Research

Research activities in the MSOP Lab focus on understanding associations among occupational performance, health, and well-being within the adult working population. This research aims to elucidate the underlying positive and negative mechanisms of health and performance relative to the transactions that occur as we participate in physical, interpersonal, and organizational contexts and use various tools and technologies as part of tasks and activities.

Health and well-being considerations of interest in MSOP studies include musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive strain injuries, stress, and burnout. Specific worker populations examined in detail within MSOP research have included office workers, construction workers, sonographers, and dental hygienists. Research projects are typically observational or experimental, and most projects apply a multi-method approach that blends empirical, quantitative data with qualitative first-person, situated experiences.

Current MSOP projects focus on understanding human health, well-being, and performance due to changing workplace contexts and rapid technological advancements. This work aims to inform tailored approaches to preventive and health-promoting interventions targeted at individual and organizational levels. In addition to preventive approaches, previous and ongoing MSOP work focuses on improving the process of rehabilitative care for upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions, including using mind-body and other integrative approaches in hand therapy. Key contributions include translating musculoskeletal sonographic imaging from its traditional use in diagnosis into a clinical tool for occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professionals. 

Read about our active and completed research projects by clicking on the links below.

Active Projects ⟩

• Worker Health and Wellbeing in Emerging Work Contexts
• Enhancing Office Worker Wellness
• Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Assessment in Dental Hygienists
• Work-Related Injuries in Sonographers

Completed Projects ⟩

• Mind-Body Interventions in Hand Therapy
• Applications of Sonography in Hand Therapy
• Early Identification of Median Nerve Pathology
• Sonographic Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sonography for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Are you an Occupational Therapist who is Interested in a Career in Work and Industry?

Listen to our YouTube chat with the American Journal of Occupational Therapy editor to learn more about occupational therapy’s role in supporting workers to live healthy and productive lives: