The study will enroll over a 3.1 year period approximately 550 subjects who have been previously unexposed or minimally exposed to VDTs. Within two weeks of hire, an initial evaluation will be made including objective assessment of ergonomic exposures, current musculoskeletal symptoms and relevant demographic, personal health and occupation information. Ergonomic evaluation will be repeated within two weeks following physical changes to VDT station. Clinical examination, including median nerve distal motor latency, of all symptomatic subjects will be performed within two weeks of initial evaluation. Selected occupational psychosocial factors will be assessed after four weeks of employment and repeated with a change in job title or responsibilities. All subjects maintain a weekly diary. This will include use of VDTs, office equipment and upper extremity symptoms. Subjects with new onset of pain or symptoms will be interviewed and given a clinical physical examination. Subjects leaving employment will be interviewed, examined and given clinical physical examination. Data will be subjected to extensive statistical analysis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01OH003160-02
Application #
2277778
Study Section
Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOH)
Project Start
1994-09-30
Project End
1999-09-29
Budget Start
1995-09-30
Budget End
1996-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322