Self-reported physical work exposures and incident carpal tunnel syndrome.
Authors
Dale-AM; Gardner-BT; Zeringue-A; Strickland-J; Descatha-A; Franzblau-A; Evanoff-BA
Source
Am J Ind Med 2014 Nov; 57(11):1246-1254
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To prospectively evaluate associations between self-reported physical work exposures and incident carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Newly employed workers (n = 1,107) underwent repeated nerve conduction studies (NCS), and periodic surveys on hand symptoms and physical work exposures including average daily duration of wrist bending, forearm rotation, finger pinching, using vibrating tools, finger/thumb pressing, forceful gripping, and lifting >2 pounds. Multiple logistic regression models examined relationships between peak, most recent, and time-weighted average exposures and incident CTS, adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index. RESULTS: 710 subjects (64.1%) completed follow-up NCS; 31 incident cases of CTS occurred over 3-year follow-up. All models describing lifting or forceful gripping exposures predicted future CTS. Vibrating tool use was predictive in some models. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported exposures showed consistent risks across different exposure models in this prospective study. Workers' self-reported job demands can provide useful information for targeting work interventions.
Keywords
Physical-reactions; Physiological-effects; Physiology; Carpal-tunnel-syndrome; Humans; Men; Women; Nerve-function; Hand-injuries; Exposure-levels; Risk-factors; Musculoskeletal-system; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Extremities; Models; Statistical-analysis;
Author Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; physical work exposures; self-report; occupational health; prospective; longitudinal studies
Contact
Ann Marie Dale, PhD, OTR/L, Division of General Medical Sciences, Campus Box 8005, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S .Euclid Ave., St.Louis, MO 63110
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
adale@dom.wustl.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-OH-008017; M092014
Priority Area
Construction; Manufacturing
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Performing Organization
Washington University - St. Louis, Missouri
