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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Published in:

01-02-2012 | Original Article

Does computer use affect the incidence of distal arm pain? A one-year prospective study using objective measures of computer use

Authors: Sigurd Mikkelsen, Christina Funch Lassen, Imogen Vilstrup, Ann Isabel Kryger, Lars Peter Andreas Brandt, Jane Frølund Thomsen, Mette Gerster, Søren Grimstrup, Johan Hviid Andersen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Purpose

To study how objectively recorded mouse and keyboard activity affects distal arm pain among computer workers.

Methods

Computer activities were recorded among 2,146 computer workers. For 52 weeks mouse and keyboard time, sustained activity, speed and micropauses were recorded with a software program installed on the participants’ computers. Participants reported weekly pain scores via the software program for elbow, forearm and wrist/hand as well as in a questionnaire at baseline and 1-year follow up. Associations between pain development and computer work were examined for three pain outcomes: acute, prolonged and chronic pain.

Results

Mouse time, even at low levels, was associated with acute pain in a similar way for all the examined regions. There were no exposure–response threshold patterns. Keyboard time had no effect. Mouse and keyboard sustained activity, speed and micropauses were not risk factors for acute pain, nor did they modify the effects of mouse or keyboard time. Computer usage parameters were not associated with prolonged or chronic pain. A major limitation of the study was low keyboard times.

Conclusion

Computer work was not related to the development of prolonged or chronic pain. Mouse time was associated with acute distal arm pain, but the impact was quite small.

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Title: Does computer use affect the incidence of distal arm pain? A one-year prospective study using objective measures of computer use
Authors: Sigurd Mikkelsen
Christina Funch Lassen
Imogen Vilstrup
Ann Isabel Kryger
Lars Peter Andreas Brandt
Jane Frølund Thomsen
Mette Gerster
Søren Grimstrup
Johan Hviid Andersen
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0648-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Does computer use affect the incidence of distal arm pain? A one-year prospective study using objective measures of computer use

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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