Work Related Musculoskeletal Wrist Pain and Functional Disability in Office Workers Using Computer

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
OJS Admin
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
High Technology ◽  
Wrist Pain ◽  
Professional Life ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Technological Advances

Advance high technology in professional life is progressing very fast. Technological advances, particularly, innovation of computers, have reorganized the aspect of working. Computer has become an essential unit of our life. However, its use is not free from health risks.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome among office workers in China: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beibei Feng ◽  
Kedi Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhu ◽  
Wing-Yuk Ip ◽  
Lars L. Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Computer Use ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Hand Symptoms

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand region and is associated with repetitive wrist and hand use in office workers. However, scarce knowledge exists about the epidemiology of clinically confirmed CTS among Chinese office workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of wrist/hand symptoms and CTS in office workers in China and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a metropolitan city in China involving 969 respondents (aged 17–49 years) from 30 workplaces. A questionnaire was distributed to each participant to collect their demographic, work-related physical and psychosocial factors, and wrist and hand symptoms. The wrist and hand pain/numbness symptoms were marked on a body chart and the nature and intensity of symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, as well as aggravating activities were also recorded. Clinically confirmed CTS cases were screened based on the history, Phalen’s test, Tinel Sign and skin sensation testing among symptomatic respondents. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the occurrence of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed CTS. Results The clinically confirmed CTS prevalence was 9.6%. The prevalence of wrist and hand symptoms were 22 and 15%, respectively. Frequently working in pain was associated with higher odds of CTS. Multivariate modelling adjusted for age and gender showed that prolonged computer use time and working without breaks were associated with presence of wrist/hand symptoms (adjusted ORs: 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.14)). Educational level was inversely associated with CTS and smoking was associated with wrist/hand complaints (adjusted OR: 2.20 (95% CI 1.19–4.07)). Conclusions The prevalence of work-related clinically confirmed CTS symptoms among young office workers in China is high. Frequently working in pain is closely associated with clinically confirmed CTS. Intense computer use and no breaks at work are associated with wrist and hand symptoms.

scholarly journals Does an occupational physician have a duty to carry out general clinical assessments?

2021 ◽  
pp. 002581722110248
Author(s):  
Andrea Cioffi ◽  
Raffaella Rinaldi
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Occupational Physician ◽  
Professional Responsibility ◽  
Patient Relationship ◽  
Doctor Patient Relationship ◽  
Clinical Assessments ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Clinical Evaluations

An occupational physician is employed to be responsible for the overall assessment of workers’ health risks and all work-related pathological situations which creates an unusual doctor–patient relationship. The duties of the occupational physician are also very limited as is their professional responsibility. However, the boundaries of the occupational physician’s duties and responsibilities are not always clear. The purpose of this article is to answer the following question: Does the occupational doctor have a duty to carry out general clinical evaluations (not work-related) of the patient?

DOES TECHNOLOGICAL SPECIALIZATION SPUR HIGH-TECHNOLOGY EXPORTS? EVIDENCE FROM PANEL QUANTILE REGRESSIONS

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (02) ◽  
pp. 2050013
Author(s):  
SIDHESWAR PANDA ◽  
RUCHI SHARMA
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Export Performance ◽  
High Technology ◽  
Quantile Regressions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Technological Advantage ◽  
Technological Specialization

In view of the technological advances made by emerging economies, we revisit the role of technological specializations of different economies in determining their exports. Employing revealed technological advantage (RTA) index and revealed symmetric technological advantage (RSTA) index, this study explores the technological specialization of countries in different fields and its contribution to high-technology exports. Technological specializations are operationalized using patent data and further analyzed in context of country’s exports data of 63 countries during 2000–2013. Using panel quantile regressions analysis, this paper finds that technological specialization determines the export performance of countries in different categories. We find that middle-income countries are among the top countries with respect to few fields of technological specializations. Hence, there is a need to change the perspective whereby developing countries are viewed as mere technological follower. This finding has an implication for the role of patents in technological specialization and export performance, both of which are important factors in international competitiveness.

