The effectiveness of intervention strategies used to educate clients about prevention of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Donna M. Leonard,

Affiliations: 1904 G. Inglewood Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA. Tel.: +1 804 984 5512

Abstract: The increased prevalence of work-related cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity highlights the need for effective prevention programs. This paper examines the effectiveness of different intervention strategies used to educate workers about the prevention of upper extremity CTDs. The articles reviewed include primary prevention and reinjury prevention interventions in both clinical and workplace settings. The current research findings are inconclusive. Intervention strategies may include discussion, demonstration, or practice of proper posture and body mechanics. Practice of correct techniques may not be necessary to achieve improved hand-use patterns in assembly-line workers. However, practice with intensive feedback may be necessary to achieve the best performance of hand-wrist position, but not sitting posture, in computer operators. The effects of practice on correct hand use may depend on the type of job task. Further research is needed to clarify the role of practice and feedback in CTD prevention.

Keywords: repetitive strain injury, ergonomics, follow-through, secondary prevention

Journal: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 151-157, 2000