Work and activity-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity

摘要: One of the goals of the ergonomic process is to design or modify people's work and other activities to be within their capabilities and limitations. One possible outcome of a poor harmonisation is disorders of the musculoskeletal system known as repetitive strain injuries (RSI), cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) or, as they are termed here, activity and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The relationship between human activity and WMSD can be investigated from a number of disciplines using many methodological approaches. Most evidence is available from the relationship between work and WMSD; however in this chapter other activities will be mentioned where appropriate. The epidemiological research addressing the relationship between work exposure and WMSD will not be addressed here as it has been extensively reviewed in Hagberg et al.(1995) and NIOSH (1997). These reviews found strong and consistent relationships between many types of WMSD and workplace exposures. Modification of these risk factors, both physical and psychosocial, is therefore a reasonable strategy for both primary and secondary prevention. Biomechanics offers one approach to analysing and understanding the mechanical function of the musculoskeletal system and thus the relationships between work activity and the loads on the tissues. Coupling this understanding with a knowledge of the response of tissues to loading can help support the biological plausibility of epidemiological investigations and suggest ways in which the work environment can be changed. The distal arm will be used in this chapter to illustrate the role of biomechanics …