Levels of evidence for interventions associated with positive effects were : Moderate evidence for arm supports ; and Limited evidence for ergonomics training plus workstation adjustments , new chair and rest breaks .
Levels of evidence for interventions associated with “ no effect ” were : Strong evidence for workstation adjustment alone ; Moderate evidence for biofeedback training and job stress management training ; and Limited evidence for cognitive behavioral training .
No interventions were associated with “ negative effects ” .
Conclusion It is difficult to make strong evidence d-based recommendations about what practitioners should do to prevent or manage upper extremity MSDs .
There is a paucity of high quality OHS interventions evaluating upper extremity MSDs and none focused on traumatic injury outcomes or workplace m and ated pre-placement screening exams .
Background Little is known about the most effective occupational health and safety ( OHS ) interventions to reduce  upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) and injuries .
Methods A systematic review used a best evidence synthesis approach to address the question : “ do occupational health and safety interventions have an effect on upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms , signs , disorders , injuries , cl aims and lost time ? ”
Evaluation of Two Preventive Interventions for Reducing Musculoskeletal Complaints in Operators of Video Display Terminals
Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention , which was provided by physical therapists , on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals ( VDT ) . Subjects Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were r and omly divided into 2 groups . Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure , and group I received only the brochure . Methods Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later . The following tools were used : a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment ( REBA ) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture . Results Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back , neck , and shoulder symptoms compared with group I. Discussion and Conclusion The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs
Levels of evidence for interventions associated with positive effects were : Moderate evidence for arm supports ; and Limited evidence for ergonomics training plus workstation adjustments , new chair and rest breaks .
Levels of evidence for interventions associated with “ no effect ” were : Strong evidence for workstation adjustment alone ; Moderate evidence for biofeedback training and job stress management training ; and Limited evidence for cognitive behavioral training .
No interventions were associated with “ negative effects ” .
Conclusion It is difficult to make strong evidence d-based recommendations about what practitioners should do to prevent or manage upper extremity MSDs .
There is a paucity of high quality OHS interventions evaluating upper extremity MSDs and none focused on traumatic injury outcomes or workplace m and ated pre-placement screening exams .
Background Little is known about the most effective occupational health and safety ( OHS ) interventions to reduce  upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) and injuries .
Methods A systematic review used a best evidence synthesis approach to address the question : “ do occupational health and safety interventions have an effect on upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms , signs , disorders , injuries , cl aims and lost time ? ”