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Results for “Cumulative Trauma Disorders”

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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Primary prevention of agricultural injuries. Use of standardized nursing diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes.

1. The use of standardized nursing language is important to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. The standardization of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes provides a means for collecting and analyzing large clinical databases. 2. The occupational health nurse has a clear role in developing health and safety programs. Standardized language using North American Nursing Diagnosis Association diagnoses, nursing outcomes classification, and nursing intervention classification can be incorporated into these programs. 3. The use of standardized taxonomies in the primary prevention of cumulative trauma disorders demonstrates how these systems are integrated into the documentation of the nursing process in a nursing care plan.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed2002

Ergonomics & retention.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas found that the impact of repetitive motion injuries on their office staff was costing them almost $200,000 a year. They formed a committee to design a cumulative trauma disorder prevention program. Since that time repetitive motion injuries have decreased dramatically and the program has assisted in staff retention.

Community Health Nursing↗

PubMed1992

Upper extremity impairment in workers performing repetitive tasks.

A series of subjective and objective measures were chosen to determine impairment of upper extremity function in 157 workers performing repetitive tasks. Workers were asked to respond to questions regarding their perception of the presence or absence of numbness, pain, weakness, or swelling in their upper extremities. Objective tests consisted of the measurement of grip strength, pinch strength, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament sensory responses, vibrometer responses, neurometer measurement, and the presence or absence of Tinel's or Phalen's signs. These measures were considered collectively to estimate the overall levels of impairment of each individual. Overall findings show that 55 percent of workers examined had impairment scores of 2 or more and 75 percent had scores of 1 or more. Significant differences were found in impairment ratings between job types. Those jobs requiring the highest repetition with the least rest per cycle had the highest impairment ratings. Workers that rotated jobs had impairment scores significantly less (p less than 0.005) than the average of workers performing single-task jobs. We conclude that cumulative trauma disorders are more prevalent than originally believed and that the disorder is best examined from an overall functional impairment perspective.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

An evaluation of the ergonomics of three computer keyboards.

The influence of keyboard design on hand position, typing productivity and keyboard preference was evaluated by comparing two segmented alternative designs with the linear standard keyboard. The FIXED alternative keyboard featured a split angle of 12 degrees and a moderate lateral inclination angle of 10 degrees. The adjustable OPEN alternative keyboard was used with a 15 degrees split setting, which resulted in a marked 42 degrees of demiboard lateral inclination. Sixteen typists, who completed 10 h of training on both alternative keyboards, were videotaped while typing set texts on all three keyboards. Forearm and wrist angles based on three-dimensional video analyses were significantly different (p<0.05) among the three designs tested. Both alternative keyboards placed the forearm and wrist closer to neutral positions than did the standard keyboard. While the OPEN keyboard reduced pronation, it simultaneously increased radial deviation. The FIXED keyboard kept the forearm in moderate pronation and the wrist closer to neutral. More time was spent in neutral and moderate ranges of wrist motion when subjects typed on the FIXED compared with the other two designs. With respect to the standard keyboard, typing productivity was reduced by 10% on the FIXED and 20% on the OPEN designs. No significant difference in preference was found between the standard and FIXED keyboards, both of which were preferred over the OPEN. It was concluded that, of the three keyboards evaluated, the FIXED design incorporated moderate changes to the standard keyboard. These changes promoted a more natural hand position while typing thereby reducing the potential for cumulative trauma disorders of the wrist. In addition, the FIXED design preserved a reasonable level of productivity and was well accepted by users.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Environmentally induced disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The human suffering and economic cost attributable to musculoskeletal disorders cannot be overemphasized. Biomechanical principles have been introduced to explain the microtrauma and macrotrauma as mechanisms of injury. Stress-induced remodeling is a useful paradigm in the study of environmentally induced disorders. The concept of environment should include psychosocial and organizational factors with respect to musculoskeletal complaints and chronic pain. Low back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and its associated fractures, and cumulative trauma disorders are the most critical and common musculoskeletal disorders. The risk factors for low back pain have been identified, and preventive measures for reducing the chronicity of low back pain have been discussed. Preventive approaches to control or limit the fractures associated with osteoporosis and loss of bone mass are preferred to simple management of the fracture of osteoporotic patients. It can be concluded that too little or too much stress can disturb the homeostatic or the equilibrium state of health and that much remains to be researched to quantify the optimal stress levels.

