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Research Article
Issue Date: January 01, 1986
Published Online: June 17, 2014
Updated: June 13, 2018
Using Work Simulation to Treat Adults With Back Injuries
Carl M. Bettencourt; Patricia Carlstrom; Sara Hargreaves Brown; Karen Lindau; Carolyn M. Long
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Carl M. Bettencourt, OTR, is an occupational therapist coordinator of a prevocational program, New England Rehabilitation Hospital, Woburn, MA 01801
  • Patricia Carlstrom, OTR, is an occupational therapist, NE Rehabilitation Hospital, Salem, NH 03079
  • Sara Hargreaves Brown, MS, OTR, is a consultant in designing interior space, Bellport, Long Island, NY 11713
  • Karen Lindau, MS, OTR, is an occupational therapist, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, England
  • Carolyn M. Long, RPT, is Supervisor, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and General Fitness Departments, Liberty Mutual Medical Service Center, Boston, MA 02116
  • At the time this paper was written, all authors were affiliated with the Liberty Mutual Medical Service Center, Boston, MA 02116.
    At the time this paper was written, all authors were affiliated with the Liberty Mutual Medical Service Center, Boston, MA 02116.×
Article Information
Community Mobility and Driving / Features
Research Article   |   January 01, 1986
Using Work Simulation to Treat Adults With Back Injuries
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 1986, Vol. 40, 12-18. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.40.1.12
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January 1986, Vol. 40, 12-18. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.40.1.12
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Abstract

Occupational therapy at the Liberty Mutual Medical Service Center, Boston, Massachusetts, offers a diverse variety of modalities for the treatment of patients with low back pain. Treatment may include the use of a balance monitor, a multiwork station, a pneumatic lifting-lowering device, a computerized upper extremity work simulator, and a truck-driving simulator. The primary objective of occupational therapy in this setting is to provide a supportive environment where patients can practice and improve the execution of the work-related activities they need to perform their jobs while they are learning to live with or control their symptoms.