Title
Risk factors for arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms among office workers: A longitudinal perspective
Author
IJmker, S.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2008
Abstract
In this thesis the association was examined between the duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. A prospective cohort study among 1951 office workers was performed with a follow-up period of 2 years. Outcome was assessed every three months by questionnaire. Cases were identified based on the transition within 3 months of no, irregular or "minor" symptoms to regular or prolonged symptoms accompanied with a pain intensity exceeding 6 on a Von Korff scale 20 for worst symptoms or medication use to control symptoms. The results showed that self-reported exposure data were positively associated with the onset of both neck-shoulder and arm-wrist-hand symptoms. Registered exposure data were not associated with the outcomes. In conclusion, the findings of this prospective cohort study challenges the existence of a causal link between the duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms, based on the absence of an association between the registered duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. The positive association between the self-reported duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms could not be explained satisfactory.
Subject
Workplace
Computersystemen
Computernetwerken
Bewegingsorganen
Hernia
Rugklachten
Kantoorarbeid
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:780d3f79-fe16-4835-ab47-660588a833b9
TNO identifier
179195
Publisher
Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Document type
doctoral thesis