Table 3.

Studies included in the meta-analysis

Study	Type∗	Case definition for CTS†,‡	Types of industry or occupation
Barnhart et al (1991) [19]	CS	Electrophysiologic study, physical examination criteria, and symptoms	Ski manufacturing
de Krom et al (1990) [16]	CC	Electrophysiologic study and symptoms (>twice/week)	Industry plant workers (reference group: general population)
de Krom et al (1990)	CC	Electrophysiologic study and symptoms (>twice/week)	Industry plant workers (reference group: general population)
English et al (1995) [18]	CC	Diagnosed as CTS case	Various occupations
Feldman et al (1987) [17]	CS	Electrophysiologic study, symptoms, and physical examination (sensation, finger grip, strength of the thenar muscle)	Electronic assembly workers
Marras and Schoenmarklin (1993) [20]	CS	Determined by US OSHA 200 log (diagnosed high-risk group)	Industrial plant workers
Moore and Garg (1994) [3]	CS	Electrophysiologic study and symptoms (from US OSHA logs and employee medical records)	Pork processing plant workers
Osorio et al (1994) [21]	CS	Electrophysiologic study or CTS symptoms	Grocery store workers
Tanaka et al (1995) [22]	CS	Symptoms; diagnosed as CTS case	Industry plant workers

CTS, carpal tunnel syndrome; OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

^∗Type: CS: cross-sectional study CC: case–control study.

^†Physical examination criteria: Phalen's sign or Tinel's sign.

^‡Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning in digits 1, 2, or 3.