Loss of Productivity Due to Neck/Shoulder Symptoms and Hand/Arm Symptoms: Results from the PROMO-Study

Abstract

Introduction The objective of the present study is to describe the extent of productivity loss among computer workers with neck/shoulder symptoms and hand/ arm symptoms, and to examine associations between pain intensity, various physical and psychosocial factors and productivity loss in computer workers with neck/shoulder and hand/arm symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. The study population consisted of 654 computer workers with neck/shoulder or hand/arm symptoms from five different companies. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the occurrence of self-reported productivity loss. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations.

Self-reported productivity loss among workers with upper extremity disorders

“…Unlike previous studies, we did not find an association between age and productivity loss (6,11,12). However, we found that age modified the effects of other factors, particularly the combined effects of physical work, job strain, and pain intensity, on productivity loss.…”

“…Previous findings have reported a lower prevalence and magnitude of productivity loss than in our study (5,6). The main reason may be that the prior studies included subjects with self-reported symptoms, whereas in our study, subjects with the symptoms had sought medical advice and for most of them, the physician diagnosed a specific UED.…”

“…In a Dutch study, every fourth computer worker with neck-shoulder or hand-arm symptoms reported productivity loss, whereas a much smaller proportion (3-9%) needed a sick leave (6). Moreover, productivity loss may well occur after returning to full duty after sickness absence, as shown by another Dutch study, in which 60% of the workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) were affected by reduced productivity immediately after the sick leave, and 40% one year after returning to work (7).…”

Effect of Different Types of Rest-Break Interventions on Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activity, Perceived Discomfort and Productivity in Symptomatic VDU Operators: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…A report on prevalence found that 53% of female video display unit (VDU) operators had experienced neck pain of mild intensity [7]. These disorders have an important economic impact in terms of sickness absence and chronic disability [8,9]. According to a recent report, MSDs of Thai office workers cost ~1339 USD per person per year [10].…”

The Epidemiology of Shoulder Pain: A Narrative Review of the Literature

“…[83,84] A recent cross-sectional population-based study of computer workers investigated the effect of shoulder, neck pain and loss of productivity among the working population. [85] From the study population a total of 10% reported shoulder and neck symptoms and, on average, in 26% of the cases reporting symptoms, productivity loss was involved. If symptoms of the hand and arm were also present the productivity loss was 36%.…”