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Workplace interventions for chronic musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review
Glykeria Skamagki1, Colin J Greaves2, Ruby M Shrestha3
1University of Birmingham School of Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Birmingham, UK g.skamagki@bham.ac.uk.
BMJ Open
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Workplace interventions, especially multicomponent programs combining exercise and ergonomics, effectively improve health outcomes for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. However, consistent evidence for work-related benefits is still lacking.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) significantly impact individuals and workplaces.
- Effective workplace interventions are crucial for managing MSDs and improving employee well-being.
- Previous reviews may not capture the latest evidence on intervention components and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness of workplace interventions for chronic MSDs.
- To identify key intervention components and their impact on health and work-related outcomes.
- To provide an updated synthesis of evidence from recent randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs published between 2018-2024.
- Searches conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science) and grey literature.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment by two independent reviewers; narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- 23 studies (2456 participants) evaluated physical exercise, ergonomic, or multicomponent interventions.
- Physical exercise interventions consistently improved pain and function; digital delivery showed comparable effectiveness.
- Multicomponent interventions (exercise + ergonomics) yielded the most consistent health benefits, but work-related outcome data were limited.
Conclusions:
- Multicomponent workplace interventions, integrating exercise, ergonomics, and education, are effective for improving health in chronic MSDs.
- Current evidence on the impact of these interventions on work-related outcomes (e.g., productivity, absenteeism) is limited and inconsistent.
- Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for work-related outcomes.
