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Research article
Predictors for Outcomes related to upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in a healthy Working Population: a methodological Approach
Oliver Lotter
Klinikum Landkreis Tuttlingen
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7053-2294
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background
To investigate the association between different clinical endpoints and the presence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a healthy working population. Furthermore, the influence of socio-demographic, work-related and individual predictors on different endpoints was examined.
Methods
Two self-completion questionnaires were administered to 70 workers and employees. In addition, a standardized physical examination and an industry test were performed in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between WMSDs and clinical endpoints were analysed with the Spearman method. Depending on the type of dependent endpoint, linear or logistic multivariate regression models were used to study the strength of associations with a pre-defined set of potential influencing factors.
Results
The prevalence of WMSDs was 56% (39/70). Correlations between WMSDs and the DASH score / pain under strain (VAS) were by far the strongest ones. Independent predictors could not be identified as risk factors for WMSDs, but there was some correlation between these factors.
Conclusions
The DASH score, used in the primary analysis of the study data, remains a close candidate for best surrogate endpoint for WMSD detection. The VAS has to be examined for this role in further research. Our analysis should help to improve the methodological quality of future occupational health studies through improved standards.
Trial registration
This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.org with the identifier NCT03014128, on January 9, 2017.
Keywords
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), upper extremity, repetitive work, surgical device mechanics, DASH score, Purdue Pegboard Test, multivariate analysis, correlation, predictors
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CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
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Posted 22 Sep, 2020
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Editorial decision: Major revision
On 17 Jan, 2021
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Received 13 Jan, 2021
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On 03 Jan, 2021
Review #2 received
Received 02 Dec, 2020
Reviewer #2 agreed
On 09 Nov, 2020
Review #1 received
Received 08 Oct, 2020
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 23 Sep, 2020
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 23 Sep, 2020
Editor invited
On 15 Sep, 2020
Editor assigned
On 13 Sep, 2020
Submission checks complete
On 12 Sep, 2020
First submitted
On 10 Sep, 2020
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This preprint is under consideration at BMC Medical Research Methodology. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research article
Predictors for Outcomes related to upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in a healthy Working Population: a methodological Approach
Oliver Lotter
Klinikum Landkreis Tuttlingen
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7053-2294
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 22 Sep, 2020
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 17 Jan, 2021
Review #3 received
Received 13 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #3 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Review #2 received
Received 02 Dec, 2020
Reviewer #2 agreed
On 09 Nov, 2020
Review #1 received
Received 08 Oct, 2020
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 23 Sep, 2020
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 23 Sep, 2020
Editor invited
On 15 Sep, 2020
Editor assigned
On 13 Sep, 2020
Submission checks complete
On 12 Sep, 2020
First submitted
On 10 Sep, 2020
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background
To investigate the association between different clinical endpoints and the presence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a healthy working population. Furthermore, the influence of socio-demographic, work-related and individual predictors on different endpoints was examined.
Methods
Two self-completion questionnaires were administered to 70 workers and employees. In addition, a standardized physical examination and an industry test were performed in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between WMSDs and clinical endpoints were analysed with the Spearman method. Depending on the type of dependent endpoint, linear or logistic multivariate regression models were used to study the strength of associations with a pre-defined set of potential influencing factors.
Results
The prevalence of WMSDs was 56% (39/70). Correlations between WMSDs and the DASH score / pain under strain (VAS) were by far the strongest ones. Independent predictors could not be identified as risk factors for WMSDs, but there was some correlation between these factors.
Conclusions
The DASH score, used in the primary analysis of the study data, remains a close candidate for best surrogate endpoint for WMSD detection. The VAS has to be examined for this role in further research. Our analysis should help to improve the methodological quality of future occupational health studies through improved standards.
Trial registration
This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.org with the identifier NCT03014128, on January 9, 2017.
Figure 1