The research in our group focuses on the relationship between physical exposure and risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremity.
Hence, we have. We have developed and evaluated measurement methods for exposure assessment. Movements and postures are assessed by inclinometry and goniometry, and muscular activity (duration and amplitude) by electromyography, EMG).
We have developed a standardised method for physical examination, with diagnostic criteria. We use these methods in field studies of workers in different settings, so far e.g. repetitive industrial work, office work, cleaning, dentistry, caretaking, day-care. By combining the methods, we intend to describe dose-response relationships for different dimensions of physical exposure, and combinations of these. This will be done separate for males and females, to shed light on the important question of why females have more disorders than males. Multivariate statistical methods will be used to adjust for confounders. Results of the studies may contribute in decisions of threshold limit values and other preventive actions.
Contact
Dr. Catarina Nordander
e-mail: catarina.nordander@med.lu.se
University Hospital
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
SE-221 85 Lund
Sweden
Phone: +46-46-173185
Fax: +46-46-173180
Link: www.ymed.lu.se/eng/index.html