Comparing Lecture and E-mail Training for Ergonomic Posture Correction in Office Workers

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), commonly arising from poor posture, are among the most prevalent workplace health issues. Objectives: This intervention study aims to compare the effects of two training approaches, lecture and E-mail, on posture correction among bank employees in southeastern Iran. Methods: The study was conducted in Zahedan, Iran, with 120 bank employees from eleven branches. Posture was assessed using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. The intervention included two training methods (lecture and E-mail) alongside a control group that received no training. Results: Before the intervention, the mean RULA scores for the lecture, E-mail, and control groups were 4.1 ± 1.6, 4.15 ± 1.14, and 4.19 ± 1.4, respectively (P = 0.39). Post-intervention, the RULA scores dropped to 2.92 ± 0.43 for the lecture group, 2.87 ± 0.56 for the E-mail group, and 3.97 ± 1.6 for the control group (P = 0.028). Although there was no significant difference (P = 0.6) between the lecture and E-mail groups, both training methods showed a statistically significant improvement over the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Both lecture and E-mail training methods effectively improved posture among participants. However, lectures might be more practical in Iran, where E-mail use is less frequent and employees may not check their E-mails regularly.