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Alves RA, Penna TA, Silva MO, Oliveira BRR, Oliveira AJ. Association between leisure-time physical activity and musculoskeletal pain before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in working adults. Work 2024:WOR230364. [PMID: 38905073 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had major impacts on the physical lives of individuals, especially on home office workers. In this way, the practice of physical activity has been identified as an ally in the reduction and prevention of musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between leisure-time physical activity and musculoskeletal pain in adult workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 374 workers of both sexes (age = 46.5±10.5 years). Leisure-time physical activity, number of pain sites, and musculoskeletal pain status were investigated using a questionnaire designed for the study. Statistical analysis was performed using Multinomial Logistic Regression. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS A significant association was found between physical activity status and the number of pain sites (p = 0.002). In addition, an inverse association was found between physical activity before and during the quarantine and the number of pain sites (two pain sites - OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.2-0.7; three or more pain sites - OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.1-0.5). Physical activity interruption during quarantine increased pain perception by 2.86 times (OR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.0-7.5). CONCLUSIONS The findings showed that physical activity before and during the pandemic was a protective factor for body pain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta A Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade do Estado Rio de Janeiro, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Thaísa A Penna
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Atividade Física, Universidade Salgado de Oliveira, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Michel O Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação de Ciências do Exercício e do Esporte, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Bruno R R Oliveira
- Laboratório de Dimensões Sociais Aplicadas à Atividade Física e ao Esporte, Departamento de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Aldair J Oliveira
- Laboratório de Dimensões Sociais Aplicadas à Atividade Física e ao Esporte, Departamento de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Rodríguez-Herrera C, Villalobos-Molina V, Barría-Emparán T, Guillén-Jiménez V, Mardones-Carpanetti F. Mental workload, musculoskeletal discomfort and physical activity level in master's degree students in the COVID-19 context: A pilot study. Work 2024; 77:865-872. [PMID: 37781834 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a change of pedagogical strategies from on-campus to "online" modality (synchronous and asynchronous learning) and may influence the health of university students, including their mental workload. OBJECTIVE To identify the association between mental workload, perception of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), and the level of physical activity of Masters's students' online learning due to the pandemic. METHOD This was a pilot descriptive study with a cross-sectional, quantitative, non-experimental study design. The sample consisted of 20 students. To collect the data, the participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, NASA-Task Load Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. RESULTS The students presented mental workload at medium (45%) and high (55%) levels, with time demands as the most prevalent dimension. In addition, 80% of the students reported experiencing MSD in the last seven days, with the most frequent areas being the neck and lower back. Regarding the level of physical activity, five students had a low level (25%), five students had a medium level (25%), and ten students had a high level (50%) of activity. CONCLUSION Most of the students (95%) conduct their master's degree along with maintaining a full-time job. Therefore, the adaptive requirements according to "time demands" is a negative factor because of its contribution to mental workload. Especially in addition to students' perception of musculoskeletal discomfort, organizational aspects would be fundamental to prevent physical and mental health risks.
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Cruz-Ausejo L, Copez-Lonzoy A, Vilela-Estrada AL, Valverde JJ, Bohórquez M, Moscoso-Porras M. Can working at home be a hazard? Ergonomic factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among teleworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:1335-1344. [PMID: 36217607 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2127246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. The improvised and massive adoption of remote work in the context of COVID-19 has forced us to adapt homes as workspaces, which could promote development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This review explores the evidence for ergonomic factors associated with MSDs in teleworkers. Methods. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, SciELO and EBSCO. We included observational studies published between March 2020 and October 2021 that included teleworking personnel due to the restrictions of the pandemic. Results. A total of 212 studies were identified, 14 were chosen for complete review. Associated factors were change of work modality (on-site work to telework), use of home environments as workspaces (areas not adapted for work and with low lighting), working furniture (non-ergonomic chairs and desks), use of electronic devices (tablets, cell phones and laptops), organizational factors (working hours, active breaks, sitting time) and individual factors (physical activity practice). Conclusion. Various ergonomic home factors and the characteristics of teleworking - mainly furniture, the environment of work and physical activity - are associated with MSDs. This evidence suggests that the norms and regulation of telework can consider the adaptation of workspace and conditions at home to prevent health problems in the medium and long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Cruz-Ausejo
- Centro Nacional de Salud Ocupacional y Protección del Ambiente para la Salud (CENSOPAS), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
- Tecnólogo Médico, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
| | - Anthony Copez-Lonzoy
- Centro Nacional de Salud Ocupacional y Protección del Ambiente para la Salud (CENSOPAS), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
- Psicólogo, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
| | - Ana Lucía Vilela-Estrada
- Centro Nacional de Salud Ocupacional y Protección del Ambiente para la Salud (CENSOPAS), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
- Psicólogo, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
| | - Juan José Valverde
- Tecnólogo Médico, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
- Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Perú
| | - Melissa Bohórquez
- Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Perú
- Ingeniera de Higiene y Seguridad Industrial, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Perú
| | - Miguel Moscoso-Porras
- Centro Nacional de Salud Ocupacional y Protección del Ambiente para la Salud (CENSOPAS), Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
- Tecnólogo Médico, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Perú
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Sers S, Timm I, de Vries EA, Wäsche H, Woll A, Bender O, Giurgiu M. Insights on physical behavior while working from home: An ecological momentary assessment study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2273-2285. [PMID: 37431089 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home (WFH) has emerged as a common alternative work environment, but the possible influence on daily physical behavior (PB) (i.e., physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB)) remains unclear. This study aimed to examine daily associations between PB and the work environment (i.e., WFH, working at the office (WAO)), as well as to explore and identify patterns of PB within each work environment. An observational study using a dual-accelerometer system to continuously assess PB for at least 5 days was conducted. The sample consisted of 55 participants providing 276 days of assessment. Additional demographic, contextual, and psychological variables were measured via baseline questionnaire and several smartphone prompts per day. To analyze the effects of the work environment on PB, multilevel analyses were conducted. For the identification of patterns within each work environment, latent class trajectory modelling was applied. Associations between the work environment and various PA parameters were found, indicating that WFH has a negative effect on MVPA time, steps, and physical activity intensity (MET), but a positive effect on short PA bouts (≤5 min). No associations between the work environment and any SB parameter (i.e., SB time, SB breaks, SB bouts) were found. Latent class trajectory modelling revealed three MVPA patterns for days WFH, and two patterns for days WAO. Given the growing prevalence of WFH and the positive health effects associated with MVPA, daily-tailored solutions to enhance MPVA while WFH are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Sers
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Irina Timm
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Elisabeth A de Vries
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hagen Wäsche
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Alexander Woll
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Oliver Bender
- Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Marco Giurgiu
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Blank L, Hock E, Cantrell A, Baxter S, Goyder E. Exploring the relationship between working from home, mental and physical health and wellbeing: a systematic review. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-100. [PMID: 37452651 DOI: 10.3310/ahff6175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the impact of working from home on health and wellbeing is of great interest to employers and employees alike, with a strong need for up-to-date guidance. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, appraise and synthesise existing research evidence that explores the impact of home working on health and wellbeing outcomes for working people and health inequalities in the population. Methods We conducted a systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and observational studies. We searched databases, reference lists and UK grey literature and completed citation searching of included papers. We extracted and tabulated key data from the included papers and synthesised narratively. Factors associated with the health and wellbeing of people working at home reported in the literature were displayed by constructing mind maps of each individual factor which had been identified. The findings were combined with an a priori model to develop a final model, which was validated in consultation with stakeholders. Results Of 96 studies which were found to meet the inclusion criteria for the review, 30 studies were published before the COVID-19 pandemic and a further 66 were published during the pandemic. The quality of evidence was limited by the study designs employed by the authors, with the majority