Predictive models of carpal tunnel syndrome causation among VDT operators

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a cumulative trauma disorder of the hand and wrist, is one of the most common disabling injuries experienced by video-display terminal (VDT) operators. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretically based operational quantitative predictive model of the risk of work-related CTS among VDT operators. A total of 100 female VDT operators, who performed a variety of office functions, were studied at a major midwestern university. Data were collected on job exposure, anthropometry and posture factors using questionnaires, direct observation and video-recording. Discriminant analysis and logistic regression were performed to develop the operational models. The results of the study indicated the following: (1) percentage of workday working with a VDT was the most significant factor and accounted for 60% of the variance explaining the causation of musculoskeletal discomforts associated with CTS; (2) discriminant function with six variables (i.e. work duration, trunk incline, wrist extension, wrist ulnar deviation, overall anthropometric measure, weighted anthropometric measure) correctly classified 73% of the CTS group and 72% of the non-CTS group; (3) using the logistic regression model, the probabilities associated with changes in the predictive variables as affecting CTS risk are presented such that increasing the daily work duration from 1 h to 4 h increases the probability of CTS risk from 0.45 to 0.92. The results of the study suggest that the main causation of CTS is job design, the secondary (and lesser cause) is posture associated with the workplace design and the least contributing factor to CTS causation is the individual's anthropometric make-up.

Stretching Exercises to Prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders – A Review Article

“…Visible symptoms occur in 50-90 percent of computer workers [51,54]. The prevalence and severity of symptoms are significantly correlated with the amount of period spent performing computer jobs [53].…”

“…Nevertheless, symptoms in the neck, shoulder blades, back, and eyes are more prevalent. Matias, Salvendy and Kuczek [53] referred to an 8-38 percent incidence and predicted a 40 percent probability of hand injuries in computer employees. Nainzadeh, Malantic-Lin, Alvarez and Loeser [52] reported an 80 percent prevalence of tension neck syndrome in computer (office) workers.…”

Ergonomic Comparison of a Sit-Stand Workstation With a Traditional Workstation in Visual Display Unit Work

“…Further, good forearm support has been shown to reduce the musculoskeletal exposure, and discomfort in VDU work [13][14][15][16] Dainoff et al [7] reported about an ergonomic intervention, which included also a use of motorized adjustable workstations in VDU work, that musculoskeletal pain among the VDU workers reduced significantly. According to Schofield et al [17] standing and typing produced an average of 13% higher energy expenditure than sitting and typing did, and it can therefore reduce the risk of weight gain.…”

“…Sit-stand workstations offer one possibility of decreasing sedentary behavior and varying work postures during work day [6][7][8][9]. Workers can select low-sitting, high-sitting, and standing postures according to their needs and tasks and adjust the work station height easily [9,10].…”

Stretch breaks in the work setting improve flexibility and grip strength and reduce musculoskeletal complaints

“…Maintaining or increasing grip strength may be effective for preventing wrist injuries in computer users. Matias et al (1998) reported that the incidence of wrist injuries is 8 to 38% and the probability of injury is 40% among computer workers. Rasotto et al (2015) reported an improvement on upper limb pain and neck disability with concomitant increases in grip strength.…”