There was strong evidence for one intervention category , resistance training , leading to the recommendation : Implementing a workplace-based resistance training exercise programme can help prevent and manage UEMSD and symptoms .
The synthesis also revealed moderate evidence for stretching programmes , mouse use feedback and forearm supports in preventing UEMSD or symptoms .
There was also moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback , job stress management training , and office workstation adjustment for UEMSD and symptoms .
The burden of disabling musculoskeletal pain and injuries ( musculoskeletal disorders , MSDs ) arising from work-related causes in many workplaces remains substantial .
There is little consensus on the most appropriate interventions for MSDs .
Our objective was to up date a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for preventing and managing  upper extremity MSD ( UEMSD ) .
A randomised controlled trial evaluating the effects of two workstation interventions on upper body pain and incident musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators
Background : Call centre work with computers is associated with increased rates of upper body pain and musculoskeletal disorders . Methods : This one year , r and omised controlled intervention trial evaluated the effects of a wide forearm support surface and a trackball on upper body pain severity and incident musculoskeletal disorders among 182 call centre operators at a large healthcare company . Participants were r and omised to receive ( 1  ) ergonomics training only , ( 2 ) training plus a trackball , ( 3 ) training plus a forearm support , or ( 4 ) training plus a trackball and forearm support . Outcome measures were weekly pain severity scores and diagnosis of incident musculoskeletal disorder in the upper extremities or the neck/shoulder region based on physical examination performed by a physician blinded to intervention . Analyses using Cox proportional hazard models and linear regression models adjusted for demographic factors , baseline pain levels , and psychosocial job factors . Results : Post-intervention , 63 participants were diagnosed with one or more incident musculoskeletal disorders  . Hazard rate ratios showed a protective effect of the armboard for neck/shoulder disorders ( HR = 0.49 , 95 % CI 0.24 to 0.97 ) after adjusting for baseline pain levels and demographic and psychosocial factors . The armboard also significantly reduced neck/shoulder pain ( p = 0.01 ) and right upper extremity pain ( p = 0.002 ) in comparison to the control group . A return-on-investment model predicted a full return of armboard and installation costs within 10.6 months . Conclusion : Providing a large forearm support combined with ergonomic training is an effective intervention to prevent upper body musculoskeletal disorders and reduce upper body pain associated with computer work among call centre employees
There was strong evidence for one intervention category , resistance training , leading to the recommendation : Implementing a workplace-based resistance training exercise programme can help prevent and manage UEMSD and symptoms .
The synthesis also revealed moderate evidence for stretching programmes , mouse use feedback and forearm supports in preventing UEMSD or symptoms .
There was also moderate evidence for no benefit for EMG biofeedback , job stress management training , and office workstation adjustment for UEMSD and symptoms .
The burden of disabling musculoskeletal pain and injuries ( musculoskeletal disorders , MSDs ) arising from work-related causes in many workplaces remains substantial .
There is little consensus on the most appropriate interventions for MSDs .
Our objective was to up date a systematic review of workplace-based interventions for preventing and managing  upper extremity MSD ( UEMSD ) .