Combined Ergonomic and Physical Activity Interventions for Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: An
Ayomidamope R Adebiyi1,2,3, Amanjit Amy Sekhon-Atwal2, Erin Davis3
1School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.
Workplace Health & Safety
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Combined ergonomic and physical activity interventions effectively reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These combined approaches show greater benefits than single interventions for preventing WMSDs in manual handling and repetitive motion tasks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant portion of workplace injuries, imposing substantial occupational health and economic burdens.
- This review synthesizes evidence on interventions for preventing WMSDs in manual handling and repetitive motion tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of combined ergonomic and physical activity interventions against single-approach methods for WMSD prevention.
- To evaluate interventions targeting adult workers in manual handling and repetitive motion roles.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed) for studies published between 2019 and 2024.
- Included studies focused on ergonomic interventions, manual handling training, or workplace physical activity programs.
- Quality assessment followed the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model, with seven studies meeting inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Combined ergonomic and physical activity interventions demonstrated potential for pain reduction (neck: 38%, hand/wrist: 37%) and improved flexibility.
- Single interventions showed varied results: ergonomic education reduced high-risk MSDs from 35.1% to 0%, while whole-body stretching improved pain intensity more than education alone.
- Intervention durations ranged from 6 weeks to 22 months across healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.
Conclusions:
- Combined ergonomic and physical activity interventions appear more effective for WMSD prevention than single approaches, showing clinically meaningful improvements.
- High completion rates were observed for the combined interventions.
- Variability in study designs necessitates cautious interpretation, with a call for standardized trials and cost-effectiveness analyses in future research.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
1.7K
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
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...
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...
1.7K
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
2.3K
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
2.3K