Validation of a Migraine Work and Productivity Loss Questionnaire for use in Migraine Studies

Cephalalgia ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Davies ◽  
N Santanello ◽  
W Gerth ◽  
D Lerner ◽  
GA Block
Keyword(s):  
Functional Disability ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Migraine Therapy ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Productivity Losses ◽  
Open Label Extension ◽  
The Impact

Migraine symptoms and therapy side effects cause significant functional disability that can result in work and productivity losses. Effective, well-tolerated migraine therapy with rapid onset of relief could decrease work and productivity losses. The Migraine Work and Productivity Loss Questionnaire (MWPLQ) evaluates the impact of migraine and migraine therapy on paid work. Data from a randomized, open-label extension study were collected over 3 months. Migraineurs were randomized to either rizatriptan (5HT1B/1D receptor agonist) or their usual migraine therapy. Data were analyzed from 164 patients who experienced at least one work-related migraine. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) for the work difficulty domains ranged from 0.80 to 0.95. Work loss and work difficulty were moderately correlated ( r=0.39-0.58) with migraine severity and functional ability. Differences were found favoring rizatriptan for absenteeism (1.3 vs 2.4 h), effectiveness at work (62% vs 49%), and difficulty with work-related tasks ( p < 0.01). The MWPLQ demonstrated favorable measurement characteristics in this study and could be an important research tool for future evaluations of migraine-related work disability.

Climbing the ladder: a step by step approach to international guidelines for water recycling

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Anderson ◽  
A. Adin ◽  
J. Crook ◽  
C. Davis ◽  
R. Hultquist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Technology ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Water Recycling ◽  
Recycled Water ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
International Panel ◽  
International Water

Given the pressures on the world's freshwater resources, recycled water is a valuable resource. Recycled water can increase the reliability of water supply because it is an independent source of water. Water recycling requires effective measures to protect public health and the environment. In the absence of comprehensive international guidelines, different countries have developed different approaches to managing water recycling depending on the understanding of the health risks, their individual economic circumstances, and affordability. Approaches vary between high technology/high cost/low risk and low technology/low cost/controlled risk. Furthermore, differences occur between countries and within individual countries. Inconsistencies can often be traced to lack of a unified scientific position on health effects. These inconsistencies increase public concerns about health risks and may give rise to conservative controls on responses to water recycling projects that some countries may be unable to afford. In this paper, an international panel of authors discusses how the different water recycling approaches might be linked together into international water recycling guidelines. These guidelines would incorporate a uniform approach to assessing hazards and risks while providing flexibility for individual countries to vary requirements to suit local circumstances of affordability and risk. The authors propose a framework of guidelines in which individual countries can progressively improve recycled water quality as lower risk levels become more affordable. The authors argue that a uniform international approach will result in a number of benefits including a better focus on risk management, better targeted research and development efforts and greater public confidence in water recycling. The authors invite discussion on the concepts put forward in the paper.

scholarly journals Evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms and of work ability in a higher education institution

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-306
Author(s):  
Denise Hollanda Iunes ◽  
Melissa Louyse Duarte ◽  
Leticia do Vale Pereira ◽  
Murilo César do Nascimento ◽  
Valdeci Carlos Dionisio
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Object Of Study

Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant object of study for the field of occupational health, as they can lead to absenteeism, compensation costs and different levels of functional disability. Nonetheless, there are few studies assessing WMSDs in public higher education institutions. Objective The present study aimed to investigate, describe and correlate musculoskeletal symptoms and work ability of staff members of the Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal-MG), in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 213 professors, 188 administrative technicians and 124 outsourced staff members using two self-administered questionnaires: the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results Most of the teaching staff presented good work ability 47.9% (n = 102). Among administrative technicians and outsourced staff, on the other hand, excellent work ability predominated, with 43.6% (n = 82 technicians) and 51.61% (n = 68 outsourced). The most affected region among professors and administrative staff was the neck/cervical area 36.15% (n = 77 professors); and 28.19% (n = 53 technicians). Among outsourced staff, the lower back was reported as the main source of pain, with 23.28% (n = 29). Conclusions The presence of pain interfered in the work ability of workers regardless of the affected region. Having another occupation outside the institution did not influence pain of self-assessed staff members. The work ability of Unifal-MG staff was classified as good or excellent; thus, we recommend preventive work for this population, directed at the physical and mental aspects of work activities in order to maintain or improve such rates.

