Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Relationships Between the Physical Work Environment, Postures and Musculoskeletal Pain During COVID-19: A Survey of
Suzanne J Snodgrass1, Ishanka Weerasekara, Suzi Edwards
1From the College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, Active Living research Group, Hunter Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia (Dr Snodgrass, Dr James)School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia (Dr Weerasekara); Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (Dr Weerasekara); Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia (Dr Edwards); School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom (Dr Heneghan); and Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas (Dr Puentedura).
Objective:
To understand the flexible work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and depression in frequent computer users.
Methods:
An e-survey determined the extent of workplace changes and MSD, and the relationships between them using descriptive-statistics and chi-squared tests.
Results:
Of 700 who commenced the survey, 511 were analyzed. Since the pandemic commenced, 80% of respondents reported they were working more from home; and 89% reported some musculoskeletal pain. Compared with prepandemic, more people worked in nonergonomic environments, computer configurations and body postures. Work location was associated with upper back pain ( P = 0.011); body posture with headache ( P = 0.027) and low back pain ( P = 0.003).
Conclusion:
Nonergonomic work environments of frequent computer users during COVID-19 are related to having upper back pain, whereas nonergonomic postures are related to having headache and low back pain.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...