Highlights
- •An inverse relation between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome in general population studies
- •Lack of adjustment for occupational risk factors in general population studies
- •A positive association between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome in office workers
Abstract
Background
Studies have reported contradictory results on the role of keyboard or mouse use in
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether computer
use causes CTS.
Methods
Literature searches were conducted in several databases until May 2014. Twelve studies
qualified for a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were
assessed.
Results
In a meta-analysis of six studies (N = 4964) that compared computer workers with the general population or other occupational
populations, computer/typewriter use (pooled odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.90), computer/typewriter use ≥1 vs. <1 h/day (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.38–1.04) and computer/typewriter use ≥4 vs. <4 h/day (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.87) were inversely associated with CTS. Conversely, in a meta-analysis
of six studies (N = 5202) conducted among office workers, CTS was positively associated with computer/typewriter
use (pooled OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.08–1.65), mouse use (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.43–2.61), frequent computer use (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.15–3.09), frequent mouse use (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.18–2.87) and with years of computer work (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.17–3.17 for long vs. short). There was no evidence of publication bias
for both types of studies.
Conclusions
Studies that compared computer workers with the general population or several occupational
groups did not control their estimates for occupational risk factors. Thus, office
workers with no or little computer use are a more appropriate comparison group than
the general population or several occupational groups. This meta-analysis suggests
that excessive computer use, particularly mouse usage might be a minor occupational
risk factor for CTS. Further prospective studies among office workers with objectively
assessed keyboard and mouse use, and CTS symptoms or signs confirmed by a nerve conduction
study are needed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 02, 2015
Accepted:
December 24,
2014
Received in revised form:
December 23,
2014
Received:
October 3,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
