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

Abstract

The relationship between work and painful musculoskeletal disorders was first described 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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 11, 1997
Accession Number
ADA327464

Entities

People

  • Evan Z. Kapp

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Aircrafts
  • Body Regions
  • Computers
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Medicine
  • Neuromuscular Diseases
  • Pain
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Health
  • Upper Extremity
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.