Self-reported physical work exposures and incident carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND To prospectively evaluate associations between self-reported physical work exposures and incident carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS Newly employed workers (n = 1,107) underwent repeated nerve conduction studies (NCS), and periodic surveys on hand symptoms and physical work exposures including average daily duration of wrist bending, forearm rotation, finger pinching, using vibrating tools, finger/thumb pressing, forceful gripping, and lifting >2 pounds. Multiple logistic regression models examined relationships between peak, most recent, and time-weighted average exposures and incident CTS, adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index. RESULTS 710 subjects (64.1%) completed follow-up NCS; 31 incident cases of CTS occurred over 3-year follow-up. All models describing lifting or forceful gripping exposures predicted future CTS. Vibrating tool use was predictive in some models. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported exposures showed consistent risks across different exposure models in this prospective study. Workers' self-reported job demands can provide useful information for targeting work interventions.