The Dynamic Computer Workstation-A Pilot Study of Clinical and Biochemical Investigation during Work at Static Respectively Mobile Keyboards.

Bijar Ghafouri,Karin Wåhlén,Staffan Smeds,Ulrika Wentzel-Olausson

doi:10.3390/ijerph18041493

Abstract

A large and increasing number of the work force in the population spend their work hours at the keyboard. There is evidence that repetitive high levels of static work, or extreme working postures involving the neck–shoulder muscles are an increased risk for chronic neck–shoulder pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dynamic computer working (DCW), using a mobile application to the desk surface, on pain characteristics and biomarkers in office workers. We included 10 female subjects. All subjects answered questionnaires about general health, pain intensity and characteristics. The pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck range and motion, neck and shoulder strength were measured. Microdialysis was conducted in trapezius muscle. Measurements were performed before and 4 weeks after DCW. Multivariate analysis, orthogonal partial least square discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) and univariate analysis paired test, Wilcoxon, was performed. There was significant improvement in reported neck pain, quality of life, and psychological distress after 4 weeks DCW. The PPT and strength in neck and shoulder were significantly increased after DCW. A significant OPLS-DA model showed clear separation between the samples collected before and after 4 weeks DCW. In conclusion, these results show that keyboard work at a movable desk application might decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries in the neck and shoulder muscles.

Highlights

Exposure to repetitive work and awkward working positions are known risk factors for neck and neck–shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) that is common in several professions including office workers using computers [1,2]
This study aims investigatethe if dynamic computer working (DCW), conducted betwe e groups
The major findings creased quality of life were found after 4-weeks of DCW. In this intervention study are: This study aims to investigate if dynamic computer working (DCW), 2

Summary

Introduction

Exposure to repetitive work and awkward working positions are known risk factors for neck and neck–shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) that is common in several professions including office workers using computers [1,2]. Repetitive work includes activities that involve continuous arm or hand movements which affect the neck–shoulder musculatures and generate load on the trapezius muscles [3,4,5]. This work situation implies, if static, a restricted position of the hands over the keyboard and narrow the hand movements in relation to the other parts of the upper extremity and stabilizing areas in neck and back muscles [8]. It has been reported that a significant fraction of the work force develops pain symptoms in the neck region, shoulders, and arms which may hamper effectivity and lead to sick leave [10]

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