Factors predicting work ability following multidisciplinary rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal pain

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the outcome and outcome predictors of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in terms of working ability. Methods: One hundred and forty three (n=143) patients with musculoskeletal pain (mean age=45.7, SD=8.9) were included. Work status, pain, functional health status and psychosocial factors were collected previous to treatment, after a 5 week intensive training and a 52 week follow-up period.Demographics and data on personal characteristics were also collected. Results: Workability increased from 57.4 to 80% during treatment period. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression indicated that age, sleeplessness, cognitive function, overall health, pain experience, and anxiety were the strongest predictors of work ability. Pain severity and depression were not found to be significant predictors of work ability. Conclusions: These data suggest that emotional distress, cognitive function and overall health are important priority areas in rehabilitation programmes to improve work ability.