Peer-reviewed research
Physical work load factors and carpal tunnel syndrome: a population-based study
R Shiri et al., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2009 · DOI 10.1136/oem.2008.039719
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A population study of 6,254 Finnish adults aged 30 and over, in which clinical examination identified carpal tunnel syndrome and interviews recorded physical work loads such as vibrating tools and forceful handgrip.
- How much weight it carries
- Population-based with clinical examination, so it avoids the selection bias of studies of workers. The interview measures of work load are self-reported, and the odds ratios are adjusted but still observational.
Facts taken from this source
- Combining forceful handgrip work with vibrating tools gave an adjusted odds ratio of 3.3 for carpal tunnel syndrome.
“There were joint effects between work tasks requiring handgrip with high forces and the use of vibrating tools (adjusted OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 5.4)” (Abstract, Results)
- In a Finnish population sample aged 30 and over, possible or probable carpal tunnel syndrome was found in 5.3 percent of women and 2.1 percent of men.
“The prevalence of possible or probable CTS was 2.1% in men and 5.3% in women.” (Results)
- Handgrip with high forces at work was associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.7.
“handgrip with high forces (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.5)” (Abstract, Results)
- Work with vibrating tools was associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.9.
“Work tasks with vibrating tools (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9)” (Abstract, Results)