Reducing musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators: comparison between ergonomics interventions at the...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Typing and computer work are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
• Multiple risk factors contribute to the development of MSDs in computer professionals.
• Effective workplace interventions are needed to mitigate these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of workplace ergonomics interventions in reducing MSDs among computer workers.
• To assess the impact of interventions on body posture, upper extremity (UE) kinematics, and muscle activity.
• To compare the effectiveness of ergonomics intervention with and without biofeedback.

Main Methods:

• A control study involving 66 computer workers with and without MSDs.
• Three groups: ergonomics intervention with biofeedback, ergonomics intervention without biofeedback, and a control group.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments included MSD evaluation, posture analysis, UE kinematics, and electromyography.

Main Results:

• Ergonomics interventions significantly reduced MSDs compared to the control group (χ(2) = 13.3; p = 0.001).
• Significant improvements were observed in upper extremity kinematics and body posture in intervention groups.
• Both types of ergonomics interventions demonstrated effectiveness in reducing MSDs and enhancing posture.

Conclusions:

• Workplace ergonomics interventions are effective in reducing musculoskeletal disorders in computer workers.
• Improvements in body posture and upper extremity kinematics are key outcomes of these interventions.
• Ergonomics interventions, with or without biofeedback, offer a viable solution for computer-related MSDs.