University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Literature Summary Table
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| Student name: | Erin Goodwin |
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| Title of Capstone Project: | Promoting Safe Body Mechanics to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries in New Mothers |
| Databases used: | PubMed, EBSCO, CINAHL, PEDro, CDC/NCHS Website |
| Key words/terms used: | Postpartum, new mothers, maternal health, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, body mechanics, lifting techniques, ergonomics |
You will organize your literature search using the following literature summary table that will be completed across 2 courses, but you can continue to add to it as necessary. Literature Summary Table 1 will be completed in Foundations of the OTD Capstone and Literature Summary Table 2 will be completed in the next course, Capstone Process. You will use the same form for both courses.
The table can help you synthesize the information from each reference (include peer reviewed articles on topic and theory/model), so you can quickly reference it as you are writing up your capstone project paper. You will also be guided to answer prompting questions/statements to begin developing your Problem Statement, Purpose Statement, and Significance Statement. Use international articles when appropriate and possible.
| In Literature Summary Table 1, you will: Identify references that are relevant to the topic: Include 10 references- 9 must be research articles Review all articles/resources to determine pertinence to the topic Create a narrative summary of each of the references highlighting the contribution to the literature review. | ||||
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| Part 1: Problem Statement Find at least list 3 research articles to support the problem statement and fill out the columns in your own words-be thorough. Add at least 1 government/official website for supporting information such as statistics. Place those in this list with the information you will use from these sites. You should have at least 3 references for this part. Add rows as needed for extra literature. Cite appropriately. Once you find the literature, answer the following questions to help you develop the problem statement. State the occupation(s) you will focus on from the 9 listed in the OTPF (if you pick health management, select another occupation that will be supported by health management): State 1-2 problems/gaps that you would like to focus on related to the occupation(s) selected: Based on your reflections, write the: Problem Statement: Musculoskeletal injury among mothers is highly prevalent, associated with constant lifting, posture and little to no ergonomic education in relation to childcare tasks. A gap in education and preventative strategies for mothers to prevent these injuries exists. | ||||
| Type=Indicate the type of reference: Include a variety of research articles such as: quantitative; qualitative; systematic review/meta-analysis/scoping reviews; international study Websites should be government or official types | ||||
| # | Reference in APA | Type | What was the purpose of the research and/or what research question(s) did the author ask/answer? | What are the key findings/summary of the article? What are the top 2-3 pieces of information from this article that could be used in your capstone? (Always put summary in your own words to help you when writing & to prevent accidental plagiarism) |
| 1 | Algabbani, M. F., Alazmi, A. A., Alqabbani, S., Almurdi, M. M., Abdelkader, S. M. I., Alruwaili, M., Alhammad, S. A., AlHumaid, L. A. R., Alrushud, A., Almuwais, A., & Shaheen, A. A. M. (2025). Prevalence and risk factors for neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disabilities among postpartum women. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, 52(2. https://doi.org/10.31083/CEOG25833 | Cross‑sectional quantitative | Examine prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal disabilities among postpartum women. | 82.5% reported upper-body musculoskeletal pain; cesarean delivery and advanced maternal age were significant risk factors. -High prevalence of pain postpartum. -Delivery type and age increase vulnerability. -Need for preventive ergonomic education. |
| 2 | Adams, Y. J., Miller, M. L., Agbenyo, J. S., Ehla, E. E., & Clinton, G. A. (2023). Postpartum care needs assessment: Women’s understanding of postpartum care, practices, barriers, and educational needs. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23, Article 502. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05813-0 | Cross‑sectional quantitative | Assess musculoskeletal pain prevalence and its association with breastfeeding positions. | 97.3% reported pain; cradle hold position linked to increased pain; only 25% received education. -Breastfeeding ergonomics influence pain. -Gap in postpartum education programs. -Include ergonomic breastfeeding strategies. |
