Sporditeaduste ja füsioteraapia andmed

MSDs and functional characteristics of the neck in office workers working with a laptop or desktop computer

2021-11-15T13:52:01Z

MSDs and functional characteristics of the neck in office workers working with a laptop or desktop computer Argus, Martin; Pääsuke, Mati Background Using a laptop for work is gaining rapid popularity, but there is little evidence how it influences the musculoskeletal disoders (MSD) and functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of MSDs and functional characteristics of the neck between office workers using a laptop or desktop computer. Methods A total of 110 office workers with a mean age of 41±10 participated. 45 office workers (73% female) were using a laptop and 65 office workers (86% female) a desktop computer. The prevalence of MSDs was recorded using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Active range of motion (AROM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) force, joint position error (JPE), and pain-pressure threshold (PPT) of the neck were measured. Results Laptop users had statistically significantly more MSDs in the right shoulder area on the day of participation (p<0.001, OR=4.47), during the previous 7 days (p<0.01, OR=3.74) and 6 months (p<0.01, OR=3.57). Laptop users had also significantly more left shoulder MSDs during the previous 7 days (p<0.05, OR=2.44). The prevalence of neck area MSDs was higher among laptop users, but not statistically significant. Desktop computer users had more MSDs in the low back during the previous 6 months (p<0.05, OR=2.24). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the functional characteristics of the neck between the groups. Conclusions Using the laptop computer for work can cause a higher chance of developing MSDs in the neck and shoulder area, but might not have a long-term effect on the functional characteristics of the neck.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on musculoskeletal pain, physical activity and work environment in Estonian office workers transitioning to working from home.

2021-11-15T13:52:19Z

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on musculoskeletal pain, physical activity and work environment in Estonian office workers transitioning to working from home. Argus, Martin; Pääsuke, Mati Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency situation for social distancing was implemented in many countries, including Estonia. For most office workers, the lockdown caused a sudden shift from working at the office to working from home. The lockdown offered an opportunity to investigate how working from home affects musculoskeletal pain (MSP), physical activity (PA), work environment factors and their inbetween relationships among office workers. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 lockdown caused changes in MSP, PA, workplace properties and their inbetween relationships among office workers. Methods The study was conducted as an online form, which consisted of Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, modified NORDIC Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and questions about work environment. The questionnaires were doubled: one for describing the situation during the lockdown, second for describing retrospectively about 3 months before the lockdown. Total of 161 office workers (64,6% female) participated with the mean age of 38,17±9,52 years. Results We did not find any significant differences in the prevalence of MSP or between the mean number of body regions suffering from MSP before and during the lockdown. There was a significant (p<0,001, Cohen’s d=0,26) reduction in total PA, a significant (p<0,001, Cohen’s d=0,5) increase in work-related PA and a significant (p<0,001, Cohen’s d=0,42) decrease in sport-related PA during the lockdown. We found a significant drop in both workplace comfort rating (p<0,05, Cohen’s d=0,27) and workplace ergonomics rating (p<0,001, Cohen’s d=1). We recorded a significant negative correlation (r=-0,2059, p<0,01) between the change in self-reported sport-related PA and the change in number of body regions with MSP. We recorded a significant negative correlation between the number of body regions with an onset of MSP during the lockdown with both workplace comfort score (r=-0.262, p<0,001) and workplace ergonomics score (r=-0,2305, p<0,01). Conclusion Maintaining habitual physical activity levels and preparing a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace can play an important role in healthier transition to working from home.

Musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among office workers in an activity-based work environment.

2021-11-15T13:52:33Z

Musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among office workers in an activity-based work environment. Argus, Martin; Pääsuke, Mati Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and associated factors among office workers working in activity-based workplace (ABW). Methods 42 office workers with ABW and 68 office workers as control participated. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III, and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire were used and Pain pressure threshold (PPT) measured. Results There were no significant differences in the prevalence of MSDs in most body areas during the between ABW and control group. ABW group experienced significantly (p<0.05) more right wrist, hand, and finger pain in the past 6 months when compared with the control group. ABW group demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) more work-related physical activity and daily time spent standing. There were no significant differences in other pain-related factors measured. Conclusions Office workers with ABW had a similar prevalence of MSDs to office workers with a designated workplace and no differences in associated factors.