EPI-MUS - Risk and preventive factors for musculoskeletal disorders and impaired performance during work with computer mouse and other input devices- a prospective cohort study

The study group consisted of about 1500 computer users, within different occupational groups where computers were daily used. Information about physical, psycological and social working related factors and individual factors were given through a questionnaire at study start. In addition a workingplace vistit was carried out for assesment of the workstations design, working postures and working techniques according to a checklist . The study subjects answered a short monthly questionnaire, repeted during 10 months, in order to identify new symptoms and possible changes in work. Subjects that reported new symptoms was clinically investigated in order to determine location, probable damaged structure and diagnosis. After the observation time the companies was given feedback regarding exposure conditions and occurence of symptoms, and discussions about changes was initiated. The project was a collaboration with the occupational medicine clinics in Stockholm, Göteborg, Lund and Sundsvall and also 15 occupational health centers linked to the participating companies.

Purpose:

To identify and quantify risk and protective factors for morbidity in the upper extremities and neck, and impaired performance during computer work due to such illness.