Original paper
Prevelance of upper limbs overload syndromes in workers performing various occupations

Aim: the aim of the study was to determine the prevalance of pain-related complaints and the intensity of musculoskeletal pain, with special emphasis on the carpal tunnek syndrome (CTS) and other upper limb overload disorders, in the workers doing repetive tasks, in various occupations in Poland.

Material and methods: the study involved 1122 subjects employed at 11 workstations in various enterprises. They all had repetitive tasks. Most of the subjects were female (936 persons, 83.4%). Mean age was 36.7 years (SD 9.7; range: 19–69); mean tenure was 5.9 years (SD 6.6; range 1–34).
A modified Nordic Questionnaire was used to assess the prevelance of complaints and pain intensity. Work posture was established for each workstation, as were levels od repetitive strain and static load (OWAS).

Results: Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 14.2–63.9% of females and 12.9–56.2% of males, depending on the part of the body involved. Pain was mostly reported by females doing sedentary work. Upper limb overload disorders were reported by 17.8–51.1% of females and 12.9–56.2% of males, depending on the location of pain. CTS was found in 34 workers, i.e. in 3% of the subjects. It was diagnosed on the basis of co-existing subjective symptoms of disorders in the sensory and motor parts of the median nerve and positive clinical provocative test (Phalen’s manoeuvre, Tinel’s sign, Flick test).

Conclusions: Musculoskelatal pain – an indication of upper limb overload – is present in many workers with repetitive tasks, Upper limb overload is a significant clinical problem. Prevention requires good work organization and cooperation between people responsible for it and occupational physicians.