Patterns and predictors of employer risk-reduction activities (ERRAs) in response to a work-related upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder (UECTD): Reports from workers' compensation claimants

Research designed to increase our understanding of behavioral responses to chronic pain resulting from work-related cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) has been limited. This pilot study's main purpose was to examine the test-retest reliability of self-determined work and power during maximum and submaximum efforts in the performance of wrist flexion and extension movements of the CTD-affected extremity, using the LIDO WorkSET Simulator System. Data were collected from 22 subjects (11 men, 11 women) with chronic upper-extremity CTD, in two same-day sessions. Subjective reports of current pain in the CTD subjects were measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Upper-extremity work and power data were also collected on 12 healthy subjects as a control (6 men, 6 women). Pilot results included: acceptable test-retest reliability of the work and power measures in the CTD subjects; the CTD group demonstrated markedly lower (20% to 58%) maximum work, submaximum work, and maximum power values compared with the healthy group; gender variation was seen in the CTD and healthy groups with respect to work and power data, and women with CTD tended to report higher pain intensity than male cohorts. These results provide insight for future studies.

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Prevalence and risk factors of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder in dental hygienists

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-1998-11304 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 263-275 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Orit Shenkar ◽

Jonathan Mann ◽

Adele Shevach ◽

Pnina Ever-Hadani ◽

Patrice L. Weiss

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Upper Extremity ◽

Dental Hygienists ◽

Cumulative Trauma ◽

Cumulative Trauma Disorder

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Work-related cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity

JAMA ◽

10.1001/jama.267.6.838 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 267 (6) ◽

pp. 838-842 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

D. M. Rempel

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Cumulative Trauma Disorders ◽

Cumulative Trauma ◽

Work Related ◽

Trauma Disorders

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Psychosocial Considerations in Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Information and Communication Technologies, Society and Human Beings ◽

10.4018/978-1-60960-057-0.ch009 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 104-110

Author(s):

Michael J. Smith

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Cumulative Trauma Disorders ◽

Necessary Condition ◽

Cumulative Trauma ◽

Causal Factors ◽

Work Related ◽

Serious Injury ◽

Trauma Disorders ◽

Over Time

Current theories of work related cumulative musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities indicate that causation is multifactorial (Armstrong et al.,1993; Kuorinka et al., 1995; Smith and Carayon, 1996). Prominently mentioned among the causes are biomechanical exposures which are believed to lead to “micro” trauma to tissues that accumulates over time to produce more serious injury. Also believed to have a role are psychosocial factors that lead to job stress (Smith and Carayon, 1996). There is some debate about the explicit role that these psychosocial factors play. Do they exacerbate the strain due to biomechanical exposures, are they co-causal factors, are they a necessary condition for biomechanical exposures to produce problems, or can they produce problems on their own? This paper explores some of the ways that psychosocial factors may affect the risk of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (CTD’s). For a more detailed discussion see Smith and Carayon (1996) and Moon and Sauter (1996).

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