Therapeutic Approaches for the Prevention of Upper Limb Repetitive Strain Injuries in Work-Related Computer Use: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: To explore and describe therapeutic approaches for the prevention of upper limb (UL) repetitive strain injuries (RSI) amongst computer users in the twenty-first century. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the method described by Arksey and O'Malley, further enhanced by Levac et a...

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Published in:Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 234 - 268
Main Authors: de Waal, Alita, Killian, Amy, Gagela, Afika, Baartzes, Jada, de Klerk, Susan
Format: pictorial research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Springer Nature Jun2025
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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        atl: Therapeutic Approaches for the Prevention of Upper Limb Repetitive Strain Injuries in Work-Related Computer Use: A Scoping Review.
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          de Waal, Alita
          Killian, Amy
          Gagela, Afika
          Baartzes, Jada
          de Klerk, Susan
        affil: https://ror.org/05bk57929 Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Stellenbosch University, 8000, Cape Town, South Africa
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        subj:
          Occupational-Related Injuries Prevention and Control
          Cumulative Trauma Disorders Prevention and Control
          Upper Extremity Injuries
          Computers and Computerization Utilization
          Therapeutics Methods
          Human
          Scoping Review
          Medline
          PubMed
          Male
          Female
          Middle Age
          CINAHL Database
          Ergonomics
          South Africa
          Descriptive Statistics
          Funding Source
          Relaxation
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Purpose: To explore and describe therapeutic approaches for the prevention of upper limb (UL) repetitive strain injuries (RSI) amongst computer users in the twenty-first century. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the method described by Arksey and O'Malley, further enhanced by Levac et al. to ensure rigor, validity and reliability during analysis. Key concepts pertaining to the research question have been mapped, following comprehensive searches of relevant electronic databases namely EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, eBook Collection, E-Journals, Health Source-Consumer Edition, Health Sources—Nursing/Academic Edition and MEDLINE), PUBMED and Google Scholar. The identified studies have been presented in a descriptive numerical summary to address the research aim. Results: From the 577 studies initially identified, 58 studies were eligible for inclusion in the scoping review after abstract and full text screening. Strategies for the prevention of UL RSIs in computer users were categorised into overarching types of intervention as well as the factors which contribute towards sustained implementation of prevention strategies. Using ergonomic equipment was the most prevalent approach during intervention, breaks and rest periods were found to be the less common intervention offered to prevent RSIs. The majority of the studies noted personal worksite adjustments, including adjustments of the chair, back rest, lumbar support, handles or any arm support to the individual as a strategy to prevent UL RSIs. In high income countries the use of ergonomic equipment was the most common type of approach during intervention, in middle income countries stretches were the most common therapeutic intervention strategy and in low-income countries there was an even distribution between a number of different therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing RSIs. Conclusions: The review provides an overview of approaches and a comprehensive baseline for identifying further research required to generate prevention approaches. The information within the review may be used to impact company practice, policy and decision making in terms of developing prevention strategies.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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