Paper Info
Title
Evaluation of Alternate Category Structures for the Strain Index: An Empirical Analysis.
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop alternative Strain Index risk classification categories. Background: Strain Index scores are usually categorized into four Strain Index risk categories. The original risk categories were developed in the meat-packing industry and may not be fully applicable to other industries. Method: Daily Strain Index scores were estimated among 276 manufacturing workers participating in a cohort study of occupational risk factors for hand-arm musculoskeletal symptoms. Each score was categorized using the original method and a new method based on quartiles of Strain Index score values among symptomatic participants. Models examining associations between original Strain Index risk categories and incident hand-arm symptoms were compared to models examining associations between the alternative Strain Index risk categories and incident hand-arm symptoms. Results: Compared to the respective referent categories, a twofold or greater increase in the risk of incident hand-arm symptoms was observed for the highest original Strain Index risk category (HR = 2.06, 95% CI = [1.08-3.92]) and for the second highest alternate Strain Index risk exposure category (HR = 2.21, 95% CI = [1.26-3.85]). Although significant associations between Strain Index risk category and incident hand-arm symptoms were observed for both Strain Index categorization methods, model fit statistics favored the alternate approach. Conclusion: Results from this study suggests that the Strain Index risk category structure may need to be tailored to specific populations. Application: If verified, results from this study provide a better way to identify hazardous manufacturing jobs and target them for exposure reduction.
Year
DOI
Venue
2014
10.1177/0018720813492548
HUMAN FACTORS
Keywords
Field
DocType
epidemiology,cohort study,ergonomics,musculoskeletal symptoms,Strain Index
Gerontology,Cumulative trauma disorder,Human factors and ergonomics,Epidemiology,Prospective cohort study,Engineering,Cohort study,Quartile
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
56
SP1
0018-7208
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
1
1.73
2
Authors
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Alysha R. Meyers155.01
Fredric Gerr297.56
Nathan B. Fethke397.56