of studies being cross-sectional surveys (n = 59). For the most part, for studies which collected quantitative data, measures were self-reported. The largest volume of evidence identified consisted of studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic which looked at factors which influence the relationship between working from home and measures relating to mental health and wellbeing. Fifteen studies which considered the potential for working at home to have different effects for different subgroups suggested that working at home may have more negative consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic for women and in particular, mothers. There was very little evidence on age (two studies), ethnicity (one study), education or income (two studies) in terms of moderating home working effects, and very limited evidence from before the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of enforced working from home and having 'no choice' was reported in only one paper prior to the pandemic and two papers reporting on working from home as a result of COVID-19. However, the concept of lack of choice around working from home was implicit in much of the literature - even though it was not directly measured. There were no clear patterns of wellbeing measures which changed from positive to negative association (or vice versa) during the pandemic. Limitations The quality of the evidence base was very much limited by study designs, particularly for studies published during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of studies consisting of data collected by cross-sectional surveys (often online). Due to the rapidly expanding nature of the evidence on this topic, it is possible that new studies were published after the final citation searches were conducted. Discussion The evidence base for the factors which influence the relationship between home working and health-related outcomes has expanded significantly as a result of the need for those whose work could be done from home to work at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that there are factors relating to the external context, the role of employers and the circumstances of the employee which contribute to determining whether someone works at home and what the associated impacts on health and wellbeing may be. Learning from the COVID-19 lockdown experience will be important to inform future policy on home and hybrid working. Future work There is a need for better-quality studies of the health impact of home working, in particularly studies which recruit a range of participants who are representative of the working population and which are designed to minimise sampling/recruitment biases and response biases. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (project reference 18/93 PHR Public Health Review Team) and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 4. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021253474.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Blank
- School for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emma Hock
- School for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Cantrell
- School for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Susan Baxter
- School for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elizabeth Goyder
- School for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Keightley S, Duncan M, Gardner B. An intervention to promote positive homeworker health and wellbeing through effective home-working practices: a feasibility and acceptability study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:614. [PMID: 36997955 PMCID: PMC10063430 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15347-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the wake of Covid-19, the prevalence of working from home ('home-working') is expected to rise. Yet, working from home can have negative health and wellbeing impacts. Interventions are needed to promote effective ways of working that also protect workers' health and wellbeing. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention intended to promote home-working practices that would protect and promote health behaviour and wellbeing. METHODS An uncontrolled, single-arm mixed-methods trial design was employed. Forty-two normally-office-based UK workers, working from home between January-February 2021 (during the Covid pandemic), consented to receive the intervention. The intervention: a digital document offering evidence-based recommendations for home-working in ways conducive to health behaviour and wellbeing. Feasibility and acceptability were quantitatively indexed by: expressions of interest within 1 week (target threshold ≥ 35); attrition across the one-week study period (threshold ≤ 20%); and the absence of any apparent detriments in self-reported physical activity, sedentary behaviour, snacking, and work-related wellbeing prior to and one week after receiving the intervention. Qualitative think-aloud data, obtained while participants read through the intervention, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, explored acceptability. Semi-structured interviews conducted one week after intervention exposure were content-analysed to identify whether and which behaviour changes were adopted. RESULTS Two feasibility criteria were met: 85 expressions of interest indicated satisfactory intervention demand, and no detriments were observed in health behaviours or wellbeing. Forty-two participants (i.e., maximum capacity for the study; 26 females, 16 males, aged 22-63) consented to take part. 31% dropped out over the one-week study period leaving a final sample of 29 (18 females, 11 males, aged 22-63), exceeding identified attrition thresholds. Think-aloud data showed that participants concurred with intervention guidance, but felt it lacked novelty and practicality. Follow-up interviews produced 18 (62%) participant reports of intervention adherence, where nine recommendations reportedly prompted behaviour change in at least one participant. CONCLUSIONS Mixed evidence was found for intervention feasibility and acceptability. Whilst the information was deemed relevant and of value, further development is required to increase its novelty. It may also be more fruitful to provide this information via employers, to encourage and emphasise employer endorsement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Keightley
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Myanna Duncan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Benjamin Gardner
- Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, Surrey, UK
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Fadel M, Bodin J, Cros F, Descatha A, Roquelaure Y. Teleworking and Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4973. [PMID: 36981881 PMCID: PMC10049341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Teleworking has spread drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its effect on musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD) remains unclear. We aimed to make a qualitative systematic review on the effect of teleworking on MSD. Following the PRISMA guidelines, several databases were searched using strings based on MSD and teleworking keywords. A two-step selection process was used to select relevant studies and a risk of bias assessment was made. Relevant variables were extracted from the articles included, with a focus on study design, population, definition of MSD, confounding factors, and main results. Of 205 studies identified, 25 were included in the final selection. Most studies used validated questionnaires to assess MSD, six considered confounders extensively, and seven had a control group. The most reported MSD were lower back and neck pain. Some studies found increased prevalence or pain intensity, while others did not. Risk of bias was high, with only 5 studies with low/probably low risk of bias. Conflicting results on the effect of teleworking on MSD were found, though an increase in MSD related to organizational and ergonomic factors seems to emerge. Future studies should focus on longitudinal approaches and consider ergonomic and work organization factors as well as socio-economic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fadel
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Julie Bodin
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Florence Cros
- GRePS UR 4163, Université Lumière Lyon 2, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Alexis Descatha
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hosftra University Northwell Health, New York, NY 11021, USA
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
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Bonfrate L, Di Ciaula A, Khalil M, Farella I, Chirico R, Vilahur G, Portincasa P. Gender-dependent impact of COVID-19 lockdown on metabolic and psychological aspects. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:385-395. [PMID: 36703077 PMCID: PMC9879743 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The first COVID-19 lockdown resulted in enforced quarantine of heavily affected areas with social isolation and related measures by several governments to slow the spread of the disease. The general population experienced several mental and lifestyle changes. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic and psychological effects induced by lifestyle changes during COVID-19 self-isolation among an Apulian overweight/obese cohort with metabolic disturbances. The study assessed anthropometric data (weight, abdominal circumferences), dietary habits (adherence to the Mediterranean diet, junk food score), lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking, and physical activity), levels of stress and anxiety, and depression. Subjects underwent bioumoral exams before and after self-isolation to monitor glycemic and lipid profiles. A total of 245 subjects (M:F = 118:127) have been included in the study. After lockdown, the number of obese subjects significantly increased in both sexes, and was higher in females than in males (P < 0.0001). Glycemic and lipid profiles worsened, with higher levels of insulinemia, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, and higher levels of triglycerides in females than in males. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and consumption of junk foods were altered in both groups, especially in females. Psychological aspects were significantly higher in females than in males. Finally, work activities and familial status strongly affected the metabolic and psychological profile. In conclusion, COVID-19 self-isolation induced changes in lifestyle and dietary habits with psychological distress and detrimental effects on metabolic patterns, which were more pronounced in female gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonilde Bonfrate
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Farella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Chirico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberCV, Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica A. Murri, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
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Jain R, Verma V, Rana KB, Meena ML. Effect of physical activity intervention on the musculoskeletal health of university student computer users during homestay. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:25-30. [PMID: 34856880 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.2014090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Jain
- University Teaching Department, Rajasthan Technical University Kota, India
| | - Vibhor Verma
- University Teaching Department, Rajasthan Technical University Kota, India
| | - Kunj Bihari Rana
- University Teaching Department, Rajasthan Technical University Kota, India
| | - Makkhan Lal Meena
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, India
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10
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Ipsen C, Kirchner K, Bolisani E, Scarso E. In a digitalising Europe: Unfolding knowledge from working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and Denmark. Work 2023; 74:59-74. [PMID: 36189522 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital applications have been vital to ensuring business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, digital transformation is considered key to shaping Europe's future, including the opportunity for hybrid work. Consequently, a central issue is the experience and perception of workers and the effect on their mental well-being. OBJECTIVE Building on the assumption that the more 'digitalized' and 'experienced with working from home (WFH),' the more positive peoples' perceptions are, this paper explores how workers in Italy and Denmark perceived WFH during the first COVID-19 lockdown from a psychosocial perspective and what lessons could be drawn for policy and industry. METHODS Ranking top and bottom respectively on the European Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and different pre-pandemic experiences of WFH, data about WFH perceptions and mental well-being were collected among Danes and Italians via a survey from March to May 2020. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. RESULTS The combination of high rank and pre-experience of WFH did not result in a positive perception of WFH. Mental well-being of Danes were mostly affected and they experienced WFH to be more challenging than the Italians, where the key disadvantages were related to "Home office constraints" and the isolation that followed. CONCLUSION When digitalizing Europe and workplaces are likely to offer people the opportunity to have hybrid work, the results highlight how national conditions affect the prospects of the new ways of working including people's mental well-being and where actions are most needed for policy and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ipsen
- Department of Management, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kathrin Kirchner
- Department of Management, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ettore Bolisani
- Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Enrico Scarso
- Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Vicenza, Italy
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Butte KT, Cannavