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Transient hand paresthesias in Champagne vineyard workers
Y Roquelaure1, Y Gabignon, J C Gillant
1Consultation de pathologie professionnelle et d'ergonomie (Occupational Health and Ergonomics Center, University Hospital), CHU, F-49033 Angers, Cedex, France. yvroquelaure@chu-angers.fr
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Hand paresthesias (HP) affected 37% of grapevine workers, often resolving after the pruning season. Risk factors include female gender and piecework payment, while electric shears may reduce HP incidence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Assessing the prevalence of hand paresthesias (HP) and their link to pruning activities is crucial for vineyard worker health.
- Hand paresthesias are a common concern in physically demanding occupations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hand paresthesias (HP) among grapevine pruning workers.
- To investigate the relationship between pruning activities and the occurrence of HP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 537 grapevine pruning workers in the Champagne region.
- Data collection via questionnaires on nocturnal HP and musculoskeletal pain over a 12-month period.
Main Results:
- Nocturnal HP prevalence was 37%, with hand-wrist pain at 12%.
- HP predominantly affected the dominant hand, typically starting and ending with the pruning season (90% of cases).
- Risk factors identified: female gender, overweight status, piecework payment, and traditional blade sharpening; electric shears showed a potential protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Hand paresthesias affected a significant portion (one-third) of vineyard workers.
- Unlike HP in industrial settings, most vineyard workers experienced transient symptoms and recovered post-pruning season without medical intervention.