Assessment of Forward Head Posture and Ergonomics in Young IT Professionals - Reasons to Worry?

BACKGROUND:  Prolonged computer use and poor ergonomics among IT professionals are considered risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. This research aims to analyze the degree of forward head posture and workplace ergonomics in young IT professionals to assess the risk for a neck disability. Methods: A prospective study was carried out by assessing the sitting posture at work, neck disability in the cervical region, quality of life, physical activity, and ergonomics of the workspace in 73 young IT professionals (32.56±5.46 years). Results: The score for the cervical functional disability index (NDI) showed a mild neck disability (8.19±7.51). The craniovertebral angle has an average value of 32.01±11.46, corresponding to a light forward head posture, and it positively correlated with age and work experience and negatively correlated with ROSA (r=0.24, p<0.05). The NDI positively correlated with physical activity (r =00.32 p<0.05) and with ROSA (r= 0.24, p<0.05). Conclusions: In IT professionals, neck disability is associated with the lack of workspace ergonomics and the amount of physical activity. Forward head posture correlated with age, work experience, and poor workspace ergonomics. According to our findings, there are real concerns about the influence of head posture and workplace ergonomics on health among IT professionals. We consider that it is necessary to adopt preventive measures to address neck disability and improve workspace ergonomics.

[The placement of Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter by laparoscopic approach--our experience]. / Plasarea cateterului Tenckhoff pentru dializa peritoneala prin abord laparoscopic--experienta noastra.

UNLABELLED: Ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is an alternative to haemo dialysis for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This study evaluates our experience in laparoscopic placement of Tenckhoff Catheter (TC) for peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: Between december 2000 and december 2007 in the II Surgical Clinic of Timisoara the laparoscopic implantation of the Tenckhoff catheter was performed in a lot of 56 patients with ESRD with mean age 53.04 years (limit between 17-80 years). In this lot of patients 66 laparoscopic procedures were performed--58 catheter implantation, 2 catheter changing, 2 repositioning, 2 adhesiolysis and 2 withdrawn. Mean operative time was 47.3 min. (limits 35-90 min.). RESULTS: Immediate functionality ratio (< 30 days) was 98.11% of cases. The immediate post-operative complications were: leakage of dialysis solution in three patients (5.35% of cases), bleeding from the incision in three patients (5.35% of cases) and one patient (1.78% of cases) with a migration of the TC, case who required replacement of the catheter performed also by laparoscopy. The late post-operative complications were: obstruction with omentum of the catheter in two patients (3.57% of cases), massive leakage in one patient (1.78% of cases), migration of the TC in one patient (1.78% of cases), tunnel infection in one patient (1.78% of cases) and peritonitis in two patients (3.57% of cases). In all these patients laparoscopy replacement of the catheter was required. The minor complications were: exit site infection in 3 patients (5.35% of cases), tunnel infection in 7 patients (12.5 % of cases), incisional hernia in one patient and pleural effusion in one patients (1.78% of cases). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic placement of TC is a successful method compared to other procedures. The great advantage is the direct visualization and fixation of the TC in the pelvis.