Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 65

Back on Track: Reintegration help for workers with musculoskeletal disorders

Official title: Back on Track: Evaluation of a Computer-Assisted Occupational Reintegration Protocol for Sick-listed Employees With High Risk for Long-Term Sick Leave Due to Musculoskeletal Disorders

Run by Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc · NCT07793526 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A computer-assisted reintegration plan is being tested to see if it helps employees on sick leave due to musculoskeletal problems in the Netherlands return to work sooner and reduce related costs.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment140 (estimated)
SponsorAmsterdam UMC, location VUmc
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Utrecht)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 29, 2025
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2028
Study endsAugust 1, 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 28, 2026
Trial IDNCT07793526 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18-65 with self-reported musculoskeletal complaints as the primary reason for sick leave who are at high risk of long-term absence.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with pregnancy-related musculoskeletal issues, those retiring within a year, or those with leave longer than 18 days may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study compares a computer-assisted reintegration protocol with usual care among employees on sick leave for musculoskeletal disorders who are at high risk of long-term absence. The primary outcome is time to full return to work, with several secondary outcomes including partial return to work, work status, work ability, productivity, pain, health, and quality of life. Participants are followed for 12 months, with data collected via questionnaires and the occupational health service register, alongside economic and process evaluations. The study uses a non-randomized design with 70 participants in each group to assess cost-effectiveness and implementation feasibility.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the protocol could shorten sick leave and lower related costs for both workers and employers.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work on reintegration protocols has shown potential benefits in certain settings, but this specific computer-assisted approach is being evaluated in a Dutch occupational health context.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-65 years
* Self-reported musculoskeletal complaints as primary reason for sick leave
* High risk of long-term sick leave

Exclusion Criteria:

* Musculoskeletal complaints due to pregnancy
* Retirement within one year
* Sick leave duration of \>18 days

Where it's running

  • Arbo Unie
    Utrecht, Netherlands
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.