Review article
https://doi.org/10.31306/s.65.2.3
Computer use at work and carpal tunnel syndrome: overview of systematic reviews
Denis Lisica Mandek
orcid.org/0009-0008-8068-0101
; Dom zdravlja MUP-a, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Hana Brborović
orcid.org/0000-0003-0844-0054
; Škola narodnog zdravlja Andrija Štampar, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
There are many discussions regarding the impact of computer work, especially computer mouse use, in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The mechanism of such damage could be pressure or stretching of the median nerve in the carpal canal area. There is evidence that repetitive motion along with the use of force is a factor that contributes to the development of CTS, but computer work consists of mostly repetitive movements, without the use of force. Studies show that the prevalence of CTS in computer workers is similar to its prevalence in the general population. The general aim of this paper is to perform a literature search on the topic of whether there is a causal link between computer work and the development of CTS. The first specific goal is to try to quantitatively determine a relationship between exposure time and the development of symptoms, and the second specific goal is to try to set criteria, or guidelines, for the recognition of CTS as an occupational disease for those working on computers. A literature search on the databases ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. The key words used were: carpal tunnel syndrome AND computer work OR computer exposure OR keyboard use OR mouse use AND systematic review OR prospective cohort. The last search was performed on March 15, 2021. A total of 12 studies were included in this paper. The results were contradictory. Nine studies state that computer work does not pose an increased risk of CTS development. Two studies found that longer-term mouse use of more than 20 hours per week and keyboard use of more than 240,500,000 strokes per year may be associated with the development of CTS. One study showed people have a lower risk of developing CTSwhen working on a computer. We cannot determine with certainty the connection between computer work and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. This calls into question the recognition of CTS as an occupational disease among those working on computers. Better planning and structured studies are needed to determine the intensity and duration of computer exposure and the level of damage to the median nerve, and then set criteria for the recognition of CTS as an occupational disease in these circumstances. Regardless of whether we recognize a particular disease as occupational, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures so that these health problems do not even occur, thereby keeping workers healthy and productive for as long as possible.
Keywords
computer work, carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational disease
Hrčak ID:
305261
URI
Publication date:
3.7.2023.
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