Although arthritis is most prevalent in older adults, it does affect individuals in other age groups as well. In fact, Dr. Mahalik explains that arthritis, a general term that is used for more than 100 different conditions, costs the nation $21.7 billion a year in direct medical costs alone, with employed sufferers reporting that they miss an average of 1 day of work every 2 weeks due to conditions related to their arthritis.

The Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation and Research Training Center has embarked on a 5-year study regarding people with arthritis and the efficacy of worksite evaluations via occupational therapy interventions.

During the next 2 years, the Center will be recruiting study participants between the ages of 18 to 60 who suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and are working part-time or full-time and live in Missouri.

"The goal of the study is to further the current state of worksite intervention research and provide evidence of alternate means of enhancing employability for persons with arthritis," says Dr. Mahalik.

In addition, the intent of the researchers is to ultimately provide guidelines for a program that applies to employees across the country to assist them in dealing with their conditions.

By better understanding how workers are impacted by their arthritis and compiling information regarding the equipment and therapies that may be used to assist these individuals, the long-term viability of arthritis sufferers' employment may be greatly enhanced.

Individuals who think they might be eligible to participate in the study should contact Dr. Mahalik at 866-478-7460 or send e-mail to mahalikjl@health.missouri.edu.

For more information about arthritis, its medical consequences, and its potential effects on workers, the Center's website offers significant information as well as a comprehensive listing and links to other online resources.

Just go to the home page at http:// marrtc.missouri.edu and click on "Links" in the left-hand menu.