The overall aim of this study is to better understand important aspects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a common disabling condition affecting working populations. The study consists of four major aims.
In Aim 1, we will measure work and personal risk factors for CTS and other outcomes by extending follow-up of an existing inception cohort of 1100 newly hired workers in diverse jobs. Extended follow-up of this cohort to 7-9 years will increase our ability to study time-dependent events and interactions between work-related and other risk factors for this complex, multi-factorial disease. Data includes measurement of nerve conduction values, workplace physical exposures, psychosocial factors, demographic and anthropometric variables, and concurrent medical conditions.
In Aim 2, we will study a new cohort of 800 construction workers, a group at high risk for CTS, to describe the natural history of CTS including outcomes of symptoms, functional status, nerve conduction changes, work disability, and economic impact.
In Aim 3, we will ascertain all diagnosed cases of CTS and other upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in a group of union construction workers, by combining workers'compensation insurance records and personal health insurance data.
In Aim 4, we will compare the cumulative incidence of CTS in 1600 truck assembly plant workers with and without baseline abnormalities of median nerve conduction, in order to test the predictive validity and cost-effectiveness of post- offer pre-placement (POPP) nerve conduction studies as a prevention strategy for CTS. In summary, this proposed study of CTS includes 7-9 year follow-up of an existing large cohort with detailed exposure and outcomes data at an individual level. It will contribute to the understanding of the etiology, long-term outcomes, and prevention of CTS. The proposed study will address other important gaps in existing knowledge, including the natural history of CTS, the impact of CTS on work and functional outcomes, and the utility of current screening programs in industry. These four aims represent an important extension of the work done under our current grant, and an opportunity to leverage unique research resources: a large, well- characterized inception cohort;an experienced, multidisciplinary study team;enthusiastic support from union and employer partners providing research access to new cohorts. Public Health Relevance: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common and disabling condition that is related to personal factors such as age and obesity, as well as to workplace factors such as intensive use of the hands. Our study will allow us to better understand how these personal and workplace factors act together to cause CTS. We will also study workers with CTS to learn more about the symptoms and work disability they encounter, and will evaluate a common screening practice used by some employers to identify people who may be at higher risk of CTS.

Public Health Relevance

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common and disabling condition that is related to personal factors such as age and obesity, as well as to workplace factors such as intensive use of the hands. Our study will allow us to better understand how these personal and workplace factors act together to cause CTS. We will also study workers with CTS to learn more about the symptoms and work disability they encounter, and will evaluate a common screening practice used by some employers to identify people who may be at higher risk of CTS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01OH008017-06
Application #
7736715
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZOH1-EEO (51))
Program Officer
Frederick, Linda J
Project Start
2004-06-01
Project End
2014-05-31
Budget Start
2009-06-01
Budget End
2010-05-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$690,021
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130
Dale, Ann Marie; Ekenga, Christine C; Buckner-Petty, Skye et al. (2018) Incident CTS in a large pooled cohort study: associations obtained by a Job Exposure Matrix versus associations obtained from observed exposures. Occup Environ Med 75:501-506
Dale, Ann Marie; Miller, Kim; Gardner, Bethany T et al. (2016) Observed use of voluntary controls to reduce physical exposures among sheet metal workers of the mechanical trade. Appl Ergon 52:69-76
Evanoff, Bradley; Gardner, Bethany T; Strickland, Jaime R et al. (2016) Long-term symptomatic, functional, and work outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome among construction workers. Am J Ind Med 59:357-68
Dale, Ann Marie; Gardner, Bethany T; Buckner-Petty, Skye et al. (2016) Postoffer Pre-Placement Screening for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Newly Hired Manufacturing Workers. J Occup Environ Med 58:1212-1216
Gardner, Bethany T; Dale, Ann Marie; Buckner-Petty, Skye et al. (2016) Functional Measures Developed for Clinical Populations Identified Impairment Among Active Workers with Upper Extremity Disorders. J Occup Rehabil 26:84-94
Gardner, Bethany T; Dale, Ann Marie; Buckner-Petty, Skye et al. (2016) Comparison of Employer Productivity Metrics to Lost Productivity Estimated by Commonly Used Questionnaires. J Occup Environ Med 58:170-7
Mediouni, Z; Bodin, J; Dale, A M et al. (2015) Carpal tunnel syndrome and computer exposure at work in two large complementary cohorts. BMJ Open 5:e008156
Dale, Ann Marie; Gardner, Bethany T; Buckner-Petty, Skye et al. (2015) Responsiveness of a 1-Year Recall Modified DASH Work Module in Active Workers with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Symptoms. J Occup Rehabil 25:638-47
Dale, Ann Marie; Evanoff, Bradley; Al-Lozi, Muhammad (2015) Reply: To PMID 25463687. PM R 7:551
Dale, Ann Marie; Agboola, Folasade; Yun, Amber et al. (2015) Comparison of automated versus traditional nerve conduction study methods for median nerve testing in a general worker population. PM R 7:276-82

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