Job Stress Reactivity and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms

摘要

Research regarding risk factors and correlates of work-related upper extremity (WRUE) symptoms and disorders have identified important ergonomic, workplace pychosocial, and individual psychosocial factors in their etiology, exacerbation and maintenance. Elevated levels of job stress have been frequently reported in this population, and epidemiological studies indicate job stress is associated with symptom severity, functional limitations, and lost work time in individuals with a variety of work-related upper extremity disorders. Although plausible pathophysiologic mechanisms exist linking the stress response to WRUE symptoms, little is known about the specific effects of stress on potential musculoskeletal and sympathetic nervous system mediators and how they may impact WRUE symptoms. Additionally, it is unclear if workers with these difficulties respond differently to stressors than asymptomatic workers. The present study was an exploratory investigation designed to address four primary questions: (1) do individuals with WRUE symptoms report higher levels of job stress and ergonomic exposure than asymptomatic individuals, (2) do workers with WRUE symptoms respond with greater musculoskeletal, neuroendocrine, and psychological responses than asymptomatic workers, (3) can ergonomic, psychosocial and physiological variables significantly discriminate between symptomatic and asymptomatic workers, and, (4) if they can discriminate between the groups, are the discriminating factors associated with general and WRUE-specific clinical outcomes. Results suggest that important ergonomic, psychosocial and physiological differences exist between these groups, including potential tonic heart rate elevations, tonic forearm musculature hyperarousal, and a tendency to experience prolonged cognitive and behavioral consequences to stressful events.