Abstract: Objective: A systematic review of over 4600 abstracts was performed
to address the effectiveness of the current cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)
interventions focused on the upper extremities of computer users. Participants: The researchers were the study participants. They included one
Professor of Occupational Therapy and five Masters of Occupational Therapy
Students from a Midwestern University. The Professor of Occupational Therapy
has been practicing for 29 years. Methods: The researchers employed
stringent inclusion criteria for this review based on similar systematic review
papers. Criteria for high quality qualitative research were incorporated to
include studies other than randomized-controlled trials. This approach
considered knowledge gained from specific interventions that were studied in
greater detail with fewer clients. Results: The results of this study
identified 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Further review ranked
the selected articles into high, medium, or low quality based on criteria
adapted from other studies. The highest levels of evidence were found for
education and training in ergonomics, forearm supports, ergonomic keyboards,
ergonomic mice, and exercise/rest breaks. Conclusions: Two models of practice were created from this review to assist occupational therapists or
other professionals with intervention strategies for computer users with CTDs.
