NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Rotator cuff syndrome: personal, work-related psychosocial and physical load factors.

Silverstein BA; Bao SS; Fan ZJ; Howard N; Smith C; Spielholz P; Bonauto D; Viikari-Juntura E

J Occup Environ Med 2008 Sep; 50(9):1062-1076

https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0b013e31817e7bdd

20035169

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with rotator cuff syndrome (RCS) among active workers. METHODS: Seven hundred thirty-three workers in 12 worksites participated in a cross-sectional study with individual structured physical and psychosocial health interviews, physical examinations, and exposure assessments of biomechanical factors. Work organization, including job content or structural constraints, was assessed at the departmental level. Multivariable logistic modeling was used. RESULTS: Fifty-five subjects (7.5%) had RCS. Cases were more likely to report low job security (P < 0.04) and to have very high job structural constraints (P < 0.03). Age and body mass index were marginally significant. Upper arm flexion >or= 45 degrees >or= 15% of time and either duty cycle of forceful exertions >or=9% time (odds ratio = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.04 to 5.68) or forceful pinch >0% [odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.26 to 5.59] were significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Long duration of shoulder flexion and forceful exertion (especially pinch) in a job are significant risk factors for RCS. Work organization may impact physical and psychosocial exposures and should be further explored.

Biomechanics; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Mathematical-models; Psychological-factors; Posture; Risk-analysis; Sociological-factors; Skeletal-system-disorders

Dr Barbara Silverstein, MSN, PhD, MPH, Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, PO Box 44330, Olympia, WA 98504-4330

JOEMFM

20080901

Journal Article

silb235@lni.wa.gov

289069

Cooperative Agreement

2008

Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U01-OH-007316

9

1076-2752

Disease and Injury: Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

WA

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries