Title
The influence of climatic factors on non-specific back and neck-shoulder disease
Author
Hildebrandt, V.H.
Bongers, P.M.
van Dijk, F.J.H.
Kemper, H.C.G.
Dul, J.
TNO Preventie en Gezondheid
Publication year
2002
Abstract
An epidemiological study was carried out to explore the relationship between climatic factors and non-specific low-back and neck-shoulder symptoms in working populations. In a review of published literature, 27 studies were found which related climatic factors to musculoskeletal symptoms, but none of these studies specifically addressed the subject. It can be concluded that a relationship between climatic factors and musculoskeletal symptoms is considered at least plausible by both researchers, workers and patients, but that the epidemiological evidence appearing from literature is very weak. Questionnaire data which were collected on musculoskeletal symptoms, workload and perceptions of climatic conditions of 2030 workers in 24 different occupations were analysed multivariately. About one-quarter of the workers related symptoms of the low back and neck-shoulders to climatic factors. They perceived climatic factors in most cases as aggravating factors for their symptoms. No seasonal influence on prevalence rates was reported. For low-back and neck-shoulder symptoms and for sick leave due to neck-shoulder symptoms, an association was found with climatic factors, and in particular with respect to draughts in relation to neck-shoulder symptoms. In addition, neck-shoulder symptoms were negatively related to frequent outdoor work. The findings suggest a relationship between climatic factors and musculoskeletal symptoms and call for further detailed investigations.
Subject
Workplace
Werkomstandigheden
Werkomgeving
Arbeidsomstandigheden
Rugklachten
Hernia
Temperatuur
Vochtigheid
Klimaat
Spieraandoeningen
Ziekteverzuim
Sociaal verzuim
Draught
Musculoskeletal risk factors
Outdoors work
Season
Weather
Working conditions
Climatology
Epidemiology
Musculoskeletal system
Ergonomics
Disease exacerbation
Environmental exposure
Epidemiological data
Female
Geographic distribution
Industrial worker
Low back pain
Major clinical study
Musculoskeletal disease
Neck pain
Occupational hazard
Paramedical profession
Population research
Shoulder pain
Symptom
Work environment
Worker
Adult
Back Pain
Climate
Humans
Male
Neck Pain
Netherlands
Occupational Exposure
Questionnaires
Shoulder Pain
Workload
Workplace
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9ea69807-0fc4-4421-be40-3b9ae69f028d
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130110110629
TNO identifier
236443
ISSN
0014-0139
Source
Ergonomics, 45 (1), 32-48
Document type
article