title: Work with prolonged arm elevation as a risk factor for shoulder pain: a longitudinal study among young adults.
abstract: This prospective study aimed at examining if work with prolonged arm elevation predicts shoulder pain among 41 young adults in their first years of working life. Fifteen hairdressers, 15 electricians, 5 students and 6 with various work were followed over a 2.5-year period (2006/7-2009). Arm elevation was measured with inclinometers during a full working day at baseline. Shoulder pain was reported at baseline and twice in the follow-up period. Data were analyzed by generalized estimating equations (GEE-analysis), stratified by gender and adjusted for time, mechanical workload, work demand, physical activity, tobacco use and prior shoulder pain. Work with prolonged arm elevation with angles >60° and >90° were associated with shoulder pain among women. Even though the shoulder pain levels are low the study suggests work with arms elevated as an early work-related risk factor among women, and indicates the importance of early prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: tno@stami.no.
authors.forename: Therese Nordberg
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Hanvold
authors.affiliation: Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wærsted
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Anne Marit
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mengshoel
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Espen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bjertness
authors.affiliation: Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Kaj Bo
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Veiersted
mesh_terms: D001461:Barbering; D060389:Construction Industry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D034941:Upper Extremity; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Inclinometer; Mechanical workload; Musculoskeletal disorders