scholarly journals Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort in the Shoulder due to Computer Use

Author(s):  
Orhan Korhan
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beibei Feng ◽  
Kedi Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhu ◽  
Wing-Yuk Ip ◽  
Lars L. Andersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand region and is associated with repetitive wrist and hand use in office workers. However, scarce knowledge exists about the epidemiology of clinically confirmed CTS among Chinese office workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of wrist/hand symptoms and CTS in office workers in China and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a metropolitan city in China involving 969 respondents (aged 17–49 years) from 30 workplaces. A questionnaire was distributed to each participant to collect their demographic, work-related physical and psychosocial factors, and wrist and hand symptoms. The wrist and hand pain/numbness symptoms were marked on a body chart and the nature and intensity of symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, as well as aggravating activities were also recorded. Clinically confirmed CTS cases were screened based on the history, Phalen’s test, Tinel Sign and skin sensation testing among symptomatic respondents. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the occurrence of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed CTS. Results The clinically confirmed CTS prevalence was 9.6%. The prevalence of wrist and hand symptoms were 22 and 15%, respectively. Frequently working in pain was associated with higher odds of CTS. Multivariate modelling adjusted for age and gender showed that prolonged computer use time and working without breaks were associated with presence of wrist/hand symptoms (adjusted ORs: 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.14)). Educational level was inversely associated with CTS and smoking was associated with wrist/hand complaints (adjusted OR: 2.20 (95% CI 1.19–4.07)). Conclusions The prevalence of work-related clinically confirmed CTS symptoms among young office workers in China is high. Frequently working in pain is closely associated with clinically confirmed CTS. Intense computer use and no breaks at work are associated with wrist and hand symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (9) ◽  
pp. 461-469
Author(s):  
Darija Šćepanović ◽  
Tina Klavs ◽  
Ivan Verdenik ◽  
Čedomir Oblak

Work-related musculoskeletal (MS) disorders are considered one of the most frequent occupational diseases among dental workers. Dental work consists of static, demanding tasks that involve repeated gripping of small-sized instruments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS pain, the areas of pain, and the risk factors for MS pain in dental workers. A self-administrated questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for dental workers who voluntarily responded to the invitation. To determine the prevalence and severity location of MS pain, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was administered among 87 dental workers, with a total of 79.8%, who reported at least one MS complaint. MS pain occurred in 82.6% of general dentists, 75.0% of dental specialists, 66.7% of dental assistants, and 33.3% of dental technicians. Pain most frequently occurred in the neck (60.7%), upper back (52.4%), right shoulder (44.0%), lower back (41.7%), hips/buttocks (29.8%), and the right wrist (23.8%). The prevalence of pain among dental workers could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.


Author(s):  
Augustine A. Acquah ◽  
Clive D’Souza ◽  
Bernard J. Martin ◽  
John Arko-Mensah ◽  
Niladri Basu ◽  
...  

Rudimentary methods for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling employed in developing countries are a source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A summarized comparison of WRMSDs and preliminary exposure assessment among e-waste dismantlers (D) and burners (B) in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is presented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate WRMSDs and associated risk factors using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a newly developed ergonomic assessment tool. Results indicated higher WRMSDs prevalence in the lower back (68% D vs. 52% B; p = 0.172), shoulder (41% D vs. 29% B; p = 0.279) and upper arm (33% D vs 5% B; p = 0.010). Moderate to severe trunk flexion, high force exertion, repetition and vibration were prevalent risk factors among workers and were significantly higher in dismantlers than burners ( p ≤ 0.001). Detailed ergonomic studies investigating the relationship between physical exposures and WRMSDs are needed to provide a deeper understanding of WRMSD causation in e-waste workers and more particularly in unstructured, unregulated work.


2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shari McMahan ◽  
Rafer Lutz

Currently, very little is known about computer use in college students, associated Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) and musculoskeletal discomfort, or the impact and availability of proper workstation design education and training in this population. Given the expanding use of technology in university settings, it is important to determine how computer use may be causing pain and discomfort for college students, whether workstation education and training is being provided to this population, and whether such education, if provided, is effective. Five-hundred twelve college students completed a survey on health and computer usage. The most frequently reported disorders related to health were eyestrain affecting nearly 85% and, upper back and neck pain affecting 70% of computer users. Only 26.6% of the sample indicated receiving training on workstation design. Identifying college students at risk for CTDs and other musculoskeletal discomforts provides a prime opportunity for health education professionals to intervene at an early stage.


Author(s):  
Yi-Lang Chen ◽  
Yan-Ting Zhong ◽  
Bang-Nan Liou ◽  
Chih-Chuan Yang

In this study, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered to a valid sample of 81 Taiwanese bakery workers to explore their discomfort or symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and identify the risk factors. Wrist postures were also examined during 3 typical dough operations (kneading, rolling, and rounding) by using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in any part of the body in the past year among the respondents was 93.0%, with the highest prevalence of 66.3% and 51.8% in the hands/wrists (right and left), followed by the prevalence of 50.6% and 45.8% in the shoulders (right and left) and the lower back (48.2%), respectively. The results also revealed that during the 3 dough processing operations, the workers’ wrist movements in specific operations were close to the recommended limits suggested in previous studies, especially the ulnar deviation and palm flexion of the right wrist during dough kneading and the radial deviation of the left wrist during dough rolling and rounding. The study findings can be used to explain why the bakers self-report a high proportion of wrist and shoulder disorders and can also serve as a reference for task rearrangement and redesign.


Work ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 1864-1868
Author(s):  
Jennifer Long ◽  
Robin Burgess-Limerick ◽  
Fiona Stapleton

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (05) ◽  
pp. 322-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Howarth ◽  
Susan Hallbeck ◽  
Raman Mahabir ◽  
Valerie Lemaine ◽  
Gregory Evans ◽  
...  

Background Long surgical procedures with loupe magnification and microscopes may put microsurgeons at an increased risk of musculoskeletal discomfort. Identifying the prevalence and impact of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort may guide preventive strategies to prolong well-being, job satisfaction, and career duration. Methods An online 29-question survey was designed to evaluate work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. The survey was created and distributed electronically through a private survey research center and was sent to the members of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. Results There were 117 respondents (16.7% response rate): 80% were men; 69% were aged 31 to 50 years; and 68% were in academic practice. On a scale of 0 to 10 (0, no pain and 10, worst pain), the median for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort for surgery without loupes or microscope was 2; with loupes, 4; and with a microscope, 5. Pain was most common in the neck. Half of the surgeons reported pain within 4 hours of surgery, and 57% feared that pain would influence future surgical performance. Surgeon discomfort affected posture (72%), stamina (36%), sleep (29%), relationships (25%), concentration (22%), and surgical speed (19%). Tremor caused by the discomfort occurred in 8%. Medical treatment for discomfort was sought by 29%. Time off work for treatment occurred for 8%. Conclusion Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort can affect many aspects of a microsurgeon's life and has the potential to limit a surgeon's ability to operate. Therefore, more emphasis is needed in the surgical community on the important issues of occupational health and surgical ergonomics for microsurgeons.


2016 ◽  
Vol 214 (4) ◽  
pp. S456-S457 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Singh ◽  
D. Carranza ◽  
M.M. Morrow ◽  
T.L. Vos-draper ◽  
M. Mcgree ◽  
...  

Ergonomics ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Jacobs ◽  
G. Foley ◽  
L. Punnett ◽  
V. Hall ◽  
R. Gore ◽  
...  

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