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AIM: To determine the frequency of dry eye in computer users and to compare them with control group.METHODS: This study was a case control research conducted in 2015 in the city of Birjand.Sample size of study was estimated to be 304 subjects (152 subjects in each group,computer user group and control group).Non-randomized method of sampling was used in both groups.Schirmer test was used to evaluate dry eye of subjects.Then,subjects completed questionnaire.This questionnaire was developed based on objectives and reviewing the literature.After collecting the data,they were entered to SPSS Software and they were analyzed using Chi-square test or Fisher`s test at the alpha level of 0.05.RESULTS: In total,304 subjects (152 subjects in each group) were included in the study.Frequency of dry eyes in the control group was 3.3% (5 subjects) and it was 61.8% in computer users group (94 subjects).Significant difference was observed between two groups in this regard (P<0.001).The frequency of eye symptoms in the control group was 7.9% (n=12),and it was 34.2% in computer users group (n=52),which significant difference was observed between two groups in this regard (P<0.001).Frequency of dry eye syndrome in computer users by gender and age groups showed no significant correlation in this regard (P=0.8).The mean working hour with computer per day in patients with dry eye was 6.65±3.52h,while it was 1.62±2.54h in healthy group (T=13.25,P<0.001).CONCLUSION: This study showed a significant relationship between using computer and dry eye and ocular symptoms.Thus,it is necessary that officials need to pay particular attention to working hours with computer by employees.They should also develop appropriate plans to divide the working hours with computer among computer users.However,due to various confounding factors,it is recommended that these factors to be controlled in future studies.
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Background: Today computers are main and rapid source of information exchange and have become an indispensible piece of office equipment. As a result the computer users are increasing many folds with every passing year. Purpose: To assess the magnitude of ocular problems faced by computer users. Design: An observational study was conducted on people working for at least two hours or more per day on computer. Materials and methods: Individuals were assessed for their work related symptoms on a preset questionnaire and accordingly were classified into asymptomatic and symptomatic. Symptomatics were further divided into occasional, frequent or everyday symptoms. Results: Of 913 computer users of age group 16 to 40 years, 65.27% were males and 34.72% were females. 81.48% suffered from ocular symptoms of which 68.01% had occasional symptoms, 19.48% had frequent symptoms and 12.5% had regular symptoms. The symptoms were more pronounced in individuals working >6 hours on a computer. Conclusion: Ocular symptoms in computer users are directly proportional to the number of work hours on computer. Therefore proper knowledge of working on computers should be given to all as it will increase the work efficiency.
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Aim: To determine the relationship between mechanical low back pain and lumber curvature angle among bank worker computer users. Material and methods: 30 male bank worker computer users were working for continuous 4-hours at least/day, five days/week, selected randomly from National Bank of Egypt, kafrelshiekh governorate, Egypt. They divided into 2 equal groups (A and B). Male in group (A) were suffering from low back pain (LBP) within the last 6 month; male in group (B) were free from LBP. Their age was ranged from 25 to 30 years. Their body mass index was less 30 Kg/m. Lumbar curvature angle and pain intensity were measured by using the flexible ruler and visual analog scale for each participants in both groups (A and B). Results: There were significant differences in participant’s low back pain intensity (P = 0.001) and lumbar curvature angle (P = 0.001) between both groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between the pain intensity in lower back and lumbar curvature angle (P=0.001) between both groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between the pain intensity in lower back and lumbar curvature angle in both group ( A and B) (r = 0.463 and 0.37 respectively), as the pain intensity increased by increased lumber curvatuer angle. Conclusions: The bank worker computer users were more exposed to low back pain due to flattening of lumbar curve.
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Introduction: Internet is one of the fastest growing media for Human Resources and Development (HRD). Computer has become an essential part of our Activities of Daily Livings (ADLs) at one hand and other hand, prolonged computer usage has increases the risk of occupational hazards. Prolonged Static work at computer system is a causative factor for poor postural ergonomic, structural derangements and dysfunction commonly at neck, shoulder and low back structures to develop functional limitation and progressively functional disabilities. The basic health education (HE) by means of ergonomic advises and exercise therapy may have efficacy to promote, prevent and cure for such FDs. However, internet itself can be a mode of HE system to be provided at workplace to cut the time & cost together. Purpose of Study: To find the efficacy of IBM for FDs of the computer users. Materials: Internet supported computer, web-site (www.ptmovements.com), web pages, basic health assessment form, Self Reported FD Questioners, Neck Disability Index (NDI) & Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS), Study Design: Experimental Clinical Trial Methodology: 1256 computer users (M=867) participated online and assess for inclusive & exclusive criterions. Internet based self reported FDs questioners used to assess FDs in prior and post to two weeks of tailor made treatment program. Data Analysis: significance of FDs and impact of IBM on FDs was analyzed with SPSS -17, LOS set at 0.05 or CI 95 % Result: mild to moderate prevalence of FDs was higher neck & shoulder as compared to low back structures. The IBM has shown efficiency to reduce the level of FDs at NDI, and BPFS. Discussion: The internet based health education (IBHE) is well possible to deliver and to reduce the FDs. The advantage of time & cost effective approach in IBM has facilitated keen interest among computer users. Conclusion: The IBHE is well efficient and prospective to develop scopes of “workplace wellness” to promote, prevents, and cures for occupational diseases & disorders. E-health education has great prospectus in field of modern medicine.
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Background and Objectives:Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are very common in regular computer users and leading cause of work related illness. The objective of the present study is to evaluate effectiveness of yogic exercises in the improvement of symptoms of MSDs of upper limbs. Materials and Methods: 60 study participants were randomly divided into two groups that is yoga with counselling and only counselling group for 12 weeks. Symptom severity and functional status were assessed using the self administered Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and predesigned symptom questionnaire before and after intervention. Results: There was significant reduction in symptom severity score (P = 0.002) and improvement in functional status score in yoga with counselling group when compared to only counselling group. There is also a significant decrease in self reported symptoms like CT myalgia symptom (P = 0.019) and improvement in weakness. Conclusion: The present study showed a yoga based regimen is more effective than counselling alone in relieving symptoms of computer related musculoskeletal disorders.
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AIM: We sought to evaluate musculoskeletal discomfort and mental and physical fatigue in the call-center workers of an airline company before and after a supervised exercise program compared with rest breaks during the work shift. INTRODUCTION: This was a longitudinal pilot study conducted in a flight-booking call-center for an airline in São Paulo, Brazil. Occupational health activities are recommended to decrease the negative effects of the call-center working conditions. In practice, exercise programs are commonly recommended for computer workers, but their effects have not been studied in call-center operators. METHODS: Sixty-four call-center operators participated in this study. Thirty-two subjects were placed into the experimental group and attended a 10-min daily exercise session for 2 months. Conversely, 32 participants were placed into the control group and took a 10-min daily rest break during the same period. Each subject was evaluated once a week by means of the Corlett-Bishop body map with a visual analog discomfort scale and the Chalder fatigue questionnaire. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal discomfort decreased in both groups, but the reduction was only statistically significant for the spine and buttocks (p=0.04) and the sum of the segments (p=0.01) in the experimental group. In addition, the experimental group showed significant differences in the level of mental fatigue, especially in questions related to memory Rienzo, #181ff and tiredness (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results demonstrate that appropriately designed and supervised exercise programs may be more efficient than rest breaks in decreasing discomfort and fatigue levels in call-center operators.