Upper-extremity and neck disorders associated with keyboard and mouse use

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among office workers.
• Computer use is frequently implicated in workplace MSDs.
• Evidence linking computer use to specific upper-limb complaints requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the association between computer use and neck, shoulder, and upper-limb disorders.
• To assess the strength of evidence for these associations.
• To identify research gaps regarding specific MSDs and computer use.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature search on PubMed using keywords for occupational etiology, computer use, and upper-limb disorders.
• Included systematic reviews and relevant informative studies.
• Evaluated 11 systematic reviews and 11 informative studies.

Main Results:

• Limited/insufficient and inconsistent evidence links computer work to neck, shoulder, or distal arm complaints.
• Sufficient evidence shows no association between carpal tunnel syndrome and computer work.
• No studies were found on computer use and conditions like tennis elbow or trigger finger.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence does not strongly support a link between computer use and most upper-limb MSDs, except carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Further research is needed for specific conditions like tennis elbow and trigger finger.
• Implementing ergonomic principles in computer workstations is advised to promote office worker health.