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To the Editor: Dr Andersen and colleagues¹ concluded that computer use is unrelated to CTS. Respondents in this study, however, only used their keyboard for an average of 8 to 9 hours per week, hardly intensive use by US standards, where workers may key intensively for 30 h/wk or more.² Respondents did make more intensive use of a mouse, and the authors noted an association between intensive mouse use and possible CTS. Another recent Danish study also found that mouse use increases risk of musculoskeletal injury.³ Both studies found no association of psychosocial factors with injury risks.

It may be difficult to generalize from Danish to US computer workers. In Denmark, by law the work week is shorter and the provision of ergonomic working conditions is more regulated than in the United States.⁴ Since 1993, all Danish companies have been required to undertake workplace health and safety assessments.⁵ They must . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Alan Hedge, PhD
Department of Design and Environmental Analysis
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

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