There was limited evidence that computer keyboards with altered force displacement characteristics or altered geometry were effective in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms .
There was limited , but high quality , evidence that multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for non-specific musculoskeletal arm pain was beneficial for those workers absent from work for at least four weeks .
In adults with tenosynovitis there was limited evidence that modified computer keyboards were effective in reducing symptoms .
There was a lack of high quality evidence to inform workplace management of lateral epicondylitis .
BACKGROUND Upper limb pain is common among working-aged adults and a frequent cause of absenteeism .
AIMS To systematic ally review the evidence for workplace interventions in four common upper limb disorders .
Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb in the general population.
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence , interrelation , and impact of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb in the general population . METHODS A total of 9,696 r and omly selected adults of working age were surveyed in a 2-stage cross-sectional study involving a screening question naire and a st and ardized physical examination in symptomatic subjects . Age- and sex-specific prevalence rates were estimated for several musculoskeletal disorders and for nonspecific pain in the upper limbs . The overlap and impact on daily activities and healthcare utilization were explored . RESULTS Among 6,038 first-stage responders , 3,152 reported upper limb symptoms and 1,960 were subsequently examined . Of subjects with pain , 44.8 % had 1 or more specific soft-tissue disorders . Site-specific prevalence rates were as follows : shoulder tendinitis 4.5 % among men and 6.1 % among women ; adhesive capsulitis 8.2 % among men and 10.1 % among women ; lateral epicondylitis 1.3 % among men and 1.1 % among women ; de Quervain 's disease 0.5 % among men and 1.3 % among women ; other tenosynovitis of the h and or wrist , 1.1 % among men and 2.2 % among women . Specific disorders tended to cluster ( P < 0.001 ) in individuals , with particular overlap at the shoulder . Compared with subjects with nonspecific pain , those with specific disorders more often reported inability to perform everyday tasks ( P < 0.05 ) , consultation with a doctor ( P < 0.05 ) , and use of prescribed medication ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Upper limb pain is common in the general population and is often associated with physical signs suggestive of specific upper-limb disorders . These disorders have a substantial impact on physical function and use of health care
There was limited evidence that computer keyboards with altered force displacement characteristics or altered geometry were effective in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms .
There was limited , but high quality , evidence that multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for non-specific musculoskeletal arm pain was beneficial for those workers absent from work for at least four weeks .
In adults with tenosynovitis there was limited evidence that modified computer keyboards were effective in reducing symptoms .
There was a lack of high quality evidence to inform workplace management of lateral epicondylitis .
BACKGROUND Upper limb pain is common among working-aged adults and a frequent cause of absenteeism .
AIMS To systematic ally review the evidence for workplace interventions in four common upper limb disorders .