Repetitive strain disorder: towards diagnostic criteria

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Musculoskeletal symptoms are common in industrial jobs with repetitive tasks.
• Repetitive Strain Disorder (RSD) diagnosis and natural history require further documentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the natural history of Repetitive Strain Disorder (RSD) in women with industrial jobs.
• To identify early diagnostic signs of RSD and its prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Studied 12 women with work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (excluding rheumatoid arthritis).
• Analyzed task-specific actions to predict symptom localization.
• Measured grip strength using a sphygmomanometer cuff, comparing with controls and assessing response to rest.
• Followed patients for several years to document disease progression and need for surgery.

Main Results:

• Early diffuse weakness resolved with rest.
• Symptom localization (tendon, nerve, enthesis) correlated with specific repetitive tasks.
• Six out of 12 women underwent surgery years later, confirming lesions.
• Early grip strength loss, improved by rest, was a key diagnostic indicator, helping exclude compensation neurosis.
• Estimated prevalence of RSD in conveyor belt workers was at least 2%.

Conclusions:

• Repetitive Strain Disorder (RSD) has a predictable natural history linked to occupational tasks.
• Early grip strength assessment is valuable for diagnosing RSD and differentiating it from psychogenic causes.
• Strict diagnostic criteria suggest a significant prevalence of RSD in certain industrial workforces.