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Document ID (ISN)101402
CIS number 03-461
ISSN - Serial title 0003-6870 - Applied Ergonomics
Year 2002
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Buckle P.W., Devereux J.J.
Title The nature of work-related neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders
Bibliographic information May 2002, Vol.33, No.3, p.207-217. Illus. 80 ref.
Abstract This article presents the results of a literature review of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremities in the European Union. Mechanisms of musculoskeletal disorders affecting tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscle, circulation and pain perception are reviewed and conceptual models for the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck and upper limbs are presented. The epidemiological evidence pointing towards occupational causes of these disorders is discussed. A relationship between the performance of work and the occurrence of neck and upper extremity disorders is evident. Prevention strategies should focus on work organization factors the as well as on the active involvement of the individual worker. The current knowledge is sufficient to enable informed decisions to be made on future research needs and prevention strategies at the societal, organizational and individual level.
Descriptors (primary) occupational diseases; upper extremity disorders; neck disorders
Descriptors (secondary) literature survey; work organization; European Communities; epidemiology; pathogenesis; limitation of exposure; research; workers' participation; musculoskeletal diseases
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUnited Kingdom
Subject(s) Ergonomics and work organization
Broad subject area(s) Physiology, ergonomics
Browse category(ies) Workers' participation
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system