Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a high or low repetition reaching and grasping task on serum levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β and on reach performance in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Forty-seven rats reached repetitively for 2 hours/day, 3 days/week for 6–8 weeks at a high or low rate. Reach rate and abnormal movement patterns were recorded. Serum was collected at 6 and 8 weeks for ELISA assay of IL-1α and IL-1β. High repetition animals experienced a 2-fold decline in reach rate, strong emergence of a raking movement, and increased IL-1α. IL-1α decreased in the low repetition group. IL-1β decreased in both groups. This model provides evidence that inflammation increases with repetition. At the higher reach rate, persistent IL-1α serum levels indicate chronic inflammation that is attenuated at the lower reach rate. These findings support the use of risk reduction in MSD prevention.
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