Ergonomic intervention, workplace exercises and musculoskeletal complaints: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent occupational health issues, particularly among office workers.
• Interventions like ergonomic modifications and workplace exercises aim to alleviate these conditions.
• This study investigated the comparative effects of these interventions on office workers' musculoskeletal pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of ergonomic modifications versus workplace exercises in reducing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.
• To assess the short-term impact of these interventions on office workers.
• To identify specific areas of musculoskeletal complaint that benefit most from each intervention.

Main Methods:

• An interventional study involving office workers.
• Interventions included workstation arrangement correction, equipment changes (ergonomic modification), and targeted stretching exercises (neck, shoulders, low back, hands/wrists).
• Musculoskeletal complaints were evaluated before and after a 1-month intervention period.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was observed initially.
• Both ergonomic modifications and workplace exercises significantly reduced overall musculoskeletal complaints.
• Workplace exercises demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in low back pain compared to ergonomic modifications.

Conclusions:

• Both ergonomic modifications and workplace stretching exercises offer short-term benefits for reducing musculoskeletal pain in office workers.
• Workplace exercises may be particularly effective for alleviating low back pain.
• These findings support the integration of both strategies for improving occupational musculoskeletal health.