Quantitative exposure-response relations between physical workload and prevalence of lateral epicondylitis in a working population.
BACKGROUND
Lateral epicondylitis is a common work-related musculoskeletal disorder. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with lateral epicondylitis among active workers.


METHODS
Seven-hundred thirty-three workers in 12 Washington worksites participated in structured interviews, physical examinations, and individual exposure assessments of biomechanical and psychosocial factors. Multivariable logistic modeling was used.


RESULTS
Thirty-eight subjects (5.2%) had lateral epicondylitis. Age (36-50 years-old), being female, and low social support at work were significant risk factors. Frequency of forceful exertion (> or =5 vs. < 1 times/min (OR 5.17, 95%CI 1.78-15.02), and > or =1 to <5 vs. <1 (OR 4.47, 95%CI 1.57-13.71)) and forearm supination at > or =45 degrees for > or =5% of the time with high lifting force (OR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.18-7.55) were significant physical load factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Frequency of forceful exertion or a combination of forearm supination and forceful lifting were significant physical factors and should be considered for prevention strategies.
Safety & Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Olympia, Washington, USA. fanj235@LNI.wa.gov
Z Joyce
ZJ
Fan
Barbara A
BA
Silverstein
Stephen
S
Bao
Dave K
DK
Bonauto
Ninica L
NL
Howard
Peregrin O
PO
Spielholz
Caroline K
CK
Smith
Nayak L
NL
Polissar
Eira
E
Viikari-Juntura
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D014861:Washington; D016526:Workload; D055815:Young Adult