Computer work and musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundThis review examines the evidence for an association between computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders (except carpal tunnel syndrome).MethodsA systematic critical review of studies of computer work and musculoskeletal disorders verified by a physical examination was performed.ResultsA total of 22 studies (26 articles) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results show limited evidence for a causal relationship between computer work per se, computer mouse and keyboard time related to a diagnosis of wrist tendonitis, and for an association between computer mouse time and forearm disorders. Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome, but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient. Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities, including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis, and any aspect of computer work.ConclusionsThere is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied. None of the evidence was considered as moderate or strong and there is a need for more and better documentation.

Concurrent validity of questions on arm, shoulder and neck symptoms of the RSI QuickScan

“…Furthermore, it can be questioned whether selfreported symptoms and symptoms assessed by physical examination are conceptually equal. Self-reported symptoms may, for instance, also be affected by exposure to physical or psychosocial factors at work or at home and physical examination, although protocoled, may not be that objective and may be considered a mixture of objective and subjective observations (Waersted et al 2010). This may result in misclassification for both the self-reported symptoms and the symptoms assessed by physical examination, but in different and non-systematic directions.…”

“…Salerno et al (2000) even stated that self-administered measures of upper extremity conditions, such as questionnaires, might be more reliable than physical examination in a population of active workers because results of the physical examination seem to depend on the job content of the study population. In a systematic review of the literature concerning the possible causal relationship between computer work and musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremity, Waersted et al (2010) state that finding limited evidence may be partly caused by the selection of only studies with some sort of physical examination performed by a physician, physiotherapist or another trained health professional. They observed that the examination protocols and the resulting diagnoses differed substantially between the included studies.…”

“…Computer work has been recognized as a potential risk factor for arm, shoulder and neck symptoms (Brandt et al 2004;Buckle 2005;Ekman et al 2000;Palmer et al 2001;Punnett and Bergqvist 1999;Wahlstrom 2005). Although the scientific evidence for a causal relationship is still controversial (IJmker et al 2007;Waersted et al 2010), in practice many computer workers visit their occupational physician in the Netherlands because of these symptoms. It is estimated that 2.5 % of the computer workers in the Netherlands, which is 2 % of the total working population, contact their occupational physician for arm, shoulder or neck symptoms (Klein Hesselink et al 2009;Bakhuys Roozeboom et al 2007;Bongers 2003).…”

Ergonomic chair intervention: Effect on chronic upper quadrant dysfunction, disability and productivity in female computer workers

“…Upper quadrant musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population who use visual display units (VDU) are increasing and may be as high as 74 cases per 100 persons (Lindegard et al 2012). Recommendations are usually supported by anecdotal evidence (Brewer et al 2006, Westgaard, Winkel 1997, Waersted, Hanvold & Veiersted 2010.…”

Adaptação Transcultural para o Português e Validação do Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) para trabalhadores de escritório usuários de computador

“…Queixas musculoesqueléticas em pescoço e membros superiores são comuns entre os trabalhadores usuários de computador (WAERSTED et al, 2010). A prevalência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos em membro superior, coluna cervical e lombar entre trabalhadores usuários As CANS (Complaints of arms, neck and shoulders) podem ser definidas como queixas musculoesqueléticas nas regiões dos membros superiores, complexo do ombro e cervical não atribuídas a trauma agudo ou a desordens sistêmicas (HUISSTEDE et al, 2007).…”