Science International Empirical Review

The effects of customized orthopedic insoles on sickness absence and productivity among industrial employees

Matthias Löffler — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of sickness absence and reduced productivity in industrial occupations, prompting widespread adoption of workplace health interventions. Individually customized orthopedic insoles (ICOIs) have become a recommended ergonomic solution to enhance comfort, mitigate biomechanical stress, and potentially reduce work-related disability. However, their actual impact on core organizational outcomes remains debated. This systematic review synthesized findings from 74 published studies to assess the effectiveness of ICOIs on sickness absence, productivity, and implementation in industrial employees.

A comprehensive literature search was retrospectively conducted across major databases, encompassing randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, clinical interventions, and systematic reviews addressing ICOIs or comparable interventions in occupational contexts. Studies varied broadly in design, population, intervention protocols, outcome definitions, and analytical rigor. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using design-appropriate bias criteria. Heterogeneity of outcome measures and reporting methods precluded meta-analysis; thus, results were narratively synthesized across key outcomes.

The review found that ICOIs consistently provided subjective benefits such as improved physical comfort, pain reduction, and enhanced foot alignment. These advantages, though valued by workers and employers alike, did not translate into a concomitant reduction in sickness absence or a robust improvement in objective productivity measures. Only a minority of studies directly measured absenteeism or reported quantifiable organizational gains; most results were confounded by co-interventions, short follow-up periods, and inconsistent outcome reporting. Evidence comparing ICOIs to prefabricated or standard insoles showed negligible differences in absenteeism or work performance, although individual comfort and user satisfaction were often higher with customized devices. Adherence challenges, compatibility with safety footwear, and resource constraints were frequently cited as practical barriers to sustained effectiveness.

The current evidence does not support the use of ICOIs as standalone interventions for improving attendance or productivity in industrial workplaces. Instead, their value is maximized when integrated into broader ergonomic or occupational health strategies. Decision-makers should remain cautious, prioritizing multi-component interventions and considering cost-effectiveness, particularly given the comparable effectiveness of high-quality prefabricated insoles in many cases.

Major gaps persist, notably the lack of standardized outcome definitions for absenteeism and productivity, insufficient longitudinal real-world studies, and limited cost-effectiveness analyses. Future research should address these limitations to clarify under which conditions ICOIs yield clear, sustainable occupational benefits.

Stakeholder-Analysis of the effects on the health care system in terms of digitization and introduction of the e-prescription in Germany

Stefan Odenbach-Wanner — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Digitalization influences all areas of life and is more important than ever. A change in the health sector is also becoming overdue since years. The Federal Ministry of Health in Germany has recognized this and as a result, the health sector is currently experiencing new horizons into an even more digitalized future through progressive developments in e-health, e.g. by abolishing the paper prescription and introducing the e-prescription in Germany. The presented methodological SWOT analysis of such an e-health application, using the example of the e-prescription, is intended to illuminate the effects on key stakeholders in the healthcare system within the framework of a 360-degree evaluation from a technical and organizational perspective.

Exploring Geotourism in Lake Constance

Jens Schröder — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This scientific article explores the concept of geotourism, which encompasses tourism focused on a region's geology and the preservation of its resources, as well as its ecological and cultural aspects. Over the years, academics from different countries have redefined and interpreted geotourism in various ways. Nevertheless, National Geographic's definition defines it as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of the place being visited." The article's main focus is to identify characteristics that are associated with tourism in the Lake Constance region by conducting 30 expert interviews from May to July 2022. The open-ended questions will address the characteristics attributed to the Lake Constance region as a tourism destination. The results of the interviews will undergo qualitative content analysis to identify the various characteristics and characteristics attributed to Lake Constance. The findings will offer information for the future marketing campaigns aimed at promoting the Bodensee region. The hierarchal code sub-code model analysis generated six categories and nine sub-codes with a total coding of 408. The participants were asked about their age and gender, and their perception of the region's geographical boundaries. The expert interviews also evaluated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of tourism in the Lake Constance region, applying the SWOT analysis method. Overall, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the perception of Lake Constance as a tourism destination by analyzing the interviews' responses.

The importance of performance management system in tax consulting

Jürgen Weltermann — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This scientific article explores the importance of performance management systems in the field of tax consulting. The study emphasizes the role of performance management in maximizing efficiency, enhancing employee motivation, and gaining a competitive advantage in tax consulting firms. The research utilizes a qualitative content analysis of existing literature to address the research question regarding the significance of performance management in tax consulting. The findings reveal that performance appraisal systems, regular feedback, strategic goal setting, and continuous competence development are crucial aspects of performance management in tax consulting. Implementing these practices can improve performance, motivate employees, and ensure the competitive position of tax consulting firms. The article concludes that understanding and effectively implementing performance management strategies can contribute to the success and growth of tax consulting firms in the market. Further research can focus on specific strategies and best practices to optimize performance management in the context of tax consulting.

Outpatient surgery capacities - Overview of rental models and pricing

Jan Zeiler — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper deals with outpatient surgery, specifically with outpatient surgery capacities. Interviews were conducted to try to find out how rental models differ and how the rental amount is defined. It was found that there is no standard and that there are often completely different rent levels due to a lack of cost transparency.

Complex Psychological Comorbidity and Chronic Pain

Margarete Schweizerhof — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effectiveness of Multimodal Pain Management (MMST) in patients with complex psychological comorbidity and chronic pain, especially in patients with trauma. Based on expert interviews, it is emphasized that the success of MMST depends heavily on a comprehensive psychological diagnosis to detect and treat potential trauma at an early stage. In addition, it is emphasized that specific treatment approaches, such as longer therapy times and a higher frequency of psychotherapeutic sessions, are required for this patient group. The research draws on various psychological models to represent the interactions between pain and trauma. It highlights the need to identify the factors contributing to maintaining post-traumatic pain. Despite potential limitations, such as limited sample size and lack of control groups, the study highlights the urgent need for further research to develop and optimize effective treatment strategies for this specific patient population.