Self-management interventions for work participation in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a scoping review

Purpose Many individuals with musculoskeletal disorders struggle to achieve a sustainable return to work. Self-management interventions offer promising avenues to support work participation. This scoping review maps the evidence on self-management interventions for work participation among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, examining their components, delivery methods and how their impact is assessed. Methods A scoping review was conducted in 10 databases (Academic Search Complete, AMED, SPORTDiscus, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database) from inception to July 2025. Primary studies involving working-age individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, a self-management intervention and at least one work-related outcome were included. Results Out of 8310 records, 31 studies representing 23 self-management interventions were included with a median of 10 components (range 3–16). Most studies included non-specific MSDs (n = 13, 41.9%) or low back pain (n = 8, 29%). Less than half of interventions included content specific to work (n = 10, 43%), lifestyle changes (n = 9, 39%), resource utilization (n = 8, 35%), and communication skills (n = 7, 30%). Interventions were typically delivered in person (n = 12, 52%), individually (n = 14, 61%), and with clinician involvement (n = 15, 65%), while 43% (n = 10) incorporated digital health. Most studies were outcome evaluations (n = 23, 72%), assessing work ability (n = 10, 30.4%), sick leave and return-to-work (n = 9, 39.1%), and work disability (n = 7, 30.4%). Fewer studies included process outcomes (n = 14, 45%) or participant views (n = 8, 26%). Conclusion This review revealed considerable heterogeneity in self-management components, delivery and evaluation methods. It identifies key gaps, underscoring the need for theory-driven, workplace-integrated self-management interventions to enhance their impact on work participation.