Incomplete Recuperation of WMSDs after an Office Ergonomic Intervention

Abstract

Survey data on the effects of an office ergonomic intervention (negative-tilt keyboard tray, upper mouse platform, chair, and training) were analyzed. Baseline and one-year post-intervention data on work activities, individual factors and the frequency and severity of upper body work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) were compared. Results showed that postintervention the sample prevalence of any upper body symptoms decreased from 73% to 47.3% and the upper body symptom mean severity score decreased by 30.7%. There was an 8% reduction in the frequency of symptoms for each body region for symptomatic workers. The ergonomic intervention resulted in significant improvements in comfort and in WMSDs, but for many workers MSD symptoms persisted above background levels, suggesting that other factors may be affecting symptom etiology.

Office Ergonomics: A Review of Pertinent Research and Recent Developments

“…The value of basic ergonomics information within applied settings often depends on the effectiveness of such training/orientation programs, as well as on individual differences (Levitt & Hedge, 2006). Recent reviews have affirmed the well-known risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal difficulties among office workers: frequency/repetition, awkward or static postures, excessive muscle loads (above 5% maximum voluntary contraction, or MVC; e.g., Graves, Way, Riley, Lawton, & Morris, 2004), inadequate recovery/ rest periods (e.g., Nordander et al, 2000), and cool temperatures.…”