Effects of Ergonomics Among Ophthalmologists on Pain and Function - An Interventional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are musculoskeletal problems that are generally caused in the workspace and may lead to diverse disorders affecting different parts of the musculoskeletal system. Body posture and movement, environmental factors, information and operation, and work organization are all factors that play a role in ergonomics. Hence, the effects of ergonomics on musculoskeletal pain and function among Ophthalmologists were studied. Method: This study consisted of two phases, phase 1 was the screening phase and phase 2 was the intervention phase. The screening was done by a Nordic pain questionnaire and workplace ergonomic risk assessment (WERA). A total of 60 ophthalmologists were included in the intervention phase; they were randomly divided into two groups: The interventional group (ergonomic advice given) and the control group (ergonomic advice not given). Pre-intervention data and post-intervention data were taken for pain and function by numeric pain rating scale and patient-specific functional scale respectively. Post-intervention data were collected after 6 weeks. Result: Within-group analysis of the interventional group and between-group analysis showed a significant difference indicating that there was a statistically significant reduction in the pain (p<0.05) and improvement in function (p<0.05) whereas within-group analysis of the control group did not show a significant difference. Conclusion: Ergonomics is an effective measure for reducing pain and improving function among ophthalmologists. Keywords: Ergonomics, Function, Pain, Ophthalmologists, Pain, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, WRMSDs.