Repetitive work of the upper extremity: Part I—Guidelines for the practitioner

Abstract

This chapter presents a guideline that provides assistance in primary and secondary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities, associated with repetitive work. Repetitive work of the upper extremity is defined as the performance of similar work cycles, again and again. Repetitive work of the upper extremities implies the performance of movements and muscle contractions of the shoulder, arm, or hand. Disorders related to repetitive jobs are commonly encountered in tendons, muscles, and nerves of the shoulder, forearm, wrist, and hand. The clinical diagnoses include tendinitis, peritendinitis, tenosynovitis, myalgias, and distal nerve entrapment. In these disorders, repetitiveness of work is one of several risk factors. Other risk factors include exertion of external force, static work load, posture, and speed of movements. If a repetitive work task has been identified or cases of musculoskeletal disorder occur, the task should be analyzed with regard to its time, force, posture, and speed characteristics.