What do cumulative trauma disorders result from?

Cumulative trauma disorders are primarily a result of the repetitive use of the same muscles over time, which leads to stress and injury. This type of disorder typically arises from engaging in certain movements or tasks frequently, causing strain on specific muscle groups, joints, or tendons. The overuse of muscles creates microtrauma, which can accumulate and lead to pain, discomfort, and conditions such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

In contrast, infrequent heavy lifting might cause an injury, but it is not related to the chronic nature of cumulative trauma disorders. Exposure to hazardous materials can lead to various health issues, such as respiratory problems or skin conditions, but these do not fit the definition of cumulative trauma. Unexpected falls in the workplace result in acute injuries rather than the gradual onset seen with cumulative trauma disorders. Therefore, the correct understanding is that repeat actions on specific muscles lead to these types of disorders.