Peer-reviewed research
A prospective study of computer users: I. Study design and incidence
Gerr F et al., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2002
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A three-year prospective cohort of 632 newly hired computer users, recording daily diaries and workstation measurements, that estimated how often neck, shoulder, hand and arm symptoms and disorders began.
- How much weight it carries
- Peer-reviewed, large and prospective, with a three-year follow-up. Participants were office workers who started jobs needing at least 15 hours a week of computer use, so the rates may not apply to other kinds of typing work.
Facts taken from this source
- In the same cohort, the annual incidence of hand or arm musculoskeletal disorders was 21 cases per 100 person-years.
“The annual incidence of H/A MSS was 39 cases/100 person-years and of H/A MSD was 21 cases/100 person-years.” (Results)
- In a cohort of newly hired computer users, the annual incidence of hand or arm musculoskeletal symptoms was 39 cases per 100 person-years.
“The annual incidence of H/A MSS was 39 cases/100 person-years and of H/A MSD was 21 cases/100 person-years.” (Results)
- In the same cohort, the most common hand or arm disorder was de Quervain's tendonitis.
“The most common H/A disorder was deQuervain's tendonitis.” (Abstract, Results)
- In the same cohort, neck or shoulder musculoskeletal disorders began at an annual rate of 35 cases per 100 person-years.
“The annual incidence of N/S MSS was 58 cases/100 person-years and of N/S MSD was 35 cases/100 person-years.” (Results)
- In the same cohort, neck or shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms began at an annual rate of 58 cases per 100 person-years.
“The annual incidence of N/S MSS was 58 cases/100 person-years and of N/S MSD was 35 cases/100 person-years.” (Results)
- In the same cohort, 32 percent of hand or arm symptoms appeared during the first month of follow-up, against 46 percent of neck or shoulder symptoms.
“Forty-six percent of N/S and 32% of H/A MSS occurred during the first month of follow-up.” (Results)