Back Pain↗

PubMed2000

Role of mechanical and psychosocial factors in the onset of forearm pain: prospective population based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the aetiology of forearm pain. In particular to determine the relative contribution of (a) psychological factors, features of somatisation, and health anxiety and behaviour, (b) work related mechanical factors, and (c) work related psychosocial factors in the onset of forearm pain. DESIGN: 2 year prospective population based cohort study, with retrospective assessment of exposures at work. SETTING: Altrincham, Greater Manchester. PARTICIPANTS: 1953 individuals aged 18-65 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Forearm pain of new onset. RESULTS: At follow up, 105 (8.3%) participants reported forearm pain of new onset lasting at least one day in the past month. Among these, 67% also reported shoulder pain, 65% back pain, and 45% chronic widespread pain. Increased risks of onset were associated with high levels of psychological distress (relative risk 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 3.8), reporting at least two other somatic symptoms (1.7, 0.95 to 3.0), and high scores on the illness behaviour subscale of the illness attitude scales. The two work related mechanical exposures associated with the highest risk of forearm pain in the future were repetitive movements of the arm (4.1, 1.7 to 10) or wrists (3.4, 1.3 to 8.7), whereas the strongest work related psychosocial risk was dissatisfaction with support from colleagues or supervisors (4.7, 2. 2 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress, aspects of illness behaviour, and other somatic symptoms are important predictors of onset of forearm pain in addition to work related psychosocial and mechanical factors. Misleading terms such as "cumulative trauma disorder" or "repetitive strain injury," implying a single uniform aetiology, should be avoided.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Industrial rehabilitation medicine. 4. Assessment of the outcome of treatment in industrial medicine, program development, documentation, and testimony.

This self-directed learning module highlights new advances in this topic area. It is part of the chapter on industrial rehabilitation medicine in the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article contains sections comparing the results of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of low back pain and discussing the efficacy of ergonomic changes in the treatment of low back pain and cumulative trauma disorder, the effectiveness of chronic pain programs, directions for future research and program development in occupational medicine, and physiatric testimony in workers' compensation cases.

Back Pain↗

PubMed1997

A case-control study of obesity as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome in a population of 600 patients presenting for independent medical examination.

Pain, numbness, and tingling through the median nerve distribution, known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), has been associated with many personal risk factors. Previous studies have implicated obesity as a risk factor for median neuropathy at the carpal tunnel. A case-control design was undertaken to explore the association between obesity and CTS. Six hundred patients presented with symptoms of upper-extremity disorders for independent medical examination related to a disability or compensation claim. The 300 patients with electrodiagnostic evidence of CTS were compared with 300 control subjects from the same initial population. All patients were categorized according to their body mass index. The analysis was stratified for the possible confounding factors of cervical spine abnormalities, Martin-Gruber interconnections, age, and sex. A statistically significant association was found between obesity and median neuropathy. The implications of such a relationship are discussed in light of the contemporary debate over the etiology of cumulative trauma disorders.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Scapular instability associated with brachial plexus irritation: a proposed causative relationship with treatment implications.

Brachial plexus irritation and other compression neuropathies can be diverse in their presentations and can cause a myriad of signs and symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to review the pertinent anatomy, kinesiology, and neurophysiology and to outline one possible cascade of events that may contribute to more diffuse upper extremity symptoms. Scapular instability and local myofascial trigger points resulting in possible secondary muscle imbalances are described. Their possible relationship to brachial plexus irritation in addition to the implications of the irritation are also discussed. The author postulates that proximal nerve irritation in the region of the thoracic outlet and shoulder may help to account for diffuse or unrelieved symptoms following conventional treatment of distal extremity problems in patients with occupational or cumulative trauma disorders. This paper outlines specific examination procedures for the therapist, which include upper limb tension testing, extensibility testing of the pectoralis minor, and gross manual muscle testing of the lower trapezius.

Brachial Plexus↗

PubMed1992

Neuropathy in the workplace.

Cumulative trauma disorders are frequently responsible for the development of occupational neuropathy. Predisposing factors in the workplace are identified, and ergonomic principles to minimize these risks are presented.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

PubMed1989

Prevention of cumulative trauma injuries.

1. An ergonomic survey of the workplace is necessary to aid the employer in reducing cumulative trauma disorders. 2. Ergonomic evaluation incorporates four major scientific areas of study: epidemiological, biomechanical, physiological, and psychophysical. 3. The most frequent types of ergonomic injuries include upper extremity soft tissue disorders and injuries to the back and torso. 4. Basic survey techniques provide knowledge of the workplace and the anatomic and physiologic variations of the worker.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Industrial processing of wool: biomechanics and ergonomic aspects].

Workers in a wool processing industry were analyzed for risk factors in development of musculoskeletal disorders from specific repetitive movements that they executed, in all phases of the preparation of wool products ("tintoria", "mescolanza", "finitura", "filatura", "riroccatura", "ritorcitura", "confezionamento"). The evaluation revealed nonergonomic work situations, due to both repetitive movements of the upper extremities as well as prolonged asymmetrical postures of the trunk while moving loads; both of these problems were due to suboptimal interface between the anthropomorphic characteristics of the operators and the technical movements required at the machines. The risk analysis was performed both for cumulative trauma disorders as well as for low back pain, based on formulas in the exisiting literature. Ergonomic interventions were implemented and evaluated for the most stressful situations.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Occupational injury and illness of the thumb. Causes and solutions.