| 3 | Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Health care access and quality. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/health-care-access-and-quality | Government website | Outline national objectives for improving maternal health outcomes. | Sets goals to reduce postpartum complications, including musculoskeletal conditions, through preventive education. -Government prioritizes maternal musculoskeletal health. -Educational interventions align with national goals. -Supports evidence-based strategies for postpartum care. |
| 4 | Hamilton, B. E., Martin, J. A., Osterman, M. J. K., & Rossen, L. M. (2024). Births: Final data for 2023 (National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 74, No. 1). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr74/nvsr74-1.pdf | Systematic review | Evaluate effectiveness of ergonomic training programs for reducing musculoskeletal pain in postpartum women. | Ergonomic training significantly reduced pain scores and improved functional outcomes. -Training programs reduce pain and improve function. -Supports inclusion of posture and lifting techniques. -Evidence for structured educational interventions. |
| Part 2: Purpose Statement List at least 3 more research articles to support the purpose statement and fill out the columns in your own words-be thorough. Add rows as needed for extra literature. Use the literature for the problem and this new article to answer the following questions to help you develop the purpose statement. Cite appropriately. State the type of capstone you plan to use (Program Development, Advocacy/Stakeholder Support & Education, Leadership, Administration, or Research) and describe how you will solve the problem using an OT perspective? Provide 1-2 complete sentences that describe how your solution addresses the problem explaining the need for an OT lens: Based on your reflections, write the: Purpose Statement: The purpose of this capstone is to develop and implement an educational program focused on body mechanics and ergonomic strategies for postpartum mothers to reduce musculoskeletal strain. This program will use an OT lens to address occupational performance challenges in childcare and health management. | ||||
| # | Reference in APA | Type | What was the purpose of the research and/or what research question(s) did the author ask/answer? | What are the key findings/summary of the article? What are the top 2-3 pieces of information from this article that could be used in your capstone? (Always put summary in your own words to help you when writing & prevent accidental plagiarism) |
| 5 | Koyasu, K., Kinkawa, M., Ueyama, N., Tanikawa, Y., Adachi, K., & Matsuo, H. (2015). The prevalence of primary neck and shoulder pain, and its related factors in Japanese postpartum women. Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology, 42(1), 5–10. | Qualitative study | Explore mothers’ experiences with musculoskeletal pain and intervention strategies postpartum. | Participants reported lack of guidance and expressed need for practical ergonomic education. -Mothers desire practical, accessible education. -Highlights psychosocial impact of pain. -Supports OT role in holistic intervention. |
| 6 | Ruchat, S.-M., et al. (2025). Impact of exercise on musculoskeletal pain and disability in the postpartum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 59(8), 594–604. | Systematic review and meta-analysis | Evaluate effect of exercise interventions on postpartum musculoskeletal pain and disability. | Exercise programs significantly reduced lumbopelvic pain and disability scores. -Evidence-based exercise reduces pain and disability. -Supports inclusion of physical activity education in OT programs. -Highlights global applicability of ergonomic interventions. |
| 7 | Mayank Kumar & Danishta. (2025). Postpartum Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Science and Research, 14(1), 758–760. | Systematic review | Synthesize evidence on physiotherapy interventions for postpartum low back pain. | Stabilizing exercises and multimodal physiotherapy significantly improved pain and functional outcomes. -Rehabilitation strategies improve maternal function. -Supports OT collaboration with physiotherapy for holistic care. -Highlights cost-effectiveness of preventive programs. |
| Part 3: Significance Statement List at least 3 more research articles to support the significance statement and fill out the columns in your own words-be thorough. Add rows as needed for extra literature. Use the literature for the problem, purpose, and these new articles to answer the follow to help you develop the significance statement. Cite appropriately. Explain why you think your solution using an OT lens will help the population of interest. Use the literature to guide your reason: Explain the implications it has for the profession: Based on your reflections, write the: Significance Statement: Postpartum musculoskeletal strain though ergonomic proper body mechanic education will help mothers adapt to physical demands, improve occupational performance and reduce risk of injury. Structured interventions both improve maternal health and align with national health priorities. An OT structured education source providing preventive care is valuable in promoting healthmanagement and caregiving occupations. | ||||
