Rahman Shiri1, Kobra Falah-Hassani2. 1. Centre of Expertise for Health and Work Ability, and Disability Prevention Centre, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: rahman.shiri@ttl.fi. 2. Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies have reported contradictory results on the role of keyboard or mouse use in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether computer use causes CTS. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in several databases until May 2014. Twelve studies qualified for a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. RESULTS: In a meta-analysis of six studies (N=4964) that compared computer workers with the general population or other occupational populations, computer/typewriter use (pooled odds ratio (OR)=0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.90), computer/typewriter use ≥1 vs. <1h/day (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.38-1.04) and computer/typewriter use ≥4 vs. <4h/day (OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.87) were inversely associated with CTS. Conversely, in a meta-analysis of six studies (N=5202) conducted among office workers, CTS was positively associated with computer/typewriter use (pooled OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.65), mouse use (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.43-2.61), frequent computer use (OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.15-3.09), frequent mouse use (OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.18-2.87) and with years of computer work (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.17 for long vs. short). There was no evidence of publication bias for both types of studies. CONCLUSIONS: Studies that compared computer workers with the general population or several occupational groups did not control their estimates for occupational risk factors. Thus, office workers with no or little computer use are a more appropriate comparison group than the general population or several occupational groups. This meta-analysis suggests that excessive computer use, particularly mouse usage might be a minor occupational risk factor for CTS. Further prospective studies among office workers with objectively assessed keyboard and mouse use, and CTS symptoms or signs confirmed by a nerve conduction study are needed.
BACKGROUND: Studies have reported contradictory results on the role of keyboard or mouse use in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether computer use causes CTS. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in several databases until May 2014. Twelve studies qualified for a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. RESULTS: In a meta-analysis of six studies (N=4964) that compared computer workers with the general population or other occupational populations, computer/typewriter use (pooled odds ratio (OR)=0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.90), computer/typewriter use ≥1 vs. <1h/day (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.38-1.04) and computer/typewriter use ≥4 vs. <4h/day (OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.87) were inversely associated with CTS. Conversely, in a meta-analysis of six studies (N=5202) conducted among office workers, CTS was positively associated with computer/typewriter use (pooled OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.65), mouse use (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.43-2.61), frequent computer use (OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.15-3.09), frequent mouse use (OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.18-2.87) and with years of computer work (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.17 for long vs. short). There was no evidence of publication bias for both types of studies. CONCLUSIONS: Studies that compared computer workers with the general population or several occupational groups did not control their estimates for occupational risk factors. Thus, office workers with no or little computer use are a more appropriate comparison group than the general population or several occupational groups. This meta-analysis suggests that excessive computer use, particularly mouse usage might be a minor occupational risk factor for CTS. Further prospective studies among office workers with objectively assessed keyboard and mouse use, and CTS symptoms or signs confirmed by a nerve conduction study are needed.
Authors: Z Mediouni; J Bodin; A M Dale; E Herquelot; M Carton; A Leclerc; N Fouquet; C Dumontier; Y Roquelaure; B A Evanoff; A Descatha Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2015-09-09 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Valentina Scalise; Fabrizio Brindisino; Leonardo Pellicciari; Silvia Minnucci; Francesca Bonetti Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-18 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Beibei Feng; Kedi Chen; Xiaoxia Zhu; Wing-Yuk Ip; Lars L Andersen; Phil Page; Yuling Wang Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2021-01-06 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Fabíola Costa; Dora Janela; Maria Molinos; Robert G Moulder; Jorge Lains; Gerard E Francisco; Virgílio Bento; Vijay Yanamadala; Steven P Cohen; Fernando Dias Correia Journal: Pain Rep Date: 2022-08-19