Effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among computer workers: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: International archives of occupational and environmental health Vol. 87; no. 1; pp. 73 - 83
• Main Authors: Esmaeilzadeh, Sina, Ozcan, Emel, Capan, Nalan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.01.2014; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Absenteeism; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical trials; Computer Terminals; Computers; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Environmental Health; Ergonomics; Ergonomics - methods; Ergonomics. Workplace layout; Ergonomics. Workplace layout. Occupational psychology; Extremities; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Services - utilization; Humans; Interior Design and Furnishings; Intervention; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous. Osteoarticular involvement in other diseases; Musculoskeletal diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology; Musculoskeletal Diseases - therapy; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - therapy; Occupational health; Occupational medicine; Occupational Medicine/Industrial Medicine; Original Article; Personal computers; Posture; Prospective Studies; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation; Risk factors; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires; Training; Treatment Outcome; Upper Extremity; Visual Analog Scale; Asia; Turkey; Musculoskeletal disorders; Computer workers; Upper extremity; Ergonomic intervention; Human; Operation; Occupational exposure; Randomized controlled trial; Striated muscle disease; Randomization; Ergonomics; Musculoskeletal disorder; Computer; Work; Clinical trial; Worker; Occupational medicine
• ISSN: 0340-0131; 1432-1246; 1432-1246
• DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0838-5

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEMSDs) among computer workers. Methods Four hundred computer workers answered a questionnaire on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms (WUEMSS). Ninety-four subjects with WUEMSS using computers at least 3 h a day participated in a prospective, randomized controlled 6-month intervention. Body posture and workstation layouts were assessed by the Ergonomic Questionnaire . We used the Visual Analogue Scale to assess the intensity of WUEMSS. The Upper Extremity Function Scale was used to evaluate functional limitations at the neck and upper extremities. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the Short Form - 36 . After baseline assessment, those in the intervention group participated in a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program including a comprehensive ergonomic training consisting of two interactive sessions, an ergonomic training brochure, and workplace visits with workstation adjustments. Follow-up assessment was conducted after 6 months. Results In the intervention group, body posture ( p  < 0.001) and workstation layout ( p  = 0.002) improved over 6 months; furthermore, intensity ( p  < 0.001), duration ( p  < 0.001), and frequency ( p  = 0.009) of WUEMSS decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Additionally, the functional status ( p  = 0.001), and physical ( p  < 0.001), and mental ( p  = 0.035) health-related quality of life improved significantly compared with the controls. There was no improvement of work day loss due to WUEMSS ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions Ergonomic intervention programs may be effective in reducing ergonomic risk factors among computer workers and consequently in the secondary prevention of WUEMSDs.