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 .
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Prevent Patient Lift and Transfer Injuries of Health Care Workers
Study Design . R and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) . Objectives . To compare the effectiveness of training and equipment to reduce musculoskeletal injuries , increase comfort , and reduce physical dem and s on staff performing patient lifts and transfers at a large acute care hospital . Summary of Background Data . Back injury to nursing staff during patient h and ling tasks is a major issue in health care . The value of mechanical assistive devices in reducing injuries to these workers is unclear . Methods . This three-armed RCT consisted of a “ control arm , ” a “ safe lifting ” arm , and a “ no strenuous lifting ” arm .  A medical , surgical , and rehabilitation ward were each r and omly assigned to each arm . Both intervention arms received intensive training in back care , patient assessment , and h and ling techniques . Hence , the “ safe lifting ” arm used improved patient h and ling techniques using manual equipment , whereas the “ no strenuous lifting ” arm aim ed to eliminate manual patient h and ling through use of additional mechanical and other assistive equipment . Results . Frequency of manual patient h and ling tasks was significantly decreased on the “ no strenuous lifting ” arm . Self-perceived work fatigue , back and shoulder pain , safety , and frequency and intensity of physical discomfort associated with patient h and ling tasks were improved on both intervention arms , but staff on the mechanical equipment arm showed greater improvements . Musculoskeletal injury rates were not significantly altered . Conclusions . The “ no strenuous lifting ” program , which combined training with assured availability of mechanical and other assistive patient h and ling equipment , most effectively improved comfort with patient h and ling , decreased staff fatigue , and decreased physical dem and s. The fact that injury rates were not statistically significantly reduced may reflect the less sensitive nature of this indicator compared with the subjective indicators
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 .