'Repetition strain injury': An Australian epidemic of upper limb pain

Wayne Hall and Louise Morrow

Social Science & Medicine, 1988, vol. 27, issue 6, 645-649

Abstract: An analysis is provided of a recent Australian epidemic of an upper limb regional pain syndrome known as 'repetition strain injury' (RSI). 'RSI' was originally attributed to occupational over-use of the upper limb and biomechanical and ergonomic solutions were sought. More sceptical commentators argued that 'RSI' was an epidemic form of hysteria. More recently, a consensus has emerged that the epidemic is attributable to a combination of factors: a change in the perception of endemic symptoms of upper limb pain; the iatrogenic effects of the term 'RSI' and the methods used to manage it; and complications of the medico-legal process in which many sufferers became entangled.

Keywords: chronic; pain; 'repetition; strain; injury' (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1988
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