Purpose: Social support has been identified as a key factor in facilitating better health outcomes following injury. However, there is limited research on the role of social support in recovery from musculoskeletal injury (MSI), the leading cause of morbidity and disability in the world. The aim of this study is to review the extent to which family and work-related social support (e.g. co-workers, supervisors) has been identified as a factor in the outcomes (physical, psychological, economic) of individuals with MSI.
Methods: Eight online databases were searched for observational studies reporting findings on family and work-related social support in populations with MSI. Data extraction, quality assessment and a systematic critical synthesis were carried out on included studies.
Results: Fourteen relevant articles were identified. The majority of the studies focused on social support from co-workers or supervisors (n = 11), while three studies focused on social support from the family. Overall, the evidence for the relation between work-related support and MSI outcomes was inconclusive. Similarly, there was limited and inconclusive evidence to demonstrate a relationship between family support and MSI outcomes.
Conclusions: The results of this review are inconclusive. Further research is needed to understand the role of social support in rehabilitation efforts following MSI. Recommendations for future research are provided.