Automobile Manufacturing Workers Research Articles

Prevalence and influencing factors of hearing status for workers with different subjective perception of hearing in Wuhan City from 2017 to 2019

Objective To investigate the hearing status and influencing factors of hearing among people with different subjective perception of hearing in Wuhan City from 2017 to 2019. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to select some automobile manufacturing workers who underwent physical examination in Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Disease from Jan 2017 to Dec 2019 as the research subjects. Questionnaire survey and pure tone threshold test were conducted. After excluding individuals with missing information, a total of 15 594 individuals were finally included for analysis and research. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of hearing status for workers with different subjective perception of hearing. Results Among the 15 594 male workers in automobile manufacturing industry, the proportion of subjective feeling of hearing for good, general and poor was 45.86% (7 152/15 594), 51.75% (8 070/15 594) and 2.39% (372/15 594), respectively. In terms of speech frequency, the proportion of hearing loss of the workers with good subjective hearing was 3.45%. In terms of high frequency, the proportion of hearing loss of workers with good subjective hearing was 18.47%. Age≥40 (OR=4.53, 95% CI=3.34-6.14, P Conclusion Some people with good subjective perception of hearing still have hearing loss, and risk factors of hearing loss among people with different subjective perception of hearing are different.

Investigation of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among automobile manufacturing workers

Objective: To investigation the situation of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among workers in automobile manufacturing enterprise during 2017-2019 in Wuhan. Methods: Workers in automobile manufacturing who underwent physical examination in Wuhan Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Diseases from 2017 to 2019 were included as subjects in the cross-sectional survey. Questionnaire survey, noise detection and pure tone threshold test were used. Excluding individuals with working time less than 3 years and information deficiency, 3 948 individuals were finally included in the study. Results: Among 3 948 workers, 128 workers had hearing loss and the rate of hearing loss was 3.24%, among which 101 workers had high-frequency hearing loss and 27 workers were diagnosed as occupational noise deafness. The prevalence of hearing loss among workers previously exposed to noise was significantly higher than that without prior exposure (12.10%, 0.96%, P<0.05) . The prevalence of hearing loss among workers with occupational noise exposure <80 dB (A) , 80~<85 dB (A) and ≥85 dB (A) was 1.83%, 2.69% and 5.09%, respectively. The prevalence of high frequency hearing loss was 1.60%, 2.05% and 3.71%, respectively. The prevalence of occupational noise deafness was 0.23%, 0.64% and 1.38%, respectively. The prevalence of hearing loss and high frequency hearing loss among workers exposed to different occupational noise was statistically significant (P<0.05) , while the prevalence of occupational noise deafness was not statistically significant (P>0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of hearing loss (2.88%, 4.45%) and occupational noise deafness (0.46%, 1.41%) between those who used protective equipment and those who did not (P<0.05) . Compared with workers exposed to occupational noise <80 dB (A) , workers exposed to occupational noise ≥85 dB (A) had A 3.16-fold increased risk of hearing loss (OR=3.16, 95%CI: 1.44~6.95, P<0.05) . Compared to workers using hearing protective equipment, the risk of hearing loss (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.25~3.06, P<0.05) and occupational noise deafness (OR=3.46, 95%CI: 1.51-7.96, P<0.05) significantly increased among those without using hearing protective equipment. Conclusion: The risk of hearing loss in automobile manufacturing workers is significantly associated with occupational noise exposure and the use of hearing protective equipment. Good hearing protection may reduce the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss and occupational noise deafness.

자동차 제조업의 사무직과 생산직 근로자의 작업위험요인 및 건강 관련 특성 비교

Objective: This study compares occupational risk factors and health-related problems between office workers and production workers in the automobile manufacturing industry.BRBRBackground: There are few comparative studies on occupational risk factors and health-related problems in office workers and production workers.BRBRMethod: This study extracted 829 automobile manufacturing workers from the 5th Korean Working Condition Survey data. Among them, 337 were office workers, and 492 were production workers.BRBRResults: Even though work experience was similar, the average working hours per week were higher for production workers than for office workers. However, the average monthly incomes were higher for office workers than for production workers. Production workers were exposed to ergonomic risk factors such as repetitive motion, standing posture, awkward posture, and heavy material handling. Therefore, the rate of complaints of the upper limb, overall fatigue, and low limb was high. On the other hand, office workers had low exposure to risk factors, except for repetitive movements, and had a high rate of complaints of overall fatigue, headache and eyestrain, and upper limb.BRBRConclusion: Production workers in the automobile manufacturing industry are relatively exposed to ergonomic risk factors and have musculoskeletal pains. So efforts and support to improve working conditions are required.BRBRApplication: The results of this study can be used as basic data on work-related risk factors and health-related problems of automobile manufacturing workers.