scholarly journals The motivational profile does matter: an exploratory survey on the influence of remote office work on physical behavior during the COVID19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Cabrita ◽  
Roos Bulthuis ◽  
Monique Tabak
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Work Behavior ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Office Work ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Behavior ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Motivational Profile ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Abstract Background: Most office workers were forced to work remotely due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, possibly leading to a reconfiguration of settled patterns of physical behavior, often characterized by a sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate the motivational profile, facilitators, and barriers that might have influenced a change in physical activity while working remotely due to the COVID-19 lockdown.Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed in May-June 2020 including demographics, self-reported physical- and work behavior throughout the day before and during the lockdown, Sports Motivation Scale-II assessing motivation for being physically active, and rating on facilitators and barriers for engaging in physical activity during the lockdown. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was computed to investigate differences between those participants who become more-, less-, and equally active during the COVID-19 lockdown.Results: Ninety-nine people (Female=66) completed the questionnaire. Forty-four percent of the participants considered themselves less active than before the lockdown. Respondents reporting becoming more physically active (28%) were more intrinsically motivated than the remaining participants. The most important facilitators for physical activity were ‘good weather’, ‘no work-related travel’, and ‘flexible work schedules’. The most important barriers were ‘no active transportation’, ‘closed facilities’, and ‘work fatigue’. Conclusions: Strategies that adapt to the weather and fit the work schedule could facilitate physical activity among remote office workers. The results of this study will be used to design interventions to promote an active lifestyle among office workers, personalized to their motivation profile, needs, and preferences.

Frequency of Work Related Musculoskeletal Wrist Pain Among Health Care Professionals of Lahore Pakistan

2020 ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
OJS Admin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Hard Work ◽  
Wrist Pain ◽  
Repetitive Movement ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Very High

The wrist and hand work related musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are very high in individuals performing prolonged hand task and repeated movements. The profession required manual dealing with additionally repetitive movement and hard work are at high risk of developing work related MSK problems.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Evaluation of Risk Factors and Interactions for the Development of Nonspecific Neck Pain in Office Workers in Two Cultures

2020 ◽  
pp. 001872082090423
Author(s):  
Deokhoon Jun ◽  
Venerina Johnston ◽  
Steven M. McPhail ◽  
Shaun O’Leary
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Job Strain ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Sitting Posture ◽  
Two Cultures ◽  
Work Related

Objective To identify risk factors for the development of interfering neck pain in office workers including an examination of the interaction effects between potential risk factors. Background The 1-year incidence of neck pain in office workers is reported as the highest of all occupations. Identifying risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers is therefore a priority to direct prevention strategies. Methods Participants included 214 office workers without neck pain from two cultures. A battery of measures evaluating potential individual and workplace risk factors were administered at baseline, and the incidence of interfering neck pain assessed monthly for 12 months. Survival analysis was used to identify relationships between risk factors and the development of interfering neck pain. Results One-year incidence was 1.93 (95% CI [1.41, 2.64]) per 100 person months. Factors increasing the risk of developing interfering neck pain were older age, female gender, increased sitting hours, higher job strain, and stress. A neutral thorax sitting posture, greater cervical range of motion and muscle endurance, and higher physical activity were associated with a decreased risk of neck pain. The effects of some risk factors on the development of neck pain were moderated by the workers’ coping resources. Conclusion Multiple risk factors and interactions may explain the development of neck pain in office workers. Therefore, plans for preventing the development of interfering neck pain in office workers should consider multiple individual and work-related factors with some factors being potentially more modifiable than others.

Work-related health risks in Europe: Are older workers more vulnerable?

2013 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
pp. 18-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie K. Jones ◽  
Paul L. Latreille ◽  
Peter J. Sloane ◽  
Anita V. Staneva
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Work Related
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