Types of activities and body parts affected in the recommended exercises for VDT operators

This paper presents results of an analysis of recommended exercises proposed for the reduction of musculoskeletal stress in VDT operation and similar types of work. Fifteen exercise programs consisting of 123 individual exercises were reviewed. Most of the programs exhibited some redeeming features from a practical and a professional standpoint. It was found that recommendations concerning exercises have been directed primarily to muscle stretching and relaxation. The body parts targeted by various exercises were back, leg, neck, shoulder, side and upper extremities. Maximum number of exercises were available for shoulder (35.8%) and upper extremities (17.9%). The exercises reviewed consisted of combinations of thirteen different activities. It was found that rotation (26.8%), stretching (20.3%), and flexing or bending (18.7%) were the most frequently employed activities.