An integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach for identifying the risk level of musculoskeletal disorders among handheld device users.

In work-from-home (WFH) situation due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the handheld device (HHD) users work in awkward postures for longer hours because of unavailability of ergonomically designed workstations. This problem results in different type of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the HHD users. An integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach was offered for identifying the risk level of MSDs among HHD users. A case example implemented the proposed approach in which, firstly, the best-worst method (BWM) technique was used to prioritize and determine the relative importance (weightage) of the risk factors. The weightages of the risk factors further used to rank the seven alternatives (HHD users) using Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) technique. The outcomes of the BWM investigation showed that the three most significant risk factors responsible for MSDs are duration of working, poor working posture and un-ergonomic design. The outcome of the VIKOR technique exhibited that computer professionals were at the highest risk among all users. The risk factor priority must be used for designing a working strategy for the WFH situation which will help to mitigate the risks of MSDs.

Effect of physical activity intervention on the musculoskeletal health of university student computer users during homestay.

Objectives. The coronavirus outbreak delivered the condition of dying from infection and forced people (especially university student computer users) to perform all working and non-working activities during homestay. In this situation, device usage for a longer duration is mainly responsible for work-related health issues. This study aims to discover the effect of a physical activity intervention (PAI) on computer users' musculoskeletal health during homestay. Methods. The investigation was performed on 40 university student computer users. To measure body discomfort before and after using the PAI, the body part discomfort scale of Corlett and Bishop was applied. Results. After implementing the PAI, the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) decrement in major body regions was reported as wrist/forearm (from 8.17 ± 1.45 to 4.57 ± 1.10), lower back (from 8.01 ± 1.42 to 4.40 ± 1.14), elbow (from 7.57 ± 1.71 to 3.49 ± 1.13) and neck (from 7.40 ± 1.71 to 4.02 ± 0.81). Conclusions. PAI significantly decreased the discomfort among users in various body regions. This research suggested that PAIs may reduce the risk of MSDs in the long term for different body regions.

Risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among mobile device users during work from home.

Objectives. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting people throughout the world. People are forced to conduct various activities at home using mobile devices (MDs) as a result of the outbreak. In this case, prolonged use of MDs is the major cause for work-related health problems. Methods. We used systematic cluster random sampling to sample a diverse group of Indians from India's various states. Subjects filled out a questionnaire with questions about their demographics, MD usage and musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) faced. The relationship between MSSs and various factors was investigated using χ2 and binomial logistic regression analysis. Results. An online survey yielded 720 responses. More than half of employees registered MSSs in their upper body regions. Age, gender and MD usage were correlated with MSSs in various body regions. According to the binomial logistic regression findings, gender was significantly linked to MSSs in each body region. Conclusions. Results show that MDs can be used effectively in intermediate leisure activities if they are used in accordance with their basic needs.