Cumulative trauma disorders among hand therapists.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) among hand therapists. Factors such as hand therapy tasks and number of years spent performing these tasks were examined in their contribution to CTD symptoms of the upper extremity.


METHODS
Of the 356 questionnaires distributed to registrants at the 1996 Hand Conference, 195 (55%) were returned. A t-test was used to determine whether the number of years spent practicing hand therapy was a significant factor in the development of CTD symptoms among hand therapists.


RESULTS
Of the 195 respondents, 73% reported they had previously experienced CTD symptoms, and 46% reported they were currently experiencing CTD symptoms. A significant difference was found (P < 0.05) in the development of CTD symptoms with regard to number of years practiced.


CONCLUSIONS
The work practices of hand therapists place them at risk for developing CTDs. Hand therapists who spend more years practicing are more likely to incur CTDs.
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
K M
KM
Harmon
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
C A
CA
Herrberg
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
R A
RA
Kriegbaum
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
D A
DA
McMasters
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
M
M
Samkutty
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
M A
MA
Thompson
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
M W
MW
Wade
Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
L
L
Dale
Cumulative trauma disorder; Hand therapist; Occupational therapist; Physical therapist