Previous studies showed the strongest and most consistent associations for computer use with the incidence of hand-arm symptoms [ 4, 6, 7, 13].
For example, in the mentioned study by Kautiainen et al. [ 12] the association of computer use for emailing, writing and surfing the internet and overweight was statistically significant only in the girls.
Among men an association of computer work emerged.
We found no such association for comfort with computers.
Similarly, Gopinath et al. [ 12] found that television viewing and playing electronic games were positively associated with diastolic blood pressure in 12-year-old children, whereas no association was found for computer use.
There seems to be evidence in the reviews for an association between computer use and pain reporting and discomfort, especially from the distal arm and hand.
There was some evidence across reviews for an association between computer use and pain complaints, and this relation could be causal, but the argument for a causal relationship would be more convincing if there had been a demonstrable threshold.
However when considering prospective studies and accepting the inclusion of clinical criteria incorporated in some of the reviews, the evidence seems moderate or even limited for an association between computer use and UEMSDs.
The review by Waersted et al. was commissioned by the Danish National board of Industrial Injuries, thus focusing on studies with clinical examinations, and they found only limited evidence for an association between computer use and specified disorders of the neck, shoulder, elbow, forearm, or wrist [29].
This review examines evidence for an association between computer work and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
This review examines the evidence for an association between computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders (except carpal tunnel syndrome).
