title: Occupational and biopsychosocial risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate a biopsychosocial model of risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In addition, a host of exploratory psychosocial variables was investigated as potential risk factors for CTS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case-control design was used comparing 87 CTS and 74 sex-matched general orthopedic patients from an outpatient orthopedic clinic. All participants underwent the same diagnostic protocol (ie, physical evaluation and electrodiagnostic testing) and completed a self-report questionnaire assessing a wide range of potential occupational, personological, and psychosocial risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that occupational repetition, not engaging in vigorous exercise, physical activities with wrist strain, poorer physical health, and lower job satisfaction were significantly related to the presence of CTS. Obesity was borderline significantly related to the presence of CTS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The biopsychosocial model provides a useful heuristic for conceptualizing CTS risk among injured workers.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Psychology (Drs Goodson, DeBerard, and Wheeler), Utah State University, Logan; and Utah Labor Commission (Dr Colledge), Salt Lake City.
authors.forename: Jason T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Goodson
authors.forename: M Scott
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: DeBerard
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Alan L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Colledge
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*