that the employee feels exhausted, which has an effect on the well-being and functioning of the employee, and an impact on the employer and society. The employee’s absence is costly due to lost productivity and medical expenses. The usual form of care for work-related chronic stress is coaching, using a cognitive-behavioural approach whose primary aim is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Light therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are used for the treatment of several mental and physical disorders. The objective of this study is to determine whether coaching combined with light therapy plus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is an effective treatment for reducing absenteeism, fatigue and stress, and improving quality of life compared to coaching alone.Methods/designThe randomized placebo-controlled trial consists of three arms. The population consists of 90 participants with work-related chronic stress complaints. The research groups are: (i) intervention group; (ii) placebo group; and (iii) control group. Participants in the intervention group will be treated with light therapy/pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for 12 weeks, twice a week for 40 min, and coaching (once a fortnight for 50 min). The placebo group receives the same treatment but with the light and pulsed electromagnetic field switched to placebo settings. The control group receives only coaching for 12 weeks, a course of six sessions, once a fortnight for 50 min. The primary outcome is the level of return to work. Secondary outcomes are fatigue, stress and quality of life. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 and 24 weeks after start of treatment.DiscussionThis study will provide information about the effectiveness of coaching and light therapy plus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on return to work, and secondly on fatigue, stress and quality of life in people with work-related chronic stress.Trial registrationNTR4794, registration date 18-sept-2014

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2016