http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1871 Search the Channel search http://bora.uib.no/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1940 Title: Tiltak for å fremme helse på arbeidsplassen <br/> <br/>Authors: Eriksen, Hege R.; Ursin, Holger <br/> <br/>Abstract: Abstract. - Previous attempts to improve health in working life were directed at somatic health variables. At present, such interventions are also directed at life quality and subjective health. Complaints without objectively verifiable disease constitute as much as 50 % of long term sickness compensation and permanent disability. It is a major source of absence of well being and positive health. There are only a few randomized, controlled studies of interventions improving health in working life. Published studies show moderate, but significant effects on objective as well as subjective health variables, from physical exercise, stress management training, and general health promotion, in particular life style modifications (diet, exercise, reduced alcohol and tobacco consumption) <br/> <br/>Description: Reproduced with permission from the publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1939 Title: Kognitive mekanismer og fotballprestasjoner <br/> <br/>Authors: Sivertsen, Børge; Nordby, Helge; Johnsen, Vilde; Rydland, Ingunn; Odden, Espen; Håland, Espen; Eriksen, Hege R. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Cognitive mechanisms and football performance Previous research has proven the Defence Mechanism Test (DMT) to be valid for selection of personnel for dangerous tasks. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between defense mechanisms and soccer players' performance in a non-dangerous but stressful setting. A total of 18 female Norwegian football players were rated as «high» or «low defenders» as measured by the DMT. In addition, the players' reaction times and level of performance were estimated. Players with low defense mechanisms were significantly more likely to be classified as good players. In addition, low score on the DMT was associated with fast reaction times. <br/> <br/>Description: Reproduced with permission from the publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1938 Title: SHC - et måleinstrument for subjektive helseplager <br/> <br/>Authors: Ihlebæk, Camilla; Eriksen, Hege R.; Ursin, Holger <br/> <br/>Description: Reproduced with permission from publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1932 Title: Letters <br/> <br/>Authors: Brox, J. I.; Reikerås, O.; Sørensen, R.; Riise, R.; Nygård, Ø.; Ingebrigtsen, T.; Keller, A.; Indahl, A.; Holm, I.; Friis, A.; Koller, A. K.; Eriksen, Hege R. <br/> <br/>Abstract: <br/> <br/>Description: In response to: Hägg O, Fritzell P. Letter. Spine 2003; 29: 1160–1. Reproduced with permission from publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1931 Title: The "myths" of low back pain: status quo in norwegian general practitioners and physiotherapists <br/> <br/>Authors: Ihlebæk, Camilla; Eriksen, Hege R. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Background. In 2001, several myths of low back pain still were alive in the general population in Norway, myths that were not in concordance with current guidelines. Objectives. To investigate perceptions about back pain in Norwegian general practitioners and physiotherapists and to compare these with perceptions in the general population. Methods. During June 2001, 436 general practitioners (mean age 44.8, range 26–69 years) and 311 physiotherapists (mean age 47.6, range 25–70) were asked to rate their agreement with 7 statements, corresponding to Deyo’s 7 myths that formulate 7 common misbeliefs on back pain. The corresponding data from the general population of 807 individuals (mean age 45.5, range 25–70) were sampled during early spring 2001. Results. There were significant differences between the general population, general practitioners, and physiotherapists for all myths, the general population being more likely to agree with all myths. The differences were maintained even after controlling for educational level in the general population. There were no differences between general practitioners and physiotherapists except for the myths “radiographs and newer imaging tests can always identify the cause of pain” and “back pain is usually disabling,” whereas general practitioners were less likely to disagree with the myths. Few gender and age differences were found in the professional groups. Conclusion. In Norwegian general practitioners and physiotherapists, Deyo’s 7 myths mostly seem to be dead and buried. However, it does not seem that this has extended to the public yet, as many myths still are alive in the general population. <br/> <br/>Description: Reproduced with permission from publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1930 Title: The pain of Sognsvann walks <br/> <br/>Authors: Eriksen, Hege R.; Ursin, Holger <br/> <br/>Description: Reproduced with permission from publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1929 Title: Randomized clinical trial of lumbar instrumented fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration <br/> <br/>Authors: Brox, J. I.; Sørensen, R.; Friis, A.; Nygård, Ø.; Indahl, A.; Keller, A.; Ingebrigtsen, T.; Eriksen, Hege R.; Holm, I.; Koller, A. K.; Riise, R.; Reikerås, O. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Study Design. Single blind randomized study. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of lumbar instrumented fusion with cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration. Summary of Background Data. To the authors’ best knowledge, only one randomized study has evaluated the effectiveness of lumbar fusion. The Swedish Lumbar Spine Study reported that lumbar fusion was better than continuing physiotherapy and care by the family physician. Patients and Methods. Sixty-four patients aged 25–60 years with low back pain lasting longer than 1 year and evidence of disc degeneration at L4–L5 and/or L5–S1 at radiographic examination were randomized to either lumbar fusion with posterior transpedicular screws and postoperative physiotherapy, or cognitive intervention and exercises. The cognitive intervention consisted of a lecture to give the patient an understanding that ordinary physical activity would not harm the disc and a recommendation to use the back and bend it. This was reinforced by three daily physical exercise sessions for 3 weeks. The main outcome measure was the Oswestry Disability Index. Results. At the 1-year follow-up visit, 97% of the patients, including 6 patients who had either not attended treatment or changed groups, were examined. The Oswestry Disability Index was significantly reduced from 41 to 26 after surgery, compared with 42 to 30 after cognitive intervention and exercises. The mean difference between groups was 2.3 (-6.7 to 11.4) (P = 0.33). Improvements inback pain, use of analgesics, emotional distress, life satisfaction, and return to work were not different. Fearavoidance beliefs and fingertip-floor distance were reduced more after nonoperative treatment, and lower limbpain was reduced more after surgery. The success rateaccording to an independent observer was 70% after surgery and 76% after cognitive intervention and exercises. The early complication rate in the surgical group was 18%. Conclusion. The main outcome measure showed equal improvement in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration randomized to cognitive intervention and exercises, or lumbar fusion. <br/> <br/>Description: Reproduced with permission from the publisher http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1897 Title: Room for everyone in working life? 10% of the employees – 82% of the sickness leave <br/> <br/>Authors: Tveito, Torill Helene; Halvorsen, Asle; Lauvålien, Jarle V.; Eriksen, Hege R. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Aims: The aims of this project were to study the distribution of sickness leave in a population of Norwegian power company workers, and to characterise those with most sickness leave. Method: A survey was done in 13 power companies during the autumn of 1999. 2435 employees participated, the response rate was 73%. The employees were asked to fill in questionnaires about sickness leave, physical work environment, stress, coping, psychological demands, control, and subjective health complaints. Results: A group of 10% of the employees reported 82% of the sickness leave. They were characterised by heavy physical work, lower education, and high levels of many health risk factors, such as smoking, low job satisfaction, sleeping badly, job stress, and low levels of physical exercise. They also had more health complaints. Conclusion: The person most at risk was the old-fashioned manual labourer with low education and heavy physical work. Interventions aiming to reduce sickness leave should target the interventions to the group in need of it.