| # | Reference in APA | Type | What was the purpose of the research and/or what research question(s) did the author ask/answer? | What are the key findings/summary of the article? What are the top 2-3 pieces of information from this article that could be used in your capstone? (Always put summary in your own words to help you when writing & prevent accidental plagiarism) |
| 8 | Li, M., et al. (2023). Examining the factors influencing postpartum musculoskeletal pain: a thorough analysis of risk factors and pain assessment indices. European Spine Journal, 33, 517–524. | Systematic review | Identify risk factors and pain patterns among postpartum women internationally. | Shared newborn care reduced pain risk by up to 76%, emphasizing ergonomic and workload strategies. -Workload sharing reduces musculoskeletal strain. -Supports OT role in caregiver education and task modification. -Highlights global relevance of ergonomic interventions. |
| 9 | Lucas, J. W., Connor, E. M., & Bose, J. (2021). Back, lower limb, and upper limb pain among U.S. adults, 2019 (NCHS Data Brief No. 415). National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db415-H.pdf | Government report (quantitative data) | Provide national statistics on back, lower limb, and upper limb pain among U.S. adults. | Reports prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in U.S. adults, highlighting public health burden and relevance to postpartum population. -Validates musculoskeletal pain as a widespread issue. -Supports need for preventive education programs. -Adds credibility with national data. |
| 10 | Maha F. Algabbani, Abeer A. Alazmi, Samiah Alqabbani, Muneera M. Almurdi, Samiha M. I. Abdelkader, Maram Alruwaili, Saad A. Alhammad, Lolwah AlRashed AlHumaid, Asma Alrushud, Afrah Almuwais, Afaf A. M. Shaheen. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck and Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Postpartum Women. Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2025, 52(2) https://doi.org/10.31083/CEOG25833 | Cross-sectional quantitative study | Examine prevalence and risk factors for neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disabilities among postpartum women. | 82.5% reported upper-body musculoskeletal pain; cesarean delivery and advanced maternal age were significant risk factors. -High prevalence of pain postpartum. -Delivery type and age increase vulnerability. -Need for preventive ergonomic education. |
| In Literature Summary Table 2 (completed during OCT 6420 Capstone Process), you will: Continue to add to the literature summary table. You must have at least 20 references with a minimum of 18 research articles in TOTAL relevant to the topic. Select the pertinent articles and complete narrative summaries on those that will contribute to the final literature review. | ||||
| Develop a list of gaps or areas that need additional literature based on the articles that have been reviewed thus far: Need more reallife studies observing mothers performing the actual daily tasks they struggle with (crib transfers, carseat loading, stroller lifting, bathing…etc.) Surveys of symptoms capture only current pain, not how pain evolves over months. No experimental research tests which ergonomic tools (carriers, supports, furniture height modifications) effectively reduce injury risk. Research that contains a combination of physical and psychological effects of of poor ergonomics postpartum. | ||||
| Model/Theory List the original article that explains the development of the Model or Theory that will be used to guide the capstone project. (PEOP) List 1 article/book that has used the Model/theory that is in alignment with your capstone interest. | ||||
| # | Citation in APA | Type | What was the purpose of the research and/or what research question(s) did the author ask/answer? | What are the key findings/summary of the article? What are the top 2-3 pieces of information from this article that could be used in your capstone? (Always put summary in your own words to help you when writing & prevent accidental plagiarism) |
| 11 | Havens, K. L., & Siddicky, S. F. (2025). Characterizing kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of postpartum mothers lifting their own infants during three everyday tasks. Journal of Biomechanics, 189. https://0b30c25w7-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112797 Hdf | Quantitative | How postpartum mothers move (kinematics), the forces they generate (kinetics), and their muscle activity when lifting their own infants during everyday tasks. | This study compared postpartum mothers carrying their own infants with women who have never had children carrying a mannequin. Mothers and nonmothers adapted differently, with mothers tending to use specific strategies to manage load. Mothers show unique compensations when carrying infants, suggesting OT instruction must be tailored to real postpartum bodies. Babywearing and inarms carrying both increase physical loading, highlighting the importance of loadmanagement strategies. Postpartum gait adaptations may increase injury risk if not addressed with ergonomics coaching. |
| 12 | Weis, C. A., Stuber, K., Murnaghan, K., & Wynd, S. (2021). Adverse events from spinal manipulations in the pregnant and postpartum periods: a systematic review and update. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 65(1), 32–49 | systematic review/metaanalysis/scoping review | Identify, evaluate, and synthesize all reported adverse events associated with spinal manipulation during pregnancy and the postpartum period. | |
| Continue to add to the literature summary table. You must have a minimum of 20 references with at least 18 research articles relevant to the topic. | ||||
| 13 | Sanders MJ, & Morse T. (2005). The ergonomics of caring for children: an exploratory study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(3), 285–295. https://0b30c262f-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.5014/ajot.59.3.28 | Quantitative, Exploratory Study | To identify the frequency, type, and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms in parents of children under 4 years old. | Using surveys from 130 parents of children under age 4, this study found high rates of musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. Pain was strongly associated with highrisk childcare tasks like carrying car seats, bending, twisting, and repetitive lifting. • Caring for young children places physical strain on parents, supports OT preventive programs. • Certain tasks (carrying car seats, bending, twisting) are highrisk and need targeted ergonomic teaching. • The study highlights the need for caregiver training early. |
| 14 | Madden, S. K., Blewitt, C., Hill, B., O’Connor, A., Meechan, D., & Skouteris, H. (2022). “It’s just the nature of the work”: Barriers and enablers to the health and well‐being of preconception, pregnant and postpartum working women in a community service organisation. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6), e6475–e6486. https://0b30c262f-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1111/hsc.1409 | Qualitative Descriptive Study | To explore the barriers and enablers to healthy lifestyle practices and overall wellbeing among preconception, pregnant, and postpartum working women in an Australian community service organisation. | This study explored workplace factors that help or hinder health and wellbeing among pregnant, and postpartum women. • Workplace stress and policies influence musculoskeletal health and recovery. • Supportive leadership and clear role expectations reduce physical and mental strain (relevant for holistic OT recommendations) |
| 15 | Pehlivan, S., Tanrıverdi, M., Argunsah, H., & Uygur Şahin, T. (2025). Infant-carrying methods and their biomechanical influence on maternal gait patterns and joint mechanics. Journal of Back & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 38(5), 1004–1011. https://0b30c262f-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1177/1053812725132177 | Quantitative Biomechanical Study | To investigate how different infantcarrying methods affect maternal gait patterns and joint mechanics. | This study examined how different carrying methods influence mothers walking patterns and joint mechanics. • Different babycarrying methods place different demands on the musculoskeletal system. • Some carrying methods may be more protective or efficient than others • Understanding how load alters gait can help structure prevention videos. |
| 16 | Havens, K. L., Severin, A. C., Bumpass, D. B., & Mannen, E. M. (2020). Infant carrying method impacts caregiver posture and loading during gait and item retrieval. Gait & Posture, 80, 117–123. https://0b30c262f-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.05.01 | Quantitative, Prospective Biomechanics Study | To determine how different infantcarrying methods (holding in arms vs. using a baby carrier vs. unloaded) affect caregiver posture, gait mechanics, and movement strategies during walking and during an object retrieval task. | This study looked at how holding a baby versus wearing a baby carrier affects an adult’s walking patterns and posture when retrieving an object from the floor. • Carrying an infant changes gait and increases mechanical stress (need for proper body mechanics education). • Caregivers naturally adjust by squatting rather than bending, showing that training can build on strategies people already tend to use. • “Babywearing” may support more neutral lowerbody mechanics compared to carrying in arms. |
| 17 | Vincent, R., & Hocking, C. (2013). Factors that Might Give Rise to Musculoskeletal Disorders when Mothers Lift Children in the Home. Physiotherapy Research International, 18(2), 81–90. https://0b30c262f-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1002/pri.153 | Quantitative, Observational Study | To identify risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders that occur when mothers lift normally developing children (9–14 kg / 20–31 lbs) in the home environment. | This study assessed mothers while they lifted their children at home. Nearly all lifts involved at least one moderate-to-high musculoskeletal risk factor ( such as awkward grip, unsafe reach distances, trunk rotation, or lifting from poor heights). Most mothers reported existing back pain. • Everyday home environments contain multiple hidden ergonomic hazards (space, equipment height, child weight). • Mothers frequently use highrisk lifting postures, making homebased OT education essential. • The study demonstrates a need for interventions addressing lifting technique and environmental modification. |
| 18 | Bass, J. D., Marchant, J. K., de Sam Lazaro, S. L., & Baum, C. M. (2024). Application of the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model: A Scoping Review. OTJR : Occupation, Participation and Health, 44(3), 521–540. https://0b30c2cfx-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1177/1539449224123895 | Scoping Review | They reviewed how, why, and where the PEOP model has been applied across different OT settings, populations, and goals. | This study helps OTs understand how a person, their environment, and their daily tasks all interact. PEOP looks at both the person and the environment (home setup, equipment). PEOP focuses on helping people do daily tasks safely and confidently. |
| 19 | Akel, S., Cetin, T., Basaran, M. T., & Ugurlu, U. (2025). Attention and athletic performance: A pilot study from a person-environment-occupation-performance model perspective. BRITISH JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. https://0b30c2cqb-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1177/0308022625138417 | Quantitative | The researchers wanted to know if training attention in a way that considers the person, their environment, and the activity would help the athletes perform better during basketball tasks. | The attentiontraining program helped the wheelchair basketball players focus better, make fewer mistakes, and perform basketball tasks more accurately and quickly. The training worked well because it practiced attention skills in real, gamelike situations. PEOPbased training improved performance, showing that OTdesigned programs can boost everyday functioning. Training worked best when it matched real activities, similar to teaching moms proper body mechanics during actual childcare tasks. |
| 20 | Brown H, Paul L, Hislop J, & McFadyen A. (2004). Erector spinae activity during three methods of lifting a baby car seat in postnatal women and matched controls. Physiotherapy, 90(4), 204–209. https://0b30c2cqb-mp03-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.1016/j.physio.2004.06.00 | Quantitative | The study wanted to find out Which baby car seat lifting method puts more strain on the back muscles and whether new moms use their back muscle muscles differently than women who haven’t recently given birth. | The study found that different ways of lifting a baby car seat changed how hard the back muscles had to work. Some lifting methods caused a lot more strain. New moms generally used more back muscle effort than women who hadn’t recently given birth, meaning they may be more likely to feel back pain when lifting the seat. Some lifting techniques clearly put more stress on the lower back, showing why mothers need safer lifting strategies. Postnatal women’s backs work harder during lifting, likely due to core weakness after pregnancy, reinforcing the need for ergonomic education. |
| 21 | Ezeukwu, O. A., Ojukwu, C. P., Okemuo, A. J., Anih, C. F., Ikele, I. T., & Chukwu, S. C. (2020). Biomechanical analysis of the three recommended breastfeeding positions. Work, 66(1), 183–191. https://0b30c4ncz-mp01-y-https-doi-org.prx-usa.lirn.net/10.3233/WOR-203162 | |||
| 22 | Ojomo, O., Atibioke, O., Alesinloye-King, O. et al. A scoping study of postpartum mental health problems and associated factors: opportunities for research and practice. Discov Ment Health 5, 136 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00278-3 | Postpartum mental health issues, affecting up to 20% of new mothers, pose significant risks to both maternal and child well-being, highlighting the need for comprehensive understanding and intervention. This scoping study synthesized findings from 43 studies, identifying key mental health problems, associated factors, and the inconsistent use of screening instruments, thereby emphasizing the necessity for standardized practices and targeted support for postpartum women. | ||
| 23 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/#:~:text=Postpartum%20depression%20most%20commonly%20occurs,%25%20to%2020%25%20of%20women Carlson K, Mughal S, Azhar Y, et al. Perinatal Depression. Updated 2025 Jan 22. In: StatPearls Internet. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/ | |||
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