The Association between Forceful Hand Exertions and Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck and Shoulder: A Prospective Cohort Study of US Manufacturing Workers

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate associations between biomechanical exposures and workplace neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (NSMSDs) in a prospective cohort. Methods Manufacturing workers (N = 349) were followed for 28 months. Biomechanical exposures were collected on each individual, and physical examinations were performed every 4 months. Prevalent cases at baseline (n = 30) were excluded from the analysis. Results There were 18 incident cases of NSMSDs. Greater than 33% time in forceful hand exertion doubled the rate of incident NSMSDs. Greater than 18 degrees of shoulder abduction, during forceful hand exertion, increased the rate by 55%. Confidence intervals were wide. Conclusions Effect estimates of the relationship between forceful hand exertions and NSMSDs were consistently elevated whether measured in isolation or while in shoulder abduction. Following a larger cohort with more frequent physical examinations would improve estimates of the model.