Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

The rapid expansion of remote and hybrid work models has created new challenges related to musculoskeletal discomfort, ergonomic inconsistencies, and reduced occupational performance among employees working outside traditional office environments. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an occupational therapy-led telehealth rehabilitation program designed to enhance ergonomic behaviors, reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) symptoms, and improve overall occupational functioning in distributed workforces. A total of 120 participants working remotely or in hybrid roles completed a four-week structured telehealth rehabilitation intervention that included virtual ergonomic assessments, individualized coaching, posture training, workstation modification strategies, micro-break planning, and digital self-management resources. Baseline and post-intervention measures assessed WMSD symptoms, ergonomic behavior practices, and perceived occupational performance using validated scales. The results demonstrated significant reductions in musculoskeletal symptoms and substantial improvements in ergonomic behavior scores and occupational performance across the entire sample. Remote workers showed greater overall gains compared with hybrid workers, likely due to initially higher ergonomic risks and greater variability in home workspace setups. High completion rates and positive participant feedback supported the feasibility and acceptability of the program, while minor challenges such as occasional technical disruptions highlighted the need for consistent digital infrastructure. These findings confirm that telehealth rehabilitation can effectively extend occupational therapy services into real work environments, enabling therapists to tailor interventions to the unique spatial, environmental, and task-based demands of distributed work settings. By integrating synchronous and asynchronous rehabilitation strategies, the program fostered sustainable behavioral improvements that can help mitigate long-term ergonomic risks. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of incorporating telehealth rehabilitation into organizational health initiatives to promote safer work practices, reduce discomfort, and optimize performance among remote and hybrid employees, thereby supporting a healthier and more resilient modern workforce.