The Effects of Working Hours on Nerve Conduction Test in Computer Operators

BACKGROUND Long hours of work at a computer can result in potential adverse effects such as pain, paraesthesia, and subjective weakness of upper extremities with associated decreased nerve conduction velocities of peripheral nerves (median and ulnar). OBJECTIVE To determine whether repetitive tasks performed for long hours by computer operators can lead to peripheral neuropathy as measured by nerve conduction studies of upper extremities. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed nerve conduction tests on 50 computer operators in two study groups. Group I consisted of computer operators who worked a minimum of 6 hours per day at the computer while Group II worked a maximum of 2 hours per day. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between groups for most physical signs. In addition, there were significant differences between the groups for nerve conduction velocities of the medial (motor & sensory) and ulnar (motor & sensory) nerves. CONCLUSION We found symptoms of pain, paraesthesia and subjective weaknesses as well as decreased conduction velocities of peripheral nerves in computer operators who work long hours. Further nerve conduction studies are needed to confirm predictive value for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. KEY WORDS computer operator, long work hours, nerve conduction studies.