Reprinted from The RSI Network - Issue 17 - Apr'94
Debbie Stiles, R.N, M.N.
April 1994
The association between RSIs and psychosocial stress continues to be
investigated, but few studies have specifically looked at RSIs. Many studies, however,
have found significant correlations between physical health problems and job stress. For
example, a study by Westgaard and Bjorklund (1987) demonstrated higher muscle tension
(EMG) levels in VDT operators who were engaged in tasks requiring high mental workload or
increased mental effort. Psychosocial and postural variables may produce RSI symptoms
through a pathway of muscle tension and fatigue.
My thesis asked: Do people with CTS have more psychosocial stress compared to a control
group without CTS? Although the CTS group tended to report higher job stress and less job
satisfaction, and had higher scores on the Symptoms of Stress Inventory (SOS), the results
did not reach significance except for the separate SOS subscales of anxiety, habit
patterns, and cognitive disorganization. I wouldn't make any broad generalizations from
this study, however, due to the small sample of 24 subjects.
The question remains: which came first, the CTS/RSI or the stress? Psychological
factors play a role, at least in the aggravation of symptoms. But I'm not convinced RSIs
are different from any other illness; that is, the mind-body connection probably exists in
every physical disorder. A person's response to psychosocial stressors can become a
vicious cycle. Clearly, more research is needed.
RSI is a complex disorder and unfortunately not easily solved by one method.
Biopsychosocial and ergonomic variables all need to be considered in both the prevention
and the rehabilitation of RSIs.
About the Author
Debbie Stiles, R.N, M.N., of Healthy Dimensions (Occupational Stress and Injury Prevention
and Rehabilitation, and Biofeedback-Assisted Ergonomics). Debbie also works at the
University of Washington Management of Stress Response Clinic.
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