Journal article
Pooling job physical exposure data from multiple independent studies in a consortium study of carpal tunnel syndrome
Ergonomics, Vol.56(6), pp.1021-1037
06/01/2013
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2013.797112
PMCID: PMC4557727
PMID: 23697792
Abstract
Pooling data from different epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is necessary to improve statistical power and to more precisely quantify exposure-response relationships for MSDs. The pooling process is difficult and time-consuming, and small methodological differences could lead to different exposure-response relationships. A sub-committee of a six-study research consortium studying carpal tunnel syndrome: (i) visited each study site, (ii) documented methods used to collect physical exposure data and (iii) determined compatibility of exposure variables across studies. Certain measures of force, frequency of exertion and duty cycle were collected by all studies and were largely compatible. A portion of studies had detailed data to investigate simultaneous combinations of force, frequency and duration of exertions. Limited compatibility was found for hand/wrist posture. Only two studies could calculate compatible Strain Index scores, but Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level could be determined for all studies. Challenges of pooling data, resources required and recommendations for future researchers are discussed.
Practitioner Summary: There is a need for standardised measures and measurement protocols of physical exposure for the upper extremity. This study may provide guidance for those planning to conduct an epidemiological study on quantified job physical exposures, or planning to merge physical exposure data from similar studies with some methodologic differences.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Pooling job physical exposure data from multiple independent studies in a consortium study of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Creators
- Jay M. Kapellusch - University of Wisconsin–MilwaukeeArun Garg - University of Wisconsin–MilwaukeeStephen S. Bao - United States Department of StateBarbara A. Silverstein - United States Department of StateSusan E. Burt - National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthAnn Marie Dale - Washington University in St. LouisBradley A. Evanoff - Washington University in St. LouisFrederic E. Gerr - University of IowaCarisa Harris-Adamson - Samuel Merritt UniversityKurt T. Hegmann - University of UtahLinda A. Merlino - University of IowaDavid M. Rempel - University of California, San Francisco
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Ergonomics, Vol.56(6), pp.1021-1037
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- DOI
- 10.1080/00140139.2013.797112
- PMID
- 23697792
- PMCID
- PMC4557727
- ISSN
- 0014-0139
- eISSN
- 1366-5847
- Number of pages
- 17
- Grant note
- R01 OH009712 / NIOSH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA; National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) 1R01OH009712-01A1 / ALLCDC; United States Department of Health & Human Services; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA P30ES005605 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) R01OH009712 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA; National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/01/2013
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984363597602771
Metrics
3 Record Views