EPI-MUS - Risk and preventive factors for musculoskeletal disorders and impaired performance during work with computer mouse and other input devices- a prospective cohort study
The study group consisted of about 1500 computer users, within different occupational groups where computers were daily used. Information about physical, psycological and social working related factors and individual factors were given through a questionnaire at study start. In addition a workingplace vistit was carried out for assesment of the workstations design, working postures and working techniques according to a checklist . The study subjects answered a short monthly questionnaire, repeted during 10 months, in order to identify new symptoms and possible changes in work. Subjects that reported new symptoms was clinically investigated in order to determine location, probable damaged structure and diagnosis. After the observation time the companies was given feedback regarding exposure conditions and occurence of symptoms, and discussions about changes was initiated. The project was a collaboration with the occupational medicine clinics in Stockholm, Göteborg, Lund and Sundsvall and also 15 occupational health centers linked to the participating companies. Purpose: To identify and quantify risk and protective factors for morbidity in the upper extremities and neck, and impaired performance during computer work due to such illness.
Specific diseases, disorders and medical conditions
Data on specific, diagnosed diseases, disorders or syndromes (often classified in ICD-10 or its earlier versions). For example, medical research on infectious diseases or the causes of diabetes, or data on the physical and mental recovery of people who have had heart surgery.
The conditions under which employees work. For example, types of contract, working time (hours of work, rest periods, work schedules, overtime), pay and remuneration, physical aspects and mental demands of work, employee rights and responsibilities, workload, employee involvement in decision-making, leave entitlements, physical environment. Use note: For workplace safety issues, use also 'Occupational health'.
The determination of the nature of a disease or condition, or the distinguishing of one disease or condition from another. Assessment may be made through physical examination, laboratory tests, or the likes. Computerized programs may be used to enhance the decision-making process.
Clinical manifestations that can be either objective when observed by a physician, or subjective when perceived by the patient.
An aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle, environmental exposure, inborn or inherited characteristic, which, based on epidemiological evidence, is known to be associated with a health-related condition considered important to prevent.
Place or physical location of work or employment.
The detailed examination of observable activity or behavior associated with the execution or completion of a required function or unit of work.
Harmful and painful condition caused by overuse or overexertion of some part of the musculoskeletal system, often resulting from work-related physical activities. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, or dysfunction of the involved joints, bones, ligaments, and nerves.
The science of designing, building or equipping mechanical devices or artificial environments to the anthropometric, physiological, or psychological requirements of the people who will use them.
Health services for employees, usually provided by the employer at the place of work.
The position or physical attitude of the body.
Discomfort stemming from muscles, LIGAMENTS, tendons, and bones.
The part of a human or animal body connecting the HEAD to the rest of the body.
The act of regarding attentively and studying facts and occurrences, gathering data through analyzing, measuring, and drawing conclusions, with the purpose of applying the observed information to theoretical assumptions. Observation as a scientific method in the acquisition of knowledge began in classical antiquity; in modern science and medicine its greatest application is facilitated by modern technology. Observation is one of the components of the research process.
The proportion of patients with a particular disease during a given year per given unit of population.
The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents that occurs as a result of one's occupation.
The region of the upper limb in animals, extending from the deltoid region to the HAND, and including the ARM; AXILLA; and SHOULDER.