Upper extremity musculoskeletal (UEMS) disorders are a significant problem in industrial countries.1 There is strong evidence for an association between biomechanical exposures and UEMS disorders.2^–4 However, little is known about the occupational factors associated with recovery from these disorders.5^–7

To determine if occupational factors were associated with outcome in workers with UEMS symptoms or disorders, we used data from a repetitive task survey performed in 1993–1994 and again in 1996–1997. The design has been described in earlier publications.8 9 Each worker had a standardised medical examination at baseline and again in 1996–1997. The self-administered questionnaire filled out at baseline included data on personal variables, a psychological variable, postures and biomechanical constraints at work (self-assessed, but checked with the …