Job stress, upper extremity pain and functional limitations in symptomatic computer users

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Ergonomics
• Psychosocial factors in the workplace

Background:

• Occupational stressors are linked to upper extremity symptoms in office workers.
• Worker responses to job demands (workstyle) can worsen symptom severity and functional impact.
• This study investigates the relationship between work demands, job stress, and workstyle on pain and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between work demands, job stress, and workstyle.
• To determine the impact of these factors on pain intensity and functional limitations.
• To explore the relationship with time lost from work.

Main Methods:

• 124 symptomatic female office workers participated.
• Data collected via questionnaire on demographics, medical history, work demands, work environment perception, workstyle, pain, function, and time lost.
• Statistical analysis to determine associations.

Main Results:

• Heightened job stress and a quality-focused, pain-perpetuating workstyle were associated with increased pain intensity at work and decreased function.
• Job stress, workstyle, and annual work hours correlated with increased pain throughout the work week.
• The tested model did not predict lost work time.

Conclusions:

• Job stress and workstyle are associated with upper extremity pain and function in office workers.
• Findings align with previous research on the significance of job stress and workstyle in symptom exacerbation.
• Results suggest potential implications for workplace evaluation and intervention strategies.