We found inconsistent evidence that the use of an arm support or an alternative mouse may or may not reduce the incidence of neck or shoulder MSDs .
For other physical ergonomic interventions there is no evidence of an effect .
For organisational interventions , in the form of supplementary breaks , there is very low- quality evidence of an effect on upper limb discomfort .
For training and multifaceted interventions there is no evidence of an effect on upper limb pain or discomfort .
BACKGROUND Work-related upper limb and neck musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) are one of the most common occupational disorders worldwide .
Studies have shown that the percentage of office workers that suffer from MSDs ranges from 20 to 60 per cent .
The direct and indirect costs of work-related upper limb MSDs have been reported to be high in Europe , Australia , and the United States .
Although ergonomic interventions are likely to reduce the risk of office workers developing work-related upper limb and neck MSDs , the evidence is unclear .
This is an up date of a Cochrane Review which was last published in 2012 .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of physical , cognitive and organisational ergonomic interventions , or combinations of those interventions for the prevention of work-related upper limb and neck MSDs among office workers .
Breaking up workplace sitting time with intermittent standing bouts improves fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in overweight/obese office workers
Objectives To examine whether the introduction of intermittent st and ing bouts during the workday using a height-adjustable workstation can improve subjective levels of fatigue , musculoskeletal discomfort and work productivity relative to seated work . Methods Overweight/obese office workers ( n=23 ; age 48.2±7.9 years , body mass index 29.6±4 kg/m2 ) undertook two , 5-day experimental conditions in an equal , r and omised ( 1:1 ) order . In a simulated office environment , participants performed their usual occupational tasks for 8 h/day in a : seated work posture ( SIT condition ) ; or interchanging between a st and ing and seated work posture every 30 min using an electric , height-adjustable workstation ( ST AND -SIT condition ) . Self-administered question naires measuring fatigue , musculoskeletal discomfort and work productivity were performed on day 5 of each experimental condition . Results Participants ’ total fatigue score was significantly higher during the SIT condition ( mean 67.8 ( 95 % CI 58.8 to 76.7 ) ) compared with the ST AND -SIT condition ( 52.7 ( 43.8 to 61.5 ) ; p<0.001 ) . Lower back musculoskeletal discomfort was significantly reduced during the ST AND -SIT condition compared with the SIT condition ( 31.8 % reduction ; p=0.03 ) . Despite concentration/focus being significantly higher during the SIT condition ( p=0.006 ) , there was a trend towards improved overall work productivity in favour of the ST AND -SIT condition ( p=0.053 ) . Conclusions Transitioning from a seated to a st and ing work posture every 30 min across the workday , relative to seated work , led to a significant reduction in fatigue levels and lower back discomfort in overweight/obese office workers , while maintaining work productivity . Future investigations should be directed at underst and ing whether sustained use of height-adjustable workstations promote concentration and productivity at work . Trial Registration Number ACTRN12611000632998
We found inconsistent evidence that the use of an arm support or an alternative mouse may or may not reduce the incidence of neck or shoulder MSDs .
For other physical ergonomic interventions there is no evidence of an effect .
For organisational interventions , in the form of supplementary breaks , there is very low- quality evidence of an effect on upper limb discomfort .
For training and multifaceted interventions there is no evidence of an effect on upper limb pain or discomfort .
BACKGROUND Work-related upper limb and neck musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) are one of the most common occupational disorders worldwide .
Studies have shown that the percentage of office workers that suffer from MSDs ranges from 20 to 60 per cent .
The direct and indirect costs of work-related upper limb MSDs have been reported to be high in Europe , Australia , and the United States .
Although ergonomic interventions are likely to reduce the risk of office workers developing work-related upper limb and neck MSDs , the evidence is unclear .
This is an up date of a Cochrane Review which was last published in 2012 .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of physical , cognitive and organisational ergonomic interventions , or combinations of those interventions for the prevention of work-related upper limb and neck MSDs among office workers .