1. The special functions of the thumb (opposition, retroposition, palmar abduction, and radial abduction) account for up 50% of overall hand use. 2. Knowledge of specific questions to ask on history taking and proper initial evaluation can help with timely and appropriate referrals for suspected thumb fracture, dislocations, and/or torn ligaments. 3. Repetitive and/or forceful thumb movements can aggravate or cause the following cumulative trauma disorders: stenosing tenosynovitis ("trigger thumb"), de Quervain's tenosynovitis, and carpometacarpal joint arthritis. 4. The occupational health nurse can suggest many ergonomic solutions to decrease thumb motions and forceful thumb pressures encountered at work.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

PubMed1999

Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review of the literature.

Dental hygienists perform tasks that are repetitive, strenuous, and can contribute to cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper body. Besides prevalent disorders of the hand and wrist, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), there are many other upper extremity disorders, including thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). If a dental hygienist can identify symptoms and seek treatment early, prognosis for recovery is greatly improved.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

PubMed2005

A comparison of self-perceived physical and psycho-social worker profiles of people with direct work injury, chronic low back pain, and cumulative trauma.

This study investigated the psycho-social factors among injured workers and the influence of their psycho-social profile on the readiness of return to work. Sixty-four subjects with injuries on the upper limbs or lower limbs, low back pain, or cumulative trauma disorder were recruited. The workers' profiles (self-perceived physical health, mental health, and work readiness) together with the impact and types of work injury on the workers' perceived wellness were measured. The regression model of work readiness was constructed to develop a theoretical background for predicting work readiness based on different factors. The results showed that injured workers with chronic injury such as low back pain or cumulative trauma had poorer self-perception of physical health and psycho-social/mental health compared to those with direct trauma. The regression analysis further affirmed that self-perceived pain and physical functioning were significant factors influencing the readiness for returning to work. Workers with low back pain were found to have lower motivation for returning to work. Other factors such as the non-verbal intelligence of the injured workers, their anxiety level, and the support they received from family members were found to have some indirect impact on their ability to return to work, but this was not statistically proven.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Fulfilling the bargain: how the science of ergonomics can inform the laws of workers' compensation.

In the last decade, cumulative trauma disorders have become a significant percentage of reported workplace injuries and litigated workers' compensation claims. Arising from the accumulated impact of daily work activities on the body, these injuries do not fall neatly within either the "accident" or "disease" categories which comprise workers' compensation laws. As a result, courts and legislatures have struggled to properly evaluate workers' compensation claims for these injuries. This Note looks at the legal treatment of cumulative trauma injuries in light of the "original bargain" of workers' compensation, where workers give up a tort remedy against their employers in exchange for guaranteed, but limited, compensation for work-related injuries. In doing so, this Note undertakes a comprehensive comparison of litigated cumulative trauma cases in the tort and workers' compensation systems. Ultimately, this Note argues that judges must use the original bargain as an interpretive less when deciding cumulative trauma cases, and points to ergonomics--the science of the workplace--as a significant new tool for determining whether such injuries are work-related.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

PubMed1994

Exposure assessment of biomechanical stress in repetitive manual work using frequency-weighted filters.

A quantitative exposure assessment strategy for physical stress associated with repetitive manual tasks is proposed using continuous biomechanical data measured directly from electrogoniometers or force sensors. This paper describes an efficient method for reducing large quantities of biomechanical data into a quantifiable metric that accounts for recognized musculoskeletal exposure factors, including repetitiveness, postural or forceful exertion stress, and duration. A frequency domain approach is used for averaging elemental data recorded for repetitive cycles. Parameters for frequency-weighted filters are developed using psychophysical data for equivalent discomfort levels resulting from repetitive movements of different amplitudes and frequencies. These filters enable continuous biomechanical data to be filtered and integrated, resulting in a single quantity corresponding to psychophysical response characteristics for repetitive motion stress. It is anticipated that a similar approach may be used for epidemiological response characteristics. Applications of this theory may make it possible for assessing exposure to physical stress in a manner analogous to the way in which sound level meters are used for measuring exposure to acoustic noise. Repetitive wrist flexion and localized discomfort was used for demonstrating the feasibility of this approach. Suitable data reduction techniques are necessary for evaluating work methods, job designs, and for conducting large scale detailed epidemiological investigations of cumulative trauma disorder risk factors. Frequency-weighted filters based on human response to physical stress at different frequencies can greatly simplify exposure analysis and ultimately may make it possible for quantitative exposure limits to be established.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Diseases caused by repetitive trauma. Trends in accusations and recognitions in the field of INAIL].

In this report the authors describe the situation of the work-related illnesses, associated with repetitive manual work (CTD-Cumulative Trauma Disorders-), report to the INAIL after the introduction of the mixed system (sentence of Constitutional Court 179/88). They described the medical-legal criteriology that they follow, disorder report, occupational sectors, the most important regions and the connection between the cases arrived to the General Direction and the recognized cases in the last five years.

Adult↗