Time to re-think our strategy with musculoskeletal disorders and workstation ergonomics.

Benita Olivier,Vanessa S. Redivo

doi:10.4102/sajp.v77i1.1490

Benita Olivier, Vanessa S. Redivo

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v77i1.1490

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Abstract

BackgroundThe dramatic increase in visual display units (VDU) in the workplace over a 20-year period is linked to the increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).ObjectivesThe objective of our study was to compare ergonomic risk factors and work-related psychosocial factors in VDU users with and without MSD.MethodsParticipants, with and without MSD, working with VDU for more than 4 h a day completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model and Over-commitment Questionnaire. The workstation of each participant was assessed for ergonomic risk factors using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA).ResultsSixty-eight VDU users with and 68 without MSDs participated. The workstation ergonomic risk factors as measured with the ROSA were similar for the two groups: 4.5 ± 1.0 for the MSD group and 4.3 ± 0.8 for the reference group (p = 0.10). The work-related psychosocial factors, namely over-commitment, were higher in the MSD group (14.9 ± 3.1) than in the reference group (13.8 ± 3.4; p = 0.041).ConclusionsAs over-commitment is an indication of intrinsic factors and personal characteristics, the significant difference between the MSD group’s over-commitment score and that of the reference group suggests that interventions to empower individuals are needed.Clinical implicationsPhysiotherapists should only adjust ergonomic workstation risk factors when established as contributory to MSD, and should be cognisant of work-related or individual psychosocial factors that may impact the patient with MSD. The use of ergonomic advice to patients with MSD should be performed with caution, taking all the work place risk factors for MSD into account.

Highlights

There has been a dramatic increase in visual display units (VDU) in the work place over a 20-year period, as much as doubling the percentage of users (Kaliniene et al 2013; Sonne, Villalta & Andrews 2012; Wahlstrom 2005)
A VDU user is defined as an individual working with a VDU that involves the use of a keyboard and mouse, or both (Collins Dictionary 2018)
Multi-site pain is prevalent in VDU users (Neupane & Nygård 2017; Oha et al 2014)

Summary

Introduction

There has been a dramatic increase in visual display units (VDU) in the work place over a 20-year period, as much as doubling the percentage of users (Kaliniene et al 2013; Sonne, Villalta & Andrews 2012; Wahlstrom 2005). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in VDU users has increased; one of the many contributory factors includes the increased use of VDU (Ranasinghe et al 2011). This increase in MSD has resulted in an increase in sick days (absence from work), reduced efficiency, an increased burden of disease and loss to the economy (Green 2008; Matos & Arezes 2015; Van Eerd et al 2016). The dramatic increase in visual display units (VDU) in the workplace over a 20year period is linked to the increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

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