Research projects archive

WCB-supported research tackles tough questions. Here, you can browse outlines of completed projects, listed below by projection completion date.

Title Researchers(s) Completed
Evaluating the effectiveness and functional outcomes of treatment options for distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures Dr. Koren Roach
University of Calgary 		2026
Assessing the efficacy of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in gauging the effectiveness of Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) initiatives and forecasting return-to-work outcomes Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson
University of Alberta 		2026
Feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-informed brief virtual intervention to reduce perceptions of injustice following work injury Dr. Michael Sullivan
McGill University 		2026
Hostile workplace: Investigating return-to-work practices after psychological injury caused by mistreatment from the public Dr. Candace Nykiforuk
University of Alberta 		2026
Overview of telehealth treatments of psychological disorders Dr. Sebastian Straube
University of Alberta 		2026
Pragmatic implementation of a walking aid skills training program to prevent secondary harms Dr. Ranita Manocha
University of Calgary 		2026
Predicting return to work in adults following concussion Dr. Chantel Debert
University of Calgary 		2026
Pragmatic implementation of a walking aid skills training program to prevent secondary harms Dr. Ranita Manocha
University of Calgary 		2026
Retrospective evaluation of a new method of shoulder surgery: The “openscopic method” Dr. Rich Boorman
University of Calgary 		2026
De-implementing low-value care: A research program of the Choosing Wisely Canada implementation research network Dr. Shannon Ruzycki
University of Calgary 		2025
Effectiveness of self-help interventions to reduce work disability: A rapid mixed methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies Dr. Carol Cancelliere
University of Alberta 		2025
Effectiveness of Treatments for Traumatic Psychological Injury in a Workers' Compensation Context Dr. Sebastian Straube
Ontario Tech University 		2025
Epidemiology of perilunate injuries in Alberta Dr. Matthew Curran
University of Alberta 		2025
Return-to-work of Alberta nurses after operational stress injury: Contextualization and socialization of a pilot reintegration program through a mixed-methods study Dr. Suzette Bremault-Phillips
University of Alberta 		2025
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair utilizing mechanical bone debridement vs coblation debridement: A prospective randomized double blind trial Dr. Ian Lo
University of Calgary 		2024
Evaluating effectiveness of telerehabilitation services among injured workers in Alberta Dr. Doug Gross
University of Alberta 		2024
Evaluation of evidence-based interventions for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears within a best evidence synthesis framework Dr. Lauren Beaupre
University of Alberta 		2024
Non-operative management of fifth metacarpal neck fractures: Impact of angulation on patient reported outcomes Dr. Christina Hiscox
University of Calgary 		2024
Rapid review and recommendations for telehealth treatments of psychological disorders Dr. Sebastian Straube
University of Alberta 		2024
The impact of using an evidence-based shoulder clinical pathway for WCB patients with rotator cuff related pathology Dr. Allyson Jones
University of Alberta 		2024
Understanding knee OA pain through brain neurochemistry in working-age total knee replacement patients Dr. Ashley Harris
University of Calgary 		2024
A randomized controlled trial comparing low-intensity, pulsed ultrasound to placebo in the treatment of operatively managed scaphoid non-unions Dr. Neil White
University of Calgary 		2023
Dynamic CT to determine normal syndesmosis motion and compare motion after static and dynamic fixation of syndesmotic injuries Dr. Prism Schneider
University of Calgary 		2023
Mindfulness-based interventions in workers to treat mental health conditions Dr. Quentin Durand-Moreau
University of Alberta 		2023
A randomized clinical trial comparing three methods of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: patellar tendon, quadruple semitendinosus/gracilis and double-bundle semitendinosus/gracilis grafts - 10-year follow-up Dr. Nicholas Mohtadi
University of Calgary 		2022
