Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and computer work.

Jens Wahlström1

  • 1Department of Occupational Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Acadamy, Göteborg University, Sweden. jens.wahlstrom@lvn.se

Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|April 29, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Computer work is linked to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Early signs include perceived muscular tension, exertion, and discomfort, influenced by work organization, psychosocial factors, and physical load. Interventions should address both physical and psychosocial aspects.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The Influence of Organizational and Social Work Environmental Factors on Patient Safety Climate.

Journal of nursing management·2026
Same author

Weight trajectories and obesity onset between 17 and 60 years of age, and cause-specific mortality: the Obesity and Disease Development Sweden (ODDS) pooled cohort study.

EClinicalMedicine·2026
Same author

Trunk and upper arm postures and movements among older workers in physically demanding occupations.

Annals of work exposures and health·2026
Same author

Thermal comfort, health, and performance effects among outdoor workers in northern Sweden.

Annals of work exposures and health·2026
Same author

Occupational biomechanical risk factors for hip and knee arthroplasty incidence: a register-based cohort study in male construction workers.

BMJ open·2026
Same author

Weight trajectories throughout adulthood and prostate cancer incidence, aggressiveness, and death in 258 494 men.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute·2026

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Ergonomics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Computer work is prevalent, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
  • Understanding the multifactorial nature of MSDs associated with computer use is crucial for prevention.
  • Existing knowledge on ergonomics and MSDs needs synthesis to guide interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current knowledge on ergonomics and MSDs in computer work.
  • To propose a model linking work organization, psychosocial factors, and physical demands to MSDs.
  • To identify early signs and suggest effective intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing research on ergonomics, MSDs, and computer work.
  • Development and discussion of a conceptual model for MSDs in computer users.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of evidence supporting the proposed model and implications for future research.

    • Main Results:

    • A model is proposed emphasizing the interplay between work organization, psychosocial factors, mental stress, physical demands, and physical load.
    • Perceived muscular tension, exertion, and discomfort are hypothesized as early indicators of MSDs.
    • Both physical/ergonomic and work organizational/psychosocial factors contribute to MSD development.

    Conclusions:

    • Effective interventions for computer-related MSDs require a dual approach targeting physical and psychosocial factors.
    • Management support and active worker involvement are essential for successful intervention implementation.
    • Further research is needed to refine the understanding and management of MSDs in computer-intensive work environments.