Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between  computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome , but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient .
Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities , including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis , and any aspect of computer work .
Conclusions There is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied .
Background This review examines the evidence for an association between  computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders ( except carpal tunnel syndrome ) .
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
Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between  computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome , but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient .
Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities , including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis , and any aspect of computer work .
Conclusions There is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied .
Background This review examines the evidence for an association between  computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders ( except carpal tunnel syndrome ) .