SELF-ADMINISTERED EXAMINATION VERSUS CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL-EXAMINATIONOF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM IN THE NECK, SHOULDERS, AND UPPER LIMBS

A self-administered examination protocol of the musculoskeletal system in the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs was mailed to 350 subjects an d the results were compared to those of a subsequent medical examinati on. The prevalences of reported positive findings were higher than in the medical examination. Validity ranged between poor and good. Accept able validity was noted for items measuring tenderness. No systematic substantial exposure-related misclassification was noted. Self-adminis tered examination of the musculoskeletal system is not suitable to rep lace a traditional medical examination in epidemiological studies. Sel f-administered examination of tenderness could, however, be used as a screening method in analytical studies of relations between exposure a nd disorders in the musculoskeletal system. Subjects reporting such fi ndings at a self-administered examination could be further examined by professional examiners for definite diagnostic appraisal. Substantial savings in medical examination resources could thereby be obtained.