Prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in college students

Abstract

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders are the fastest growing source of disability in the US workplace ( 1 Bernard BP, ed. Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors. Cincinnati, Ohio: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97–141; 1997. Google Scholar , 2 Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries, and Illnesses. Washington, DC: Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor; 1995. Google Scholar ), affecting workers of all ages, including those less than 25 years old ( 3 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Selected (sprains, strains, tears; carpal tunnel; tendonitis) natures by worker, and case characteristics. Table 9. Occupational Safety and Health Data. Available at: www.bls.gov/oshsum1.htm. Accessed April 1999. Google Scholar ). Computer work for 4 or more hours per day doubles the risk of these disorders ( 4 Punnett L, Bergqvist U. Visual Display Unit Work and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Review of Epidemiological Findings. National Institute for Working Life—Ergonomic Expert Committee Document No 1. Solna, Sweden: Arbetslivsininstitutet; 1997. Google Scholar ). The association of upper extremity disorders with prolonged computer work and their emergence in younger workers ( 3 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Selected (sprains, strains, tears; carpal tunnel; tendonitis) natures by worker, and case characteristics. Table 9. Occupational Safety and Health Data. Available at: www.bls.gov/oshsum1.htm. Accessed April 1999. Google Scholar ) suggest that college students may also be at risk.