The relationship between chronotypes and musculoskeletal problems in male automobile manufacturing workers.

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that morning types are less sensitive to pain. This study aimed to examine the relationship between chronotypes and musculoskeletal problems in workers with musculoskeletal burdens at work.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 119 male production workers from a large automobile manufacturing plant. All the participants worked 2 shifts and worked on the automobile assembly line. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires, including the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), and musculoskeletal symptom questionnaire. Participants with an rMEQ score of 18 points or more were defined as morning-type workers (MTWs). Participants whose scores were less than 18 points were defined as neither-type workers (NTWs).ResultsThe arithmetic mean age was 51.8 ± 5.3 years. MTWs and NTWs accounted for 35.3% and 64.7% of the total participants, respectively. Evening- and intermediate-type workers accounted form 6.7% and 58.0% of the participants, respectively. There was no significant difference in the health indicators when the MTW and NTW groups were compared. However, the musculoskeletal symptom questionnaire demonstrated a significant difference between the MTW and NTW groups. In the preceding year, the MTW group had significantly lower musculoskeletal pain and treatment ratios compared to the NTW group (35.7% vs. 62.3%, p = 0.005 and 14.3% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.031, respectively). After adjusting for variables, the odds ratio (OR) for musculoskeletal pain was significantly higher in the NTW group than in the MTW group (OR, 3.112; 95% confidence interval, 1.285–7.535; p = 0.012).ConclusionsIn this study, the musculoskeletal pain ratio was significantly lower for MTWs when compared to NTWs. Chronotypes could play an important role in work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Further, larger-scale, follow-up studies on chronotypes are required to assist in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in future.

Metalworking fluids and cancer mortality in a US autoworker cohort (1941-2015).

Objectives:This report describes the extended follow-up (1941–2015) of a cohort of 38 549 automobile manufacturing workers with potential exposure to metalworking fluids (MWF). The outcomes of interest were mortality from cancers of the esophagus, stomach, intestine, rectum, bladder, liver, pancreas, larynx, lung, skin, prostate, brain, and female breast, as well as leukemia. This report includes 5472 deaths from cancer, more than ten times the numbers of deaths in our last summary report published 20 years ago.Methods:Standardized mortality ratios were computed for the entire study period. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were estimated in Cox proportional hazard models with categorical variables for cumulative exposure to each type of MWF.Results:Exposure–response patterns are consistent with prior mortality reports from this cohort. We found increased risk of skin and female breast cancer with straight fluids. For the first time, we found elevated risk of stomach cancer mortality. Overall, many of the exposure–response results did not suggest an association with MWF.Conclusions:Mortality is a poor proxy for cancer diagnosis for treatable cancers and not the optimal outcome measure in etiological studies. Although the HR presented here handle bias from the healthy worker hire effect and left truncation, they do not handle bias from healthy worker survivor effect, which likely results in underestimates of the health impacts of MWF. Although this updated summary provides some information on the risk of cancer from MWF, targeted future analyses will help clarify associations.

