Risk Factors for Neck and Upper Extremity Disorders among Computer Users
Author Information
Author(s): Andersen Johan H., Fallentin Nils, Thomsen Jane F., Mikkelsen Sigurd
Primary Institution: Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Regional Hospital Herning, Herning, Denmark
Hypothesis
What is the evidence for causal relationships between computer work and the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome or upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders?
Conclusion
Computer use is associated with pain complaints, but it is still not very clear if this association is causal.
Supporting Evidence
- Three reviews on risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome were rated moderate to high quality.
- Eight reviews on risk factors for UEMSDs ranged from low to moderate/high quality.
- Six reviews on intervention studies were of moderate to high quality.
Takeaway
Using a computer a lot can make your arms and hands hurt, but we don't know for sure if it causes serious problems.
Methodology
Systematic reviews were analyzed to assess the evidence for computer work and its association with musculoskeletal disorders.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to the selection of reviews and the conceptualization of search strategies.
Limitations
The quality of evidence syntheses in the included reviews was highly variable.
Participant Demographics
Computer users and office workers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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