Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
04:22
Assessment of Knee Hyperalgesia in Mice using Pressure Application Measurement
Published on: June 13, 2025
Is workstyle a mediating factor for pain in the upper extremity over time?
Eline M Meijer1, Judith K Sluiter, Monique H W Frings-Dresen
1Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
|August 9, 2008
Summary
Adverse workstyle significantly increases the risk of upper extremity pain in office workers over time. Interventions should assess and address workstyle to improve outcomes for workers experiencing pain.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders significantly impact workers' quality of life.
- Workstyle is a potential contributing factor to upper extremity pain among workers.
- Understanding the role of workstyle is crucial in managing workplace-related pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if workstyle acts as a mediating factor for upper extremity pain.
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between workstyle and pain in office workers.
- To assess changes in pain prevalence based on workstyle over time.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 110 office workers with upper extremity pain completed the Workstyle questionnaire (WSF) at baseline.
- Participants were categorized into good and adverse workstyle groups.
- Pain presence and relative risks were calculated at 8 and 12 months using chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- At 8 months, 80% of the adverse workstyle group reported pain versus 45% in the good workstyle group (RR=1.8, P=0.055).
- At 12 months, pain prevalence increased significantly in the adverse group (100%) compared to the good group (33%) (RR=3.0, P=0.003).
- Adverse workstyle was associated with a higher relative risk of experiencing upper extremity pain over time.
Conclusions:
- Workstyle appears to be a significant mediating factor for upper extremity pain in office workers.
- Assessing workstyle is recommended for individuals with upper extremity pain.
- Incorporating workstyle behavior modification into treatment plans is advised.
