Occupational Health: Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Computer Workers: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Computer work has assumed a very important role for many companies, but specific occupational and health symptoms associated with the use of computers can appear. According to the literature, physical activity is considered a key player in the prevention and control of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, contributing to a better quality of life in computer workers. The principal aims of this review are to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship among sedentary behavior, physical activity and quality of life of computer workers; to outline the importance of promoting the development of an educational program for Occupational Health directed at computer workers at the level of quality of life, musculoskeletal symptoms, and physical activity; and to call for attention to the factors needed to initiate and maintain a health program that involves the active participation of workers who must be concerned about their health. This review demonstrates the important role of workplaces in health promotion and the opportunities that workplaces provide to establish and continue successful health-promotion programs for computer workers, generating important benefits for the health and quality of life of individuals and groups.

Evaluating the Accuracy of Upper Limb Movement in the Sagittal Plane among Computer Users during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In the qualitative method of assessing shoulder movement that we used, the measurement of its range plays an important role. Moreira et al [30] and Gosain et al [31] demonstrated that non-ergonomic work at a computer station may cause pain in the upper limb due to the increased shoulder abduction angle. With regard to the occurrence of neck pain, the time of performing a specific motor task is also important.…”

Evaluation of a Workplace Active Rest Program in Office Workers With Comparison of a Prospective and Retrospective Survey

“…Aside assessment of physical activity, job satisfaction quality of life (QoL), and MSS can also be evaluated. [19][20][21][22][23][24] Interestingly, MSS are associated with psychosocial factors such as job demands and control, social support and job satisfaction. 33 So, targeting MSS with corresponding workplace measures could also bring benefits regarding job satisfaction.…”

“…In addition to assessment of physical activity and job satisfaction, evaluation of a physical activity-related measure can also target quality of life (QoL), musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) or self-reported well-being. [21][22][23][24] To ensure effectiveness of the chosen active rest program in the workplace an evaluation is recommended assessing consecutive targets. It can be conducted prospectively or in retrospect.…”

“…In addition to assessment of physical activity and job satisfaction, evaluation of a physical activity-related measure can also target quality of life (QoL), musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) or self-reported well-being. 21 - 24 …”

Predictive factors of ergonomic behaviors based on social cognitive theory among women workers on assembly lines: application of Bayesian networks

“…Demographic questions, covering age, height, weight, educational status, marital status, work experience, physical activity status, dairy consumption status, and financial status. When choosing the demographic variables for this research, we took into account factors that have previously been identified as potential influencers of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic practices which supported by pertinent literature [ 2 , 8 , 12 , 31 , 32 ]. Participants’ income levels were classified as ‘well,‘ ‘moderate,‘ or ‘poor,‘ based on their subjective evaluation of their financial well-being obtained through the questionnaire.…”