The OERC framework for understanding upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders research, theory and management

摘要

Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (UEMSD's) are complex in terms of causation identification, treatment, intervention and management. This paperdescribes a framework to aid in understanding the scope and multi-factorial nature of these disorders and the potential relationships among the various factors. The purpose of the framework is to provide a context in which UEMSD causation and intervention theory, research and management can be discussed. The framework is composed of three elements: Life's Activities; Modifiers, and Outcomes. The framework proposes a continuous, cyclical loop, which represents an individual's responses to the physical and cognitive demands of life's activities (work, home, hobbies and sports). The effect of these activities are modified by task, personal, and psychosocial factors resulting in various health outcomes. The framework espouses a chain of events and effects which shows the potential complexity of the interactions between the factors and their influence on outcomes. The framework is discussed in terms of the need for UEMSD research to broaden the understanding of the role of specific factors and the relationships among them.