Table 2 Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for neck and upper extremity symptoms in relation to perceived exertion, working technique score and comfort

Perceived Exertion

Neck

298/553

   Low (0-4)

128/351

1

   Medium (5-7)

111/166

1.70 (1.32-2.20)

   High (8-14)

59/36

3.20 (2.31-4.38)

Shoulder

163/689

   Low (0-4)

88/521

1

   Medium (5-7)

50/147

1.96 (1.38 -2.77)

   High (8-14)

25/21

5.49 (3.41 -8.51)

Arm/hand

220/631

   Low (0-4)

154/528

1

   Medium (5-7)

56/97

1.86 (1.36-2.51)

   High (8-14)

10/6

4.41 (2.16 -8.03)

Working Technique

245/435

130/550

176/504

   Good (> 14)

162/303

1

92/373

1

121/344

1

   Acceptable (13-14)

55/88

1.06 (0.77-1.43)

27/116

0.89 (0.57-1.35)

37/106

0.91 (0.62-1.31)

   Poor (< 13)

28/44

1.03 (0.67-1.51)

11/61

0.73 (0.37-1.30)

18/54

0.90 (0.53-1.44)

Comfort

298/551

163/686

222/627

   Good (≥3)

55/132

1

31/156

1

44/143

1

   Medium (1-3)

190/345

1.41 (1.05-1.92)

105/430

1.37 (0.92-2.09)

140/395

1.21 (0.86-1.72)

   Poor (-4-0)

53/74

1.88 (1.28-2.76)

27/100

1.62 (0.95-2.73)

38/89

1.53 (0.98-2.38)