Ergonomic risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome in workers of an automobile factory

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of pain symptoms and risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in automobile manufacturing workers and provide theoretical basis for the prevention of CTS. Methods: From Nov.5th to Nov.19th, 2017, 446 workers in an automobile factory whose work age was above one year participate in questionnaires by cluster sampling. Chi square test and multifactor logistics regression analysis were used to analyze the factors related to the occurrence of CTS pain symptoms in workers. Results: The incidence of CTS pain among workers in this automobile factory was 20.8%. Working in the same position for a long time (OR=2.137, 95% CI:1.183-3.862) and unable to work reasonably because of uncomfortable posture (OR =2.067, 95% CI: 1.075-3.974) were identified as the risk factors of CTS pain symptoms by multifactor logistics regression analysis. Working age (OR=0.537, 95%CI:0.311-0.926) and work break (OR= 0.489, 95% CI: 0.282-0.849) were identified as the benefit factors of CTS pain symptoms. Conclusion: The incidence of CTS pain in automobile manufacturing workers is related to the posture in the process of labor . Effective ergonomic interventions should be carried out to prevent the occurrence of CTS pain in automobile manufacturing workers.

Work-related upper limb disorders and risk assessment among automobile manufacturing workers: A retrospective cohort analysis.

To estimate the three-year cumulative risk of work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) in a cohort of automotive industry workers and to provide a first test of the ability of the European Assembly Worksheet (EAWS) methodology to predict WRULDs. 292 workers were investigated by reviewing workers' medical records during the period from 2012-2015 to determine their exposure to biomechanical overload according to EAWS risk scores (0-25, low risk, Green zone; 26-50, medium risk, Yellow zone; >50, High risk; Red zone). The risks were 0.83%, 5.71%, and 11.88% for the Control (unexposed), Green and Yellow Groups, respectively. Only the comparison between the Yellow/Control Groups was significant (p = 0.0014). In total, we observed 17 cases of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (14 symptomatic and 3 cases detected by physical examination). The EAWS is a useful tool for the preliminary risk assessments of biomechanical overload among automotive industry workers. The finding of mainly non-specific disorders highly suggests that health surveillance should aim to identify not only full-blown diseases but also symptomatic cases.

Effect of an Active Tailored Exercise Program on Pain and Oswestry Disability Index in Automobile Manufacturing Workers with Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Low Back

Effect of an Active Tailored Exercise Program on Pain and Oswestry Disability Index in Automobile Manufacturing Workers with Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Low Back

Effects of occupational noise exposure on asymmetric hearing loss in automobile manufacturing workers

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of asymmetric hearing loss in automobile manufacturing workers and the effect of occupational noise exposure on asymmetric hearing loss. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used in this study. From March 2017 to February 2018, Subjects (7066) from four complete vehicle factories were given a pure tone audiometry (Hearing thresholds were measured at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz in each ear) and were required to complete a health-related information questionnaire. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 6339 workers were selected. The mean hearing thresholds for the left and right ears at overall frequencies were compared using the repeated means analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The threshold differences at each frequency were compared using paired t tests. Results: The overall mean left minus right threshold difference across all frequencies was determined to be 0.58 dB, which met statistical significance (P<0.01) . Hearing threshold in the left ear was statistically significantly higher compared with the right ear at each frequency. The differences between binaural threshold shifts at each frequency among subjects with a asymmetry in terms of worse left ear and worse right ear were at the range of 6.17-9.87 dB and 6.39-10.92 dB, respectively. Hearing threshold in the left ear was statistically significantly higher compared with the right ear at only 2, 3 kHz of subjects with high-frequency hearing threshold shifts (HFHTs) more than 25 dB. Hearing threshold in the left ear was statistically significantly higher compared with the right ear at only 3 kHz of subjects with high-frequency hearing threshold shifts (HFHTs) more than 30 dB. With the increase of HFHTs, the proportion of subjects with a asymmetry at 2 and 3 kHz of more than 10 dB in terms of worse left ear and worse right ear increased. Conclusion: The average hearing threshold of the left ear across overall frequencies is higher compared with the right ear, the proportion of the cases with a higher left ear hearing threshold is higher that that of the cases with a higher right ear hearing threshold. As hearing loss caused by occupational noise exposure getting worse, the proportion of the cases with a higher left ear hearing threshold and the cases with a higher right ear hearing threshold may tent to be the same.

Effects of a finger exercise program on hand function in automobile workers with hand osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Hand osteoarthritis reduces a person's ability to perform work activities and return to their occupation. We investigated the effects of a finger exercise program on hand grip strength, pain, physical function, and stiffness in automobile manufacturing workers with hand osteoarthritis. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 29 subjects. Fifteen experimental subjects received a finger exercise program with paraffin baths, while 14 control subjects received only paraffin baths. Hand grip strength, pain, physical function, and stiffness were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks later. In the experimental group, hand grip strength (P < 0.001) and Australian/Canadian osteoarthritis hand index (AUSCAN) scores (pain, P < 0.001; stiffness, P < 0.001; physical function, P < 0.001) were significantly improved by 3.52 ± 2.03, 21.6 ± 8.3 (pain), 16.8 ± 10.21 (stiffness), and 13.86 ± 4.54 (physical function) compared with preintervention values. In the control group, hand grip strength (P = 0.004) and AUSCAN scores (pain, P < 0.001; stiffness, P = 0.019; physical function, P < 0.001) were significantly improved by 0.57 ± 0.62, 7.85 ± 5.46 (pain) 11.42 ± 7.18 (stiffness), and 10.28 ± 14.41 (physical function) compared with preintervention values. Significant differences between groups were found for postintervention hand grip strength (P = 0.015) and AUSCAN index subscale scores (pain, P < 0.001; physical function, P = 0.020). A combined finger exercise and paraffin bath program is effective in reducing pain, improving physical function, and increasing hand grip strength in workers with hand osteoarthritis.

Investigation of neck and shoulder pain among workers in an automobile plant

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) among automobile manufacturing workers and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of NSP. Methods: From November 5 to November 19, 2017, a total 446 works who had worked for more than one year were recruited from an automobile plant by cluster sampling method. Chi square test and unconditional logistic regression were used to exam the relation between influencing factors and NSP. Results: The annual prevalence rate of NSP was 34.8%. Multifactor regression analysis showed that age、work fatigue、department staff shortages、lifting heavy objects in awkward positions、neck flexion foreword and prolong sitting position work were the risk factors of NSP (OR=2.18, 95%CI:1.49~3.18; OR=4.52, 95%CI:1.27~16.00; OR=1.66, 95%CI:1.04~26.68; OR=2.10, 95%CI:1.16~3.81; OR=2.25, 95%CI:1.39~3.66; OR=2.42, 95%CI:1.06~5.56) and work break was the benefit factors of NSP (OR=0.58, 95%CI:0.36~0.94) . Conclusion: The annual prevalence rate of NSP among automobile manufacturing workers was high. Lifing heavy objects、awkward working positions and unreasonable work arrangement were the major risk factors of NSP, and work break can effectively reduce the risk of NSP. Effective ergonomic intervention should be carried out to prevent the occurrence of NSP.

A Study on Functional Movement Screen and Automobile Worker's Musculoskeletal Disorders

Objective: The aim of this study is to figure out the level of Functional Movement Screen (FMS) of 122 automobile manufacturing workers and to set the FMS score for predicting risk of musculoskeletal disorders.BR Background: Although today

The Relationship of Physical and Psychosocial Risk Factors to Work-related Musculoskeletal Upper Extremity Symptoms amongst Male Automobile Manufacturing Workers

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of physical and psychosocial risk factors to work-related musculoskeletal upper extremity symptoms amongst automobile manufacturing workers. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using male automobile manufacturing workers in order to examine the relationship of physical and psychosocial risk factors to work-related musculoskeletal upper extremity symptoms. A total of 1,793 male workers were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding general characteristics, health related behaviors, work-related characteristics, job stress, ergonomic risk factors, and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms (neck, shoulder, arm, and hand). Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated using the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) surveillance criteria. In order to measure the physical risk factors, the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z-365 Quick checklist was incorporated into the questionnaire. Job stressors were measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS). A binary logistic regression analysis was performed that examined the relationship of physical and psychosocial risk factors to musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: The result showed that the physical and psychosocial risk factors were associated with musculoskeletal upper extremity symptoms. The workers with high physical risk factors reported more musculoskeletal symptoms than those having low physical risk factors (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.56~3.62). The workers with high job stress were more likely to have an increased risk of musculoskeletal upper extremity symptom compared to those with normal job stress (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 2.03~3.47). A significant relationship between the combined effects of physical and psychosocial risk factors on musculoskeletal upper extremity symptoms was also found. The workers exposed to high physical risk factors, high job stress, and long working hours were more likely to report musculoskeletal symptoms than those having low physical risk factors, normal job stress and moderate working hours(OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.56~3.62). Conclusions: The results suggest that some physical and psychosocial risk factors increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal upper extremity symptoms amongst automobile manufacturing workers. In order to prevent or reduce musculoskeletal disorders amongst automobile manufacturing workers, it is strongly recommended to manage the physical psychosocial risks occurring in the workplace.

Physical and psychosocial ergonomic risk factors for low back pain in automobile manufacturing workers

ObjectivesTo examine the association between ergonomic physical and psychosocial exposures and the risk of prevalent and incident low back pain (LBP) in a longitudinal cohort of automobile manufacturing workers.MethodsErgonomic exposure...

Specific and non‐specific upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder syndromes in automobile manufacturing workers

A longitudinal cohort of automobile manufacturing workers (n = 1,214) was examined for: (1) prevalence and persistence of specific upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) such as lateral epicondylitis and de Quervain's disease, and non-specific disorders (NSDs) defined in symptomatic individuals without any specific disorder, and (2) disorder prognoses based on symptom characteristics and other factors. Eight specific disorders were identified through case definitions based on upper extremity physical examinations and symptom surveys administered on three occasions over 6 years. At baseline, 41% of the cohort reported upper extremity symptoms; 18% (n = 214) of these had NSDs. In each survey, tendon-related conditions accounted for over half of the specific morbidity. Twenty-five percent had UEMSDs in multiple anatomical sites, and most with hand/wrist disorders had two or more hand/wrist UEMSDs. Persistence for all specific disorders decreased with length of follow-up. Specific UEMSDs were characterized by greater pain severity and functional impairment, and more lost work days than NSDs. Upper extremity symptoms and diagnoses vary over time. NSDs may be the early stages of conditions that will eventually become more specific. NSDs and overlapping specific UEMSDs should be taken into account in UEMSD classification. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:124-132, 2009. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Occupational neck and shoulder pain among automobile manufacturing workers in Iran

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper extremities are a major problem globally, though most relevant studies have been reported from high income countries. The prevalence of neck and shoulder pain and its association with work-related physical and psychosocial factors and life style was determined by a cross-sectional survey using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) in the largest Iranian car manufacturing company, with more than 18,000 employees. A total of 14,384 (79.8%) of all employees completed the questionnaire. Depending on the questions used to measure neck and shoulder symptoms, the prevalence varied widely (from 20.5% to 3.9%). In the multiple logistic regression model, limited to employees with at least 1 year of work experience, risk indicators for disabling pain of the neck and/or shoulder that remained for male were: duration of employment, high visual demands, repetitive work, sitting position at work, awkward working position, no regular exercise, monotonous work, lack of encouraging organizational culture, and anxiety concerning change. For female repetitive work, sitting position at work and no support if there is trouble at work were the only remaining factors. The study confirms the effects of physical and psychosocial factors on neck and shoulder symptoms among automobile manufacturing workers in a low to middle income country in spite of the relative youth and job insecurity of the population.

JCQ scale reliability and responsiveness to changes in manufacturing process

The job content questionnaire (JCQ) was administered to automobile manufacturing workers in two interviews, 5 years apart. Between the two interviews, the company introduced substantial changes in production technology in some production areas. The aims were: (1) to describe the impact of these changes on self-reported psychosocial exposures, and (2) to examine test-retest reliability of the JCQ scales, taking into account changes in job assignment and, for a subset of workers, physical ergonomic exposures as assessed through field observations. The study population included 790 subjects at the first and 519 at the second interview, of whom 387 were present in both. Differences in demand and control scores between interviews were analyzed by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Test-retest reliability of these scales was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Spearman's rho coefficient. The introduction of more automated technology produced an overall increase in job control but did not decrease psychological demand. The reliability of the control scale was low overall but increased to an acceptable level among workers who had not changed job. The demand scale had high reliability only among workers whose physical ergonomic exposures were similar on both survey occasions. These results show that 5-year test-retest reliability of self-reported psychosocial exposures is adequate among workers whose job assignment and ergonomic exposures have remained stable over time.

Recall of prior musculoskeletal pain

Patients, as well as healthy people, often fail to remember prior symptoms, illnesses, or treatments. The authors investigated how well people in a workplace recalled their prior musculoskeletal pain and which factors influenced recall accuracy. In this prospective study (1992-1998), among a cohort of automobile manufacturing workers (N=464), musculoskeletal pain reported at baseline was compared with recalled pain at follow-up. Two outcomes (ie, forgetting and over-recalling) were examined in relation to several personal and occupational characteristics. Of those who had experienced pain or discomfort in the upper extremities at baseline, 72% did not recall it 6 years later. Symptoms at the time of recall strongly influenced pain recall; forgetting approached 100% among those with no current or recent symptoms. However, forgetting was considerable even among those with current symptoms (45%). Prior pain status was over-recalled by 37% of those with upper-extremity pain at the time of recall, but only by 3% of those without symptoms. Women, those with history of an upper-extremity disorder or systemic disease, who were clinical cases or had more anatomical areas in pain at baseline forgot less often. Over-recalling was related to age, having current symptoms, or being a clinical case. The results were similar for low-back and knee pain. Prior musculoskeletal symptoms are poorly remembered after some years, and the recall is strongly influenced by current symptoms. Recalled information should not be relied upon when an epidemiologic case definition is being constructed or when an attempt is being made to describe the natural history of a disorder.

Work routinization and implications for ergonomic exposure assessment

Jobs in many modern settings, including manufacturing, service, agriculture and construction, are variable in their content and timing. This prompts the need for exposure assessment methods that do not assume regular work cycles. A scheme is presented for classifying levels of routinization to inform development of an appropriate exposure assessment strategy for a given occupational setting. Five levels of routinization have been defined based on the tasks of which the job is composed: 1) a single scheduled task with a regular work cycle; 2) multiple cyclical tasks; 3) a mix of cyclical and non-cyclical tasks; 4) one non-cyclical task; 5) multiple non-cyclical tasks. This classification, based primarily on job observation, is illustrated through data from a study of automobile manufacturing workers (n = 1200), from which self-assessed exposures to physical and psychosocial stressors were also obtained. In this cohort, decision latitude was greater with higher routinization level (p < 0.0001), and the least routinized jobs showed the lowest self-reported exposure to physical ergonomic stressors. The job analysis checklist developed for non-routinized jobs is presented, and limitations of the task analysis method utilized in the study are discussed. A work sampling approach to job analysis is recommended as the most efficient way to obtain a comparable unbiased exposure estimate across all routinization levels.

Pressure pain thresholds and musculoskeletal morbidity in automobile manufacturing workers

Reduced pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) have been reported in occupational groups with symptoms of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether automobile manufacturing workers (n=460) with signs and symptoms of UEMSDs had reduced PPTs (greater sensitivity to pain through pressure applied to the skin) when compared with unaffected members of the cohort, which served as the reference group. The association of PPTs with symptom severity and localization of PE findings was investigated, as was the hypothesis that reduced thresholds would be found on the affected side in those with unilateral physical examination (PE) findings. PPTs were measured during the workday at 12 upper extremity sites. A PE for signs of UEMSDs and symptom questionnaire was administered. After comparison of potential covariates using t tests, linear regression multivariable models were constructed with the average of 12 sites (avgPPT) as the outcome. Subjects with PE findings and/or symptoms had a statistically significant lower avgPPT than non-cases. AvgPPT was reduced in those with more widespread PE findings and in those with greater symptom severity (test for trend, P</=0.05). No difference between side-specific avgPPT was found in those with unilateral PE findings. Reduced PPTs were associated with female gender, increasing age, and grip strength below the gender-adjusted mean. After adjusting for the above confounders, avgPPT was associated with muscle/tendon PE findings and symptom severity in multivariable models. PPTs were associated with signs and symptoms of UEMSDs, after adjusting for gender, age and grip strength. The utility of this noninvasive testing modality should be assessed on the basis of prospective large cohort studies to determine if low PPTs are predictive of UEMSDs in asymptomatic individuals or of progression and spread of UEMSDs from localized to more diffuse disorders.