Musculoskeletal disorders and functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder: Comparison between office workers using a laptop or desktop computer.

BACKGROUND: Using a laptop for work is gaining rapid popularity, but there is little evidence of how it influences musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of upper body 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 years participated. 45 office workers (73% female) used a laptop and 65 office workers (86% female) used desktop computers. 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 and shoulder area were measured. RESULTS: Laptop users experienced 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 at 6 months (p < 0.01, OR = 3.57). Laptop users also experienced significantly more MSDs in the left shoulder during the previous 7 days (p < 0.05, OR = 2.44). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area between the groups. CONCLUSION: Using the laptop computer for office work may pose a higher risk of developing MSDs in the right shoulder area, but might not have long-term effects on the functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area.

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

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated factors among office workers working in the activity-based workplace (ABW). Methods. Forty-two office workers with an ABW and 68 office workers as controls participated. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, the Baecke physical activity questionnaire, the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire III and the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire were used and the pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured. Results. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of MSDs in most body areas between the ABW and control groups. The ABW group experienced significantly (p < 0.05) more right wrist, hand and finger (WHF) pain in the past 6 months when compared with the control group. The 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 an ABW had a similar prevalence of MSDs to office workers with a designated workplace and no differences in associated factors.

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

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 lockdown caused a sudden change in the work culture and environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown caused changes in musculoskeletal pain (MSP), physical activity (PA), workplace properties, and their in-between relationships among office workers. METHODS: A total of 161 office workers (64.6%female) with a mean age of 38.2±9.5 years participated. The study was conducted as an online form. Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, NORDIC Questionnaire, and questions about the work environment were used. The participants were asked to describe the current situation and retrospectively the situation 3 months before. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the prevalence of MSP or between the mean number of body regions suffering from MSP before and during the lockdown. During the lockdown, a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in total PA and sport-related PA and a significant (p < 0.001) increase in work-related PA was noted. A significant drop in both workplace comfort rating (p < 0.05) and workplace ergonomics rating (p < 0.001) was suggested during the lockdown. Our data also suggested several individual factors influencing the MSP among office workers during the lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining habitual physical activity level and preparing a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace can play a role in a healthier transition to working from home.