Identifying an Optimal Cut-Off Point for Musculoskeletal Pain in the Upper Extremities to Prevent Lowered Work Performance

J Occup Environ Med. 2021 Nov 1;63(11):985-991. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002292.

Abstract

Objective: This study identified when musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in the upper extremities indicates lowered work performance to gauge when secondary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is needed.

Methods: Seven hundred thirty-three subjects from 12 manufacturing or healthcare facilities in Washington state participated. Work performance was measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand work module (DASH-Work). Each DASH-Work score was compared to the mean among U.S. workers to determine if workers had lowered work performance. ROC curve analysis was conducted to find the cut-off in a composite MSP index (summing MSP intensities in shoulders, elbows/forearms, and hands/wrists; range 0 to 24) to detect lowered work performance.

Results: The MSP index score of 2 achieved the best balance between sensitivity (0.79) and specificity (0.69) in detecting lowered work performance.

Conclusions: To prevent reduced work performance, moderate or multisite pain may require proper management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Hand
  • Humans
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Musculoskeletal Pain* / prevention & control
  • Occupational Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Upper Extremity
  • Work Performance*