title: [Intensified Work-Related Rehabilitation Aftercare: Long-term Results of a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensified work-related rehabilitation aftercare (IWORAC) in comparison to the conventional intensified rehabilitation aftercare (IRAC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with severe limitations of work-related functioning were recruited in 11 outpatient rehabilitation centres at the beginning of their orthopaedic rehabilitation aftercare and randomly assigned to the interventions. The control group (n=150) received the IRAC while the intervention group (n=157) received the IWORAC which amended the IRAC by work-related functional capacity training, work-related psychosocial groups, social counselling and relaxation training. The primary outcome was work ability. Treatment effects were analyzed by generalized linear regression models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistically relevant between-group difference in follow-up primary or secondary (e. g., duration of sick leave, quality of life) outcomes. Both groups improved their quality of life and work ability considerably.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RESULTS were not in favour of the IWORAC. The improvement of existing aftercare treatments might require a stronger involvement of the employer.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Rehabilitationsmedizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Briest
authors.affiliation: Institut für Sozialmedizin und Epidemiologie, Universität zu Lübeck.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bethge
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D062707:Return to Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult