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Clinical signs and physical function in neck and upper extremities among elderly female computer users: the NEW study
B Juul-Kristensen1, R Kadefors, K Hansen
1Department of Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark. bjk@ami.dk
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|December 6, 2005
Summary
Female computer users over 45 with neck/shoulder trouble show more clinical diagnoses and reduced physical function. Objective tests can assess musculoskeletal health in these workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Computer users, particularly women over 45, are susceptible to neck and shoulder (NS) issues.
- Self-reported trouble may not fully capture the extent of clinical conditions or functional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of clinical signs and symptoms in female computer users aged over 45 with and without self-reported NS trouble.
- To compare clinical findings and physical function between groups with and without NS trouble.
Main Methods:
- 42 NS cases and 61 NS controls underwent clinical examination and physical function tests.
- Tests included maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for shoulder elevation, abduction, handgrip, and endurance, plus a physical performance test.
Main Results:
- Trapezius myalgia (38%), tension neck syndrome (17%), and cervicalgia (17%) were common in NS cases.
- 60% of NS cases had at least one clinical diagnosis in the neck/shoulder region.
- Reduced shoulder physical function was observed in subjects with self-reported trouble and those with clinical diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Clinical diagnoses and physical function tests effectively differentiate between computer users with and without NS trouble.
- These objective measures are recommended for assessing musculoskeletal health.
- Further development of physical function tests is needed for early detection and prevention of work-related disorders.
