Occupational risk factors associated with soft tissue disorders of the shoulder: a review of recent investigations in the literature

Abstract

Cumulative trauma illness currently accounts for over half of all occupational illness in the United States. From 1987 to 1989 there was a 100% increase in the reported number of cases of cumulative trauma illness (Bureau of Labor Statistics 1990). Shoulder region pain ranks second only to low back and neck pain in clinical frequency, and the occurrence of occupational shoulder illness is on the rise. This paper summarizes findings of a subset of recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and field studies conducted in order to identify occupational risk factors for cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the shoulder region. These studies have identified the following risk factors as being associated with particular shoulder pain syndromes: awkward or static postures, heavy work, direct load bearing, repetitive arm movements, working with hands above shoulder height, and lack of rest. The paper begins with a discussion of several shoulder disorders, includes problems in studying cumulative trauma, presents results of recent studies, and concludes with suggested ergonomic controls that could help to reduce the incidence of shoulder disorders, by eliminating or reducing exposure to the associated risk factors.

Comparison of Upper Arm Kinematics During a Volleyball Spike Between Players With and Without a History of Shoulder Injury

“…Recent research found no significant differences between "cross-body" and "straight-ahead" spikes in maximum shoulder internal rotation torque and maximum shoulder force. 22 However, the sample sample size used in this study was larger (24 as compared with 14) and the previous research did not include measures of velocity. 22 Therefore, the current result might have implications for player rehabilitation/management following injury.…”

“…22 However, the sample sample size used in this study was larger (24 as compared with 14) and the previous research did not include measures of velocity. 22 Therefore, the current result might have implications for player rehabilitation/management following injury. For example, players returning following a shoulder injury provoked by shoulder axial rotation should be advised to prolong their return to spiking cross court during practice and games.…”

Algumas considerações metodológicas sobre os estudos epidemiológicos das Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER)

“…A nomenclatura Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER) começou a ser utilizada no final da década de 50, para designar um conjunto de patologias, síndromes e/ou sintomas músculo-esqueléticos que acometem particularmente os membros superiores, relacionando-se o seu surgimento ao processo de trabalho (Browne et al, 1984;McDermott, 1986;Sommerich et al, 1993;Assunção & Rocha, 1993;Assunção, 1995).…”

“…Para isso, basta remeter-se às estatísticas mundiais e nacionais de custos e afastamentos temporários ou definitivos da força de trabalho, com diagnósticos de acometimentos de membros superiores (McDermott, 1986;Kiesler & Finholt, 1988;Sommerich et al, 1993;Williams & Westmorland, 1994;Ross, 1994;Bammer, 1996). Os diagnósticos englobam desde sintomas mús-culo-esqueléticos inespecíficos até estágios variados de patologias bem definidas e já descritas nos compêndios de reumatologia e ortopedia.…”

Postural Stability and Visual Verticality Perception of Neck Disturbance of the Middle-aged during Quiet Standing

“…Repetitive occupational or static work causes an increased risk of muscle disorders 29) . Only 10% of muscle contraction at maximal voluntary effort produces intramuscular pressures that cause partial restriction of blood flows 30,31) which may increase metabolic accumulation.…”