Awareness and Use of ergonomically designed equipment and furniture by public and private sector bankers in Islamabad/Rawalpindi/Multan

Abstract

Background & Objective:Neck and shoulder are the most susceptible areas for developing musculoskeletal symptoms among computer users. The modifiable risk factors for these work related musculoskeletal disorders include physical office environment and psychosocial work related factors. Computer workstation layout had been shown to be an important physical aspect of work environment that influences the upper quadrant symptoms. Our objective was to find the frequency of neck and shoulder pain and use of adjustable computer workstation among bankers of Islamabad/Rawalpindi/MultanMethods:A cross sectional study was conducted and 120 participants were questioned. Purposive sampling technique was used in this study. Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) was remodeled and important questions were extracted from its detailed version. The tool was then validated by taking expert opinion. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables.Results:Pain in the neck during working hours was experienced by 71.67% of the respondents and 48.33% of the participants had experienced shoulder pain during working hours. Adjustable keyboards were used by 16.67% of respondents. Back care material was used by 40% bankers. Adjustable chairs were used by 95.83% of the participants. Only 3% of the bankers did not have chairs with adjustable heights. Chairs with adjustable armrests were used by 25% bankers.Conclusion:Neck and shoulder pain are common occurrences among bankers. Most of the components of workstations of bankers were adjustable but some of them still need attention.

Effect of Pressure biofeedback training on deep cervical flexors endurance in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

“…4 Chronic Mechanical Neck pain is associated with multiple factors such as sprain and strain of the muscles and ligaments of neck, repetitive movements, extended durations of same posture, poor workstation design, genetic predisposition, decreased strength and endurance of cervical muscles. 5,6 It results in significant use of medication, work related absenteeism, impaired performance and poor quality of life. Neck pain is considered to be a problem which causes subsequent personal and financial loss.…”

Comparison of the effectiveness of novel intervention on restricted range of motion of shoulder in young healthy subjects

“…Shoulder pain is one of the commonest musculoskeletal complaints in people with sedentary life style 1 and overhead athletes. 2 Long working hours, stress and inappropriate posture are major risk factors identified in people with sedentary lifestyle.…”

“…3 Stoop sitting while working on a computer or reading a book- or any occupation, which involves similar stoop posture makes the individual susceptible to shoulder pain syndrome. 1 , 4 The position of the scapula in a stooped posture is protracted and changes occur in the posterior capsule, serratus anterior, acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) and rotator cuff. 5 Similar changes in shoulders of overhead athletes occur due poor posture, stressful environment, repeated stress and overload to the posterior capsule.…”