Premium
Quantitative exposure‐response relations between physical workload and prevalence of lateral epicondylitis in a working population
Author(s) -
Fan Z. Joyce,
Silverstein Barbara A.,
Bao Stephen,
Bonauto Dave K.,
Howard Ninica L.,
Spielholz Peregrin O.,
Smith Caroline K.,
Polissar Nayak L.,
ViikariJuntura Eira
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20700
Subject(s) - epicondylitis , medicine , physical therapy , psychosocial , forearm , workload , logistic regression , population , wrist , exertion , physical medicine and rehabilitation , elbow , surgery , environmental health , psychiatry , computer science , operating system
Background Lateral epicondylitis is a common work‐related musculoskeletal disorder. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with lateral epicondylitis among active workers. Methods Seven‐hundred thirty‐three workers in 12 Washington worksites participated in structured interviews, physical examinations, and individual exposure assessments of biomechanical and psychosocial factors. Multivariable logistic modeling was used. Results Thirty‐eight subjects (5.2%) had lateral epicondylitis. Age (36–50 years‐old), being female, and low social support at work were significant risk factors. Frequency of forceful exertion (≥5 vs. <1 times/min (OR 5.17, 95%CI 1.78–15.02), and ≥1 to <5 vs. <1 (OR 4.47, 95%CI 1.57–13.71)) and forearm supination at ≥45° for ≥5% of the time with high lifting force (OR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.18–7.55) were significant physical load factors. Conclusions Frequency of forceful exertion or a combination of forearm supination and forceful lifting were significant physical factors and should be considered for prevention strategies. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:479–490, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.