Evaluation of the Risk for Work-Related Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Symptomsin USAF Air Traffic Controllers: A Pilot Feasibility Study

摘要

The relationship between work and painful musculoskeletal disorders was firstdescribed over 200 years ago. This relationship has become increasingly important in the past few decades to a point where Repetitive Strain Injuries or Cumulative Trauma Disorders (which will be referred to as work-related upper extremity disorders or WRUEDs) have been called the occupational epidemic of the 1990s (19). The actual prevalence of WRUEDs in the working population is uncertain, although it is well documented in some specific fields and occupations often labeled as 'high-risk' for these illnesses. Only recently have ergonomic considerations received emphasis in designing work stations and tools for the worker rather than the task. Understanding the risk factors responsible as well as the amount of that risk is the first step in reducing the problem.