Musculoskeletal Disorders In Office Workers Research Articles

Active Breaks Reduce Back Overload during Prolonged Sitting: Ergonomic Analysis with Infrared Thermography.

Background: Prolonged sitting is a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of active breaks on reducing muscle overload in subjects who sit for long periods using infrared thermography (IRT). Methods: A sample of 57 office workers participated in this study and were divided into two groups: active breaks (ABs) and no active breaks (NABs). The NAB group sat continuously for 90 min without standing up, while the AB group performed stretching and mobility exercises every 30 min. IRT measurements were taken every 30 min before the active breaks. Results: The results highlight that the skin temperature of the back increased significantly in both groups after 30 min of sitting; however, in the subsequent measurements, the AB group showed a decrease in temperature, while the NAB group maintained a high temperature. Exercise and time point of measurement all reported p-values < 0.001; there were no statistically significant differences between the Δt0-1 of the NAB and AB groups, while the Δt1-2 and Δt1-3 of the NAB and AB groups showed statistically significant differences for all back regions. Conclusions: The clinical relevance of this study confirms the negative effects of prolonged sitting on the health of the back, demonstrating that active breaks can reduce back strain, emphasizing the need for workplace interventions. In addition, IRT represents a non-invasive method to assess back muscle overload and monitor the effectiveness of interventions in all categories of workers who maintain a prolonged sitting position. The main limitation of this study is the absence of a questionnaire for the assessment of back pain, which does not allow a direct correlation between temperature changes and back pain outcomes.

Analysis of working posture risk of office employees in one of the ports companies using the ROSA method

Ports are one of the logistics sector industries that is experiencing rapid growth from year to year. One of the ports in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, is experiencing a rapid increase in activity, which is supported by the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). This condition also causes an increase in the activities of office workers in the managerial and administrative fields at the port. Office area workers generally spend most of their time in front of computers. Therefore, office area workers are at risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) because they are in a static and monotonous position. This research was an observational study using a cross-sectional approach. This research aimed to assess work posture ergonomically using the ROSA method to determine the risk of MSDs owned by office area workers. Assessment of work posture is carried out by observation using the ROSA sheet. The research results showed that most workers (58.33%) had a risk of MSDs in the warning level category, and the remainder (41.67%) had a risk of MSDs in the Necessity of Intervention Measures category. The causes of the high risk of MSDs in office workers are less ergonomic workstations and low awareness among workers regarding ergonomic working posture. Therefore, port companies, in this case, need to make improvements by rearranging workstations, creating health information media about ergonomics, and providing ergonomics training to workers.

Evaluation of the effect of ergonomic educational intervention on working condition correction and reduction of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers

Introduction: The growing trend of office workers and the use of computers in these workstations has caused an increase in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among them. Most of the studies have emphasized the need for interventions to improve the ergonomics of office workstations. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of ergonomic training intervention on improving working conditions and reducing musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. Materials and Methods: The present research is a descriptive-analytical and correlational study. The statistical population of the study is all the employees of the administrative staff of Shuttle Company, according to the criteria for entering and exiting the study, 130 people participated in this study. After the initial evaluation of the work situation, the ergonomic training intervention program was presented to the employees of the company to reduce the musculoskeletal injury factors for two months. The physical condition was evaluated before and after the training. Data collection tools included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Evaluation Questionnaire (NMQ) and the ROSA posture evaluation method. The data was analyzed by SPSS software; descriptive statistics and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results of the study showed that the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders in different age groups is not significant in most body organs and only this relationship has been confirmed in the neck and upper back area. However, the relationship between skeletal and muscular disorders and employees' work history is not significant in most body parts, and only this relationship has been confirmed in the neck and upper back area. Finally, the ergonomic training of the studied subjects has had a significant impact on their calculated risk level (using the ROSA method). Conclusion: Although most companies have equipment with the necessary ergonomics, employees do not know how to use them correctly. Due to the lack of knowledge of some managers and employees about the importance of ergonomics, it is better to provide these people with the necessary training in this field in addition to creating a work environment by the principles of ergonomics.

Validity of "OfficeCheck": A self-musculoskeletal assessment tool for screening work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office workers.

Early self-assessment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is crucial in preventing severe symptoms and long-term consequences. Accessible tools are necessary for proactive management. To validate the OfficeCheck web application as a screening tool to classify office workers as capable of self-management for specific symptoms of WMSDs or requiring professional consultation. This study was conducted to determine the criterion-related validity of OfficeCheck using physical therapy assessment as the reference standard. In total, 223 office workers who work with a computer more than two hours a day with or without symptoms of WMSDs participated in this study. All of them were classified by self-assessment on the OfficeCheck process flow (Kappa = 0.841) and physical therapy assessment, respectively. For statistical analysis, classification numbers were calculated for sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). A total of 223 workers with a mean age of 38.9±9.0 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.3±5.2 kg/m2 were illustrated. The most common areas of complaint were neck/upper back and lower back/hip. The results indicated that OfficeCheck had high sensitivity (95.1%), low specificity (42.0%), low PPV (38.0%), and high NPV (95.8%). The FPR was 58.0% and the FNR was 4.9%. OfficeCheck was found to have high sensitivity to classify office workers as capable of self-management for specific symptoms of WMSDs or requiring professional consultation. The use of OfficeCheck is thus recommended for self-detection and management to stop the consequences of WMSDs.

Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a collection of symptoms in the human skeletal and muscular systems, which are characterized by discomfort or pain. The International Labor Organization (ILO) stated that MSDs are the most common health problem among office workers in 27 countries under the European Union. Therefore, this study aims to determine the risk factors for MSDs among office workers. Method: This study used the literature review method by accessing an online database using different keywords, namely risk factors, musculoskeletal disorders, and office workers. Subsequently, 939, 1,421, and 243 articles were obtained from Google Scholar, ProQuest, and PubMed.Gov, respectively, with a total of 2,603. The inclusion criteria include papers published between 2011 and 2021, relevant titles and abstracts, primary study with a cross-sectional design, as well as full-text availability. Incomplete articles that are irrelevant to the topic were then excluded, after which a total of eight were selected for analysis. Result: Based on selected articles known that the risk factors for MSDs include age, gender, knowledge of ergonomics, work posture, work facilities, duration of work, physical activity, and psychosocial factors in the workplace. Conclusion: The significant risk factors for MSDs include increasing age, female gender, increased work duration, poor knowledge of ergonomics, wrong work posture, non-ergonomic support facilities, lack of physical activity, as well as poor psychosocial conditions in the workplace.

Musculoskeletal system problems in office workers: relationship of physical activity levels and quality of life

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal problems in office workers and their physical activity levels and quality of life. Methods. A questionnaire form, the quality of life scale (SF-36) and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Group differences were compared post hoc (Bonferroni) and non-parametrically (Mann–Whitney U test, etc.). Results. Among the participants, 81.7% experienced pain in at least one body area. Back pain was experienced most frequently at a rate of 54.8%, followed by neck and shoulder pain, respectively. According to the participants’ physical activity levels, 58.5% (n = 141) were active, 37.3% (n = 90) were less active and 4.1% (n = 10) were very active. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the participants and the participants’ age, educational status, income status, regular exercise status, duration of computer use, eye complaints, complaints in the wrists and ergonomic chair use. Conclusion. The prevalence of MSDs was determined to be high in the office workers, while their levels of physical activity were found low. Training and exercises are needed to prevent MSDs in office workers and improve their levels of physical activity and quality of life.

Effectiveness of workplace exercise interventions in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of workplace exercise interventions in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.DesignSystematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).Data sourcesThe bibliographical databases PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane, Scopus, ISI WoS...

Construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of ergonomic risk assessment for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers (ERAMO)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have a multifactorial etiology, therefore, their assessment should consider all of individual, physical and psychosocial factors. The Ergonomic risk assessment for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers (ERAMO) is a few specific tools available to evaluate the nature and occurrence of MSDs in office workers and the impact of individual and ergonomic aspects of office workers. The purpose of this study was to perform a construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis; CFA) and verify the reliability, internal consistency of the ERAMO in office workers. A sample of 300 workers from two of government enterprise in Bangkok, Thailand participated in this validation and internal consistency analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used for the statistical analysis of test-retest reliability. The calculation of internal consistency, reproducibility provided evidence of reliability and lack of redundancy. The psychometric properties of the ERAMO were assessed using CFA, which revealed 3 models. For 2 models, the comparative fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and non-normed fit index (NNFI) each achieved 0.90, the Chi-square and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) demonstrated better values. The results provided this ERAMO tool is a choice that can use for ergonomic risk assessment in office workers. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/1463922X.2021.1922780 .

Effectiveness of workplace exercise interventions in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers: a protocol of a systematic review

IntroductionPhysical inactivity due to changes in our society towards more sedentary behaviours is leading to health problems. Increasing physical activity might be a good strategy to improve physical strength and...

Characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders and satisfaction with in-house physical therapy clinics in office workers.

Musculoskeletal disorders are not properly managed in office workers because of their busy work life. In-house physical therapy is a good way to manage the musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. Despite the numerous advantages of in-house physical therapy, the establishment and research of in-house physical therapy were insufficient. The purpose this study was to determine the characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers and to investigate their satisfaction with in-house physical therapy clinics and the associated factors. In this study, 664 office workers who used in-house physical therapy clinics were surveyed for characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders and satisfaction with in-house physical therapy clinics. Of these office workers, the most common causes of damage were nontraumatic (36.8%) and the most common lesion sites were the neck (30.3%) and lower back (25.6%). In the empirical characteristics of in-house physical therapy clinics, basic thermoelectric treatments were the most common (46.8%). The satisfaction with in-house physical therapy clinic was generally high. In addition, the cause of damage and treatment contents affected treatment-related and functional return-related satisfaction. In-house physical therapy, including therapeutic exercises and self-management education, is a good system to manage musculoskeletal disorders in office workers.

