A review of current literature on physiological tests and soft tissue biomarkers applicable to work-related upper limb disorders

Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) are among the most commonly repor ted occupational illnesses. Epidemiological evidence of work-relatedness ha s been reported for a number of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrom e. hand/wrist tendinitis, shoulder tendinitis and hand-arm vibration syndro me. A range of electrodiagnostic techniques and psychophysical tests has be en used to assess neurological dysfunction associated with WRULD, whereas o nly Very few studies have examined biochemical markers of soft tissue injur y. This report reviews key literature on physiological tests and biochemica l markers of musculoskeletal stress/injury, which are applicable to studies of WRULD. The paper concludes by proposing new ways that testing might be implemented during occupational health surveillance to enable early warning of impending problems and to provide more insight into the underlying natu re of soft tissue disorders.