A prospective study of computer users: II. Postural risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders

Details

• Personal Author:
  Cohen S ; Edwards A ; Ensor C ; Gentry E ; Gerr F ; Kleinbaum D ; Marcus M ; Monteilh C ; Ortiz DJ
• Description:
  Background: Despite widespread recommendations regarding posture during computer use, associations between specific postures and musculoskeletal health are not well characterized. Methods: Six hundred and thirty-two newly hired computer users were followed prospectively to evaluate associations between posture and neck or shoulder (N/S) and hand or arm (H/A) musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders. Participants' postures were measured at entry and they reported symptoms on weekly diaries. Participants reporting symptoms were examined for specific disorders. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate associations between postural variables and risk of symptoms and disorders, controlling for confounding variables. Results: Keying with an inner elbow angle > 121 degrees, greater downward head tilt, and presence of armrests on the participants chair were associated with lower risk of N/S symptoms or N/S disorders. Keying with elbow height below the height of the "J" key and the presence of a telephone shoulder rest were associated with a greater risk of N/S symptoms or N/S disorders. Horizontal location of the "J" key > 12 cm from the edge of the desk was associated with a lower risk of H/A symptoms and H/A disorders. Use of a keyboard with the "J" key > 3.5 cm above the table surface, key activation force > 48 g, and radial wrist deviation of > 5 degrees while using a mouse was associated with a greater risk of H/A symptoms or H/A disorders. The number of hours keying/week was associated with H/A symptoms and disorders. Conclusions: The results suggest that the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders may be reduced by encouraging specific seated postures. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Computers Cumulative Trauma Disorders Epidemiology Musculoskeletal Diseases Occupational Health Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Stress, Psychological
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders Computer Computer-equipment Cumulative-trauma-disorders Ergonomics Job-stress Keyboard-operators Musculoskeletal-system-disorders Office-workers Physical-stress Posture Prospective Study Repetitive-work Risk-factors Video Display Terminal

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• ISSN:
  0271-3586
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Georgia ; OSHA Region 4
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  236-249
• Volume:
  41
• Issue:
  4
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20045476
• Citation:
  Am J Ind Med 2002 Apr; 41(4):236-249
• Contact Point Address:
  Fredric Gerr MD, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
• Email:
  fgerr@sph.emory.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2002
• NORA Priority Area:
  Disease and Injury: Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities
• Performing Organization:
  Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  19940930
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Industrial Medicine
• End Date:
  20000929
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:cb223a7e836fe7ba672806d75fcdb7ddf1554baa33175a5724e9ea84029d1eb8e50a2a084a3218665247150b8c413d206f60a1d7124077582ec14f519e4fab34
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/200882/cdc_200882_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 137.77 KB ]