Can HR-pQCT be used to assess fracture healing for earlier rehabilitation in stable distal radius fractures? Dr. Prism Schneider
University of Calgary 		2022
Identifying risk factors for developing traumatic psychological injuries following work-related musculoskeletal injuries Dr. Doug Gross
University of Alberta 		2022
Ten year follow-up of non-operatively treated rotator cuff patients Dr. Rich Boorman
University of Calgary 		2022
The impact of residual deformity on outcome after calcaneus fractures Dr. Andrew Dodd
University of Calgary 		2022
Examination of the Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 validity scales for assessment of work-related trauma disorders Dr. Arlin Pachet
Pachet Assessment and Rehabilitation Services 		2021
Assessment and outcomes of traumatic psychological injury in a workers' compensation context Dr. Sebastian Straube
University of Alberta 		2021
Investigating instances of concordant versus discordant validity of the Behavioural Health Inventory-2, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2- Restructured Form and Word Memory Test Dr. Arlin Pachet
Pachet Assessment and Rehabilitation Services 		2020
Validation and Refinement of the Work Assessment Triage Tool for Selecting Rehabilitation Interventions for Injured Workers Dr. Doug Gross
University of Alberta 		2019
Appropriate and efficient management of shoulder injuries: who needs surgery? Dr. Lauren Beaupre
University of Alberta 		2019
Comparison of CT and Arthroscopy for Determining On/Off Track Hill-Sachs Lesions Dr. Ian Lo
University of Calgary 		2019
Early functional return to work following distal biceps repair Dr. Lauren Beaupre, Dr. Robert Chan and Dr. David Sheps
University of Alberta 		2019
Adverse events associated with medium and long-term use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain: an overview of Cochrane review Dr. Sebastian Straube
University of Alberta 		2018
Early Mobilization Following Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Current Evidence Dr. Lauren Beaupre
University of Alberta 		2018
Effectiveness and safety of high dose opioid therapy in WCB-Alberta Dr. Sebastian Straube
University of Alberta 		2018
Graft reconstruction for "irreparable" rotator cuff tears: superior capsule reconstruction vs. tendon repair with graft bridging Dr. Ian Lo
University of Calgary 		2018
Prevention of Post-Traumatic Contractures with Ketotifen - PERK Dr. Kevin Hildebrand
University of Calgary 		2018
Ankle stiffness after malleolar fracture: a study of incidence and predictive factors Dr. M. Elizabeth Pedersen
University of Alberta 		2017
The effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) as an interventional tool for improving return to work rates for injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta 		2017
Early mobilization following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial Dr. David Sheps
University of Alberta 		2016
Efficacy of ultrasound guided platelet rich plasma injection for rotator cuff degeneration Dr. Marni Wesner
University of Alberta 		2015
Non-invasive diagnostic for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of disease and injury: prevention/recovery via magnetic resonance imaging and metabolomics Dr. David Broadhurst, Ryan T McKay
University of Alberta 		2015
A comprehensive evaluation of the head trauma program at Millard Health: assessment, treatment, and return-to-work status Dr. Douglas Gross, Dr. Annette Colangelo & Dr. Abigail Abada
University of Alberta/Millard Health 		2014
A prospective evaluation of sports & recreation-related concussions presenting to an urban emergency department: activities, severity, advice and return-to-play/work among adult patients Dr. Brian Rowe & Leeor Eliyahu
University of Alberta 		2014
Arthroscopic versus min-open repair of full- thickness tears of the rotator cuff - a prospective randomized study Dr. Ian Lo
University of Calgary 		2014
A randomized clinical trial comparing three methods for anterior Cruciate ligament reconstruction: Patellar tendon, quadruple semitendinosus/gracilis grafts Dr. Nicholas Mohtadi and Denise Chan
University of Calgary 		2013
Development of a new clinical test for long head biceps pathology: the SAW test Dr. Richard Boorman
University of Calgary 		2013
Development of a triage decision-making tool for the rehabilitation of injured workers (part 2) Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta 		2013
Further defining the role for capsular plication in shoulder instability surgery Dr. Richard Boorman
University of Calgary 		2013
The effect of hip stabilizer muscle strengthening on pain and disability for patients with non-specific low back pain: an outcome-based randomized controlled trial Dr. Reed Ferber
Karen Kendall
University of Calgary 		2013
Non-operative treatment of full thickness rotator cuff tears: two year follow-up Dr. Richard Boorman
University of Calgary 		2012
Predictive factors for successful non operative treatment of chronic full thickness rotator cuff tears Dr. Richard Boorman
University of Calgary 		2012
Evaluation of MRI assessment of SLAP lesions Dr. Ian Lo
University of Calgary 		2012
Development of a triage decision-making tool for the rehabilitation of injured workers (part 1) Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta 		2011
Recurrence of work-related low back injuries: the association between patient & administrative assessment Radoslaw Wasiak, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety
 2011
Injured workers at risk of poor recovery: who recovers, who doesn't? Dr. Linda Carroll
University of Alberta 		2011
A systematic review of rotator cuff tears in patients insured by workers' compensation: Prevalence of injury, characteristics of rotator cuff injuries, and outcomes following operative and non-operative interventions Dr. Lauren Beaupre
University of Alberta
Dr. David Sheps
University of Alberta

2010

Prognostic factors in work-related shoulder and knee injury Dr. Jeremy Beach University of Alberta 2010
Reliability of clinician return-to-work decisions for Workers’ Compensation claimants: towards a valid assessment battery Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta 		2009
Randomized clinical trial comparing strength and endurance after open or arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability Dr. Laurie A. Hiemstra
University of Calgary
Dr. Nicholas Mohtadi
University of Calgary 		2008
The influence of opioid analgesia on functional work capacity Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta 		2008
Understanding how physicians allocate causation in musculoskeletal disease Dr. Jeremy Beach
University of Alberta 		2008
Use of database linkage for the surveillance of occupational asthma Dr. Nicola Cherry
University of Alberta 		2007
Workplace factors affecting shoulder pain Dr. Jeremy Beach
University of Alberta
Dr. Nicola Cherry
University of Alberta 		2007
The prognostic value of injured worker's perceptions of the workplace and expectations for recovery in predicting claims outcomes Dr. Michele Crites Battié
University of Alberta
Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta 		2007
Post-surgical electrical stimulation to enhance nerve regeneration and hand function in patients with carpel tunnel syndrome - a randomized controlled trial Dr. K. Ming Chan
University of Alberta 		2007
The validity and reliability of Purdue Pegboard Test and modified Moberg Pickup Test in patients with carpel tunnel syndrome Dr. K. Ming Chan
University of Alberta 		2006
Predictors of return to work following traumatic work related lower extremity amputation Dr. Jacqueline S. Hebert
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Nigel Ashworth
University of Alberta 		2005
Prospective randomized study comparing open acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair versus arthroscopic acromioplasty and mini-open repair Dr. R. M. Hollingshead
U of Calgary
Sports Medicine Centre
Dr. Nicholas Mohtadi
University of Calgary 		2005
The effectiveness of a new treatment method for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome Dr. K. Ming Chan
University of Alberta 		2005
Does functional capacity evaluation (FCE) predict return to work in claimants with work-related upper extremity injuries? Dr. Douglas Gross
University of Alberta
Dr. Michele Crites Battié
University of Alberta 		2005
A study of factors influencing return to work after illness or injury Dr. Jeremy Beach
University of Alberta 		2004
Assessment of prostheses for transtibial amputees - Phase 2: Quantification of relations amongst socket type, tissue sensation, socket pressure, function, comfort and quality of life Dr. Janet L. Ronsky
University of Calgary 		2004
Percutaneous radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy for patients with chronic pain of facet joint origin Dr. Robert Burnham
Red Deer Regional Hospital 		2004