Work Hardening
A highly structured, goal-oriented, individualized treatment program that uses real or simulated work tasks to progressively restore a worker's physical and functional capacity.
Full Definition
Work hardening is a formal rehabilitation intervention recognized by CARF International and typically administered by occupational therapists or physical therapists in a multidisciplinary outpatient setting. The program simulates actual job tasks with increasing physical demand to improve biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and psychosocial tolerance for work. It is distinct from 'work conditioning,' which is less comprehensive and does not necessarily include psychological or vocational components. In clinical documents, the hyphen in 'work hardening' is not standard—it is typically written as two unhyphenated words. Editors should verify that program duration, frequency, and measured functional outcomes are consistently reported.
Usage
Usage note: Written as two words without a hyphen. Distinguish from 'work conditioning,' which lacks the multidisciplinary and psychosocial components of work hardening.
In Context
- "The patient completed a four-week work hardening program and was cleared to return to full-duty construction work." — Workers' compensation rehabilitation discharge report
- "The proposal conflated work hardening with work conditioning; the editor added a note clarifying the distinction in program scope." — Insurance case management correspondence