24854251

PMC4049189

R01OH008017-01/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States
UL1 RR024992/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States
UL1 TR000448/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States
UL1 TR000448/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States

CDC Public Access

Objective

To describe the proportions of workers with upper extremity (UE) symptoms and work limitations due to symptoms in a newly hired working population over a 3-year study period and to describe transitions between various outcome states.

Methods

827 subjects completed repeat self-reported questionnaires including demographics, medical and work history, symptoms and work status. Outcomes of interest were UE symptoms and work limitations due to symptoms.

Results

72% of workers reported symptoms at least once during the study, with 12% reporting persistent symptoms and 27% reporting fluctuating symptoms. 31% reported work limitations at least once, with 3% reporting consistent work limitations and 8% reporting fluctuating limitations.

Conclusions

UE symptoms and work limitations are common among workers and dynamic in their course. A better understanding of the natural course of symptoms is necessary for targeted interventions.