Work physical therapy and rehabilitation ergonomics: a review and discussion of the scope of the areas.
OBJECTIVE
There has been a recent development of the work physical therapy area in Brazil. The relationship between work physical therapy and rehabilitation ergonomics needs to be highlighted to avoid segregation and fragmentation of these complementary fields. For these reasons, the purpose of this article was to review and clarify the scope of the areas of work physical therapy and rehabilitation ergonomics.


METHODS
The available literature discussing the roles of the areas of interest was critically reviewed.


RESULTS
Both areas are concerned with workers' health and safety and they complement each other.


CONCLUSIONS
Work physical therapy can be considered as rehabilitation ergonomics practiced by physical therapists with their specific interests. Hopefully, this paper will contribute to further interaction between the areas of work physical therapy and rehabilitation ergonomics not only in Brazil but worldwide. This may contribute to improved occupational disability prevention and rehabilitation.
Vieira
Edgar Ramos
ER
Ergonomics Research Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. evieira@ualberta.ca
D002170:Canada; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000592:standards; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational