Affiliations: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's
University, Kingston, ON, Canada | Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering,
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA | School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson
University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kathryn Woodcock, School of
%Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street,
Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K3 Canada. Fax: +1 416 979 5377; E-mail:
kathryn.woodcock@ryerson.ca
Abstract: Objective: Increasing evidence suggests that one in four sign
language interpreters (SLIs) may experience symptoms of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) severe enough to modify their activities. This systematic
review examined published research on SLIs and the development of MSD
pathology, seeking to identify injury pathways to MSDs and work-related factors
with the largest impact in targeted MSD-reduction intervention. Methods: Embase and Medline electronic databases were searched from their inception
until March 2009, finding 23 eligible peer-reviewed papers related to MSD
pathology in SLIs, including narrative reviews, intervention studies, and
qualitative and quantitative research. Results: Three factors were shown
to have limited support as increasing the risk for MSD pathology in SLI:
increased mechanical exposure, stress, and speaker's pace (a contributor to
movement rate). Overall, the published literature was rated medium to low
quality, with limited statistical methods and power, often lacking description
of how dependent variables were measured, and how risk of biasing or
confounding was minimized. Conclusions: A conceptual model was developed
to integrate the multi-factorial elements of MSD pathology development among
SLIs. However, to strengthen development of evidence-based practice and
policy-driven initiatives, higher-quality research is warranted to examine MSD
pathology amongst SLIs.
