Cited by 57Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal DisordersOccupational Health and Safety in WorkplacesOccupational Health and Performance

Relationships and Mechanisms Between Occupational Risk Factors and Distal Upper Extremity Disorders

Keir, Peter J., Farias Zuniga, Amanda, Mulla, Daanish M., Somasundram, Kumara G.·2021·Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

Abstract

Objective: The relationships between workplace risk factors and upper extremity injuries from epidemiological and laboratory studies were examined. Background: Epidemiological studies are associated with several limitations, affecting the strength of association between risk factors and the development of injuries. Method: In this narrative review, we identified epidemiological and laboratory studies (published primarily since 1997) investigating exposure to workplace risk factors (force, repetition, posture, vibration) and risk of hand/wrist tendon–related disorders, epicondylitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Results: Forceful exertions are strongly associated with hand/wrist tendon–related disorders, epicondylitis, and CTS. Dose–response relationships were found for epicondylitis (repetition) and CTS (posture). Interactions demonstrate multiplicative effects of risk factors for injury risk. Laboratory studies display clear associations between task demands and biomechanical measures linked to mechanisms for upper extremity injuries with animal models providing further evidence of a dose–response between risk factors and injury. Conclusion: Forceful, repetitive work requiring non-neutral postures are associated with increasing risk of hand/wrist tendon–related disorders, epicondylitis, and CTS as evidenced by epidemiology studies and laboratory-based investigations of humans and animals. Application: Understanding the relationship between exposure levels of workplace risk factors and upper extremity disorders can improve injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

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Crossref · 10.1177/0018720819860683

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Authors
Keir, P. J., Farias Zuniga, A., Mulla, D. M., & Somasundram, K. G.
Affiliations
  • McMaster University (CA)
  • McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Corresponding author
Keir, Peter J.
Venue
Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Published
2019-07-17
Volume
63
Issue
1
Pages
5-31
ISSN
  • 0018-7208 (ISSN-L)
  • 1547-8181
OpenAlex
W2958440515
Cited by
57
References
121
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1
FWCI
5.93
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Performance
Keywords
occupational risk factors, upper limb disorders, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive work, awkward postures, hand-arm vibration, biomechanics, dose-response relationship, risk factor interactions, animal models, injury prevention
MeSH terms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Humans, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Occupational Diseases, Risk Factors, Upper Extremity

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