VDT 작업에서 두부전방자세 위험수준에 따른 목의 피로와 Flexion-Relaxation 변수에 관한 연구

Objective: The aim of this study is to quantify the neck fatigue of the office in Visual Display Terminal (VDT) work using the parameters of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon. Background: VDT work comprises a large proportion of the office worker tasks. Although VDT work requires relatively less loads, it can stress the neck and shoulders of the workers who work for a long period time with awkward sitting postures. In spite of that many office workers are suffering from neck and shoulder pains, the current solution for musculoskeletal disorders of office workers is only a management approach. Thus, it is important to precisely quantify the fatigue of VDT workers for reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers and for improving working environment. Method: For this experiment, 23 males were recruited to compare flexion-relaxation parameters such as Flexion-Relaxation Ratio (FRR) and On/Offset angle, and subjective discomfort (Borg CR-10 scale) before and after VDT task during 50 minutes. Participants were divided into two groups (forward head posture (FHP) high risk group and FHP low risk group) based on the pre-FHP test. Results: FRP parameters changed after VDT task. The FRR was significantly decreased and On/Offset angles showed an increasing trend after the task. CVA was slightly lower in FHP high risk group during 50 minute of VDT task. Using this result, it was found that high risk group of FHP was maintained at a lower posture for a long time. In addition, the subjective discomfort also increased after task. Conclusion: Based on these results, VDT work causes fatigue to the worker. And this fatigue can be quantified using FRP parameters. In addition, it was confirmed that FRR can be used as an index to confirm the abnormality of neck. Application: These results can be used to quantify the fatigue caused by VDT work in office workers, and to further validate the improvement of musculoskeletal disorders.

The office work and stretch training (OST) study: an individualized and standardized approach for reducing musculoskeletal disorders in office workers

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a common health problem in office workers. In Germany, MSD (mainly back pain related) are the main cause of workdays lost to incapacity. This is not only bothersome for the employees, but also causes higher costs for the health system and employers. Workplace health promotion programmes (WHPP) can help to reduce this as they reach large target groups and are easily accessible. In this context, stretch training exercises have already proven to be effective. In the present study, a new approach focusing on trunk extension is to be investigated.MethodsTo evaluate the training device “five-Business”, 250 office workers will train two times a week for 3 months. The control group will consist of 100 office employees. The device “five-Business” enables five different full body exercises. The intervention will be evaluated before week one and after week twelve via three assessments: a) the Short Form-36 (SF-36) to record the general health status and health-related quality of life, taking into account physical, psychological and social factors, b) the Nordic Questionnaire to evaluate complaints of the musculoskeletal system, c) Range of Motion (ROM) measurements using a digital inclinometer and a measuring tape respectively.ConclusionThe “five-Business” combines elements of yoga and the McKenzie fundamentals, taking into account the Myers myofascial pathways in a highly torso-oriented, standardized stretching program. Due to the given exercise execution on the device and the individual adjustment possibilities of the stretching position (body size and range of motion) by the abutment, all exercises are individualized and standardized at the same time. In comparison to existing stretching interventions, this is a new approach in the framework of reducing musculoskeletal disorders and improving the quality of life in workplace health promotion.

A Comparison of the Effects of Ergonomic, Organization, and Education Interventions on Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers

Background: One of the most important and the most common health problems among office workers and computer users is the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating risk factors of MSDs and determining the effectiveness of the ergonomic, organization, education interventions on reducing MSDs in the office workers of university offices of Tehran, Iran. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 221 employees during spring 2015 to summer 2016. Participants were categorized to four groups by simple random sampling: control group (n = 55), recipients of education interventions (n = 57), recipients of organization interventions including job enrichment, job enlargement and job rotation (n = 54), and recipients of ergonomics interventions (n = 55). Rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) and Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaires (CMDQ) were used for data gathering. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired-samples t-test using the SPSS version 16 software. Results: After the intervention, a significant difference was revealed in the final mean score for ROSA in the two groups of recipients of education and ergonomic interventions (P < 0.05). Also, data revealed a significant difference in MSDs, including neck, shoulders, and hand/wrist, among ergonomics and education groups. Conclusions: Educational and ergonomic interventions may reduce ergonomics risk factors of MSDs and prevalence of discomfort. However, according to the results, organizational interventions alone may not be more effective in reducing risk factors of MSDs and their discomforts. The effectiveness of multilayered interventions should be investigated in the future.

The Ergonomic assessment of exposure to risk factors that cause musculoskeletal disorders in Office workers by using ROSA

Introduction: The continuous use of computers in office environments, due to the unfavorable sitting postures as a risk factor for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders is prevalent. The purpose of this study was to assess the ergonomic office units of Abadan Oil Refining Company by using ROSA and also to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders using CMDQ tool to identify and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDSs) in the workplace. Materials & methods: The present study is a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical one. Using Cochran formula 276 office personnel were obtained as the sample volume. The data were collected by using assessment posture ROSA, CMDQ questionnaires and were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical tests of Pearson and multiple linear regressions. Findings: The results indicated that 36 persons were in a safe area, 230 in the warning area and 10 were in the danger zone .Also, according to scale CMDQ, 235 persons had very minor problem, 20 persons a small problem, 11 very little problem, 6 persons low problem, 2 medium and 2 difficult problem was extremely high. Also, test results revealed a significant association just about sex and musculoskeletal problems (P = 0.001), and on the other variables were unreported a significant association. Discussion & conclusions: Based on the findings of the study and scores of using of tools, corrective actions and ergonomic interventions, including educational seminars, modifying and designing office work stations, equipment adjustments of the workplace, and treatment were performed.

Influência do software de pausa nos sintomas de distúrbios osteomusculares em trabalhadores de escritório

Introduo: As pausas so estratgias de interveno frequentemente utilizadas para prevenir doenas ocupacionais. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito do Postural Awareness Software na prevalncia de sintomas de distrbios osteomusculares em trabalhadores. Mtodos: Vinte e nove trabalhadores de escritrio foram distribudos aleatoriamente em grupo controle e grupo experimental. Os primeiros no realizaram nenhuma interveno, enquanto o segundo grupo foi submetido a um protocolo de interveno com o software durante 8 semanas. Foram utilizados como medida para a avaliao do desconforto o Questionrio Nrdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares e um breve questionrio para avaliar a satisfao com o software. Resultados: Os sintomas de dor musculoesqueltica no foram reduzidos aps a aplicao do software. Ainda assim, 9 (64,29%) dos 14 participantes relataram estar satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos com a utilizao do software. Concluso: O software foi satisfatrio para a maioria dos trabalhadores, porm, no foi eficaz na reduo de sintomas de distrbio osteomusculares em trabalhadores de escritrio.

Correlation between Computer Workstation and Location of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: The use of computer has been widely increased. This intensifies the risk of musculoskeletal disorders on long-term office workers. This study aims to find out the characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers with computer workstation which then lead to the presence or absence of the correlation between the two in order to avoid the pains endured. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from September–November 2014 in Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia. Seventeen samples were obtained from three different departments (finance and academics) by total sampling. The data was collected by validated questionnaire and it was analyzed by using simple linear regression method. Results: From 17 samples in total, 16 claimed that their workstation needs to be evaluated. Furthermore, the prevalent areas of musculoskeletal were shoulders (12 persons), lower back (10 persons), neck (9 persons), knee (9 persons), upper back (7 persons). The analysis using simple linear regression method showed no significant correlation between workstation characteristics and musculoskeletal disorders (p-value = 0.515). Conclusions : There is no correlation found between workstation characteristics and musculoskeletal disorders. [ AMJ .2016;3(2):323–8] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v3n2.793

Prevalence and risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers of a construction company by RULA method in 2014

Prevalence and risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers of a construction company by RULA method in 2014

Association between psychosocial, organizational and personal factors and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in office workers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational and personal (individual) factors with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in office workers of the Iranian Gas Transmission Company. The participants rated two questionnaires – the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to measure the prevalence of MSDs, and the Veterans Healthcare Administration All Employee Survey questionnaire (2004 version) – to measure psychosocial, organizational and individual aspects of job satisfaction and workplace climate. The highest prevalence of MSDs was found in the lower back (49.7%) and neck (49.0%) regions. Results of the logistic regression models showed that some psychosocial and organizational factors and also some individual factors were associated with prevalence of MSDs (p < 0.05).These findings illustrate the need to consider all elements of the work system as a whole in future studies and in organizational planning.

AB1166-HPR Evaluation of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are conditions in which the work environment and performance of work...

A LISREL Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers

A survey of 2,346 office computer users was analyzed using structural equation modeling to identify self-report individual, work characteristics, technology, and postural risk factors, determined by observation, for self-reports of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort for the neck, shoulders and arms/hands and also somatic symptoms (eyestrain, headache). The final structural equations were Somatic symptoms= 0.68*Individual factors + 0.14*Postural risk factors, with an error variance of 0.89 and explained variance of 11%; and Discomfort = 0.64*Somatic symptoms with an error variance of 0.25 and explained variance of 62%. Analysis showed that somatic symptoms mediate the effects of individual and postural risk factors on musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms.