Developments in work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) amongst Dutch university students from 2004 to 2014

BACKGROUND: Former studies on Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) within university education report substantial prevalence rates. In this study, developments in WRULD amongst students in the period 2004–2014 were investigated. Our findings can be a benchmark for future studies, in particular when there are major societal changes as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: Differences in time (academic year), how long students have been studying (year of studying), relations with computer time and societal changes were points of interest. METHODS: 2254 students (average age 20.0 years) responded to a questionnaire on WRULD. Students experiencing complaints were further questioned about the severity of complaints and associated body locations. RESULTS: The average percentage of students experiencing complaints was 57%. The highest prevalence rates and severity scores were found in the first and last recorded academic years. The neck, shoulder, back and wrist were most often indicated. The prevalence of complaints raised from the 1st (49%) to the 4th (75%) year of studying. Two seriousness measures showed highest scores in the 5th/6th/7th year of studying. Relations were found between both the prevalence and seriousness of complaints with reported computer time. CONCLUSIONS: After an initial decreasing trend from the academic year 2006/2007 to 2010/2011 there was an increase in WRULD amongst students from 2010/2011 to 2013/2014. Limiting financial and study time factors may have played a role. Structural attention for WRULD prevention and risk factors seems to be effective in reducing prevalence and severity of WRULD. This seems to be even more necessary due to recent COVID-related changes in the students’ lives.

Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) in ergonomic assessment: A comprehensive review

INTRODUCTION: RULA (rapid upper limb assessment) is a survey method developed for use in ergonomics investigations of workplaces where work-related upper limb disorders are reported. There are various researches available regarding the use of RULA in assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). But till date, there is no compiled review available regarding the comprehensive research on the uses of RULA in various ergonomic assessment. OBJECTIVE: To compile the availability of article related to the uses of RULA in assessing WRMSDs among workers from various fields. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The articles related to RULA in ergonomic assessment were searched using the reputed academic databases, including PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EBSCO from inception to July 22, 2019 using the five keywords, “ergonomics,” “musculoskeletal,” “workplace,” and “rapid upper limb assessment.” These keywords were combined using the Boolean operators “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT.” RESULTS: A total of 263 articles (n=263) were identified. After the removal of 161 duplicate articles, 102 articles were screened for the analysis. Among then, 21 articles were excluded and 81 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Again 68 articles were excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria and finally 13 articles were included in the qualitative comprehensive analysis. CONCLUSION: The wider application of RULA has been confirmed from this comprehensive review.

Musculoskeletal conditions, part 1: rheumatological disorders

Upper limb disorders are common and therefore contribute importantly to fitness for work. Other rheumatological conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus, are less common but may cause significant work disability for those affected. This chapter summarizes the key features of the history, examination, and investigations to guide the reader in diagnosis of these conditions and reviews current rheumatological management. A summary of what is known about the work impacts of these conditions is provided together with guidance as to how to assess and mange workers with these conditions in their workplace and develop a management plan to enable their work participation. In general, the management of most of these conditions has improved so that people diagnosed with these conditions will now have a much greater chance of maintaining their function, enabling them to stay at work in the future. However, assessment should be individualized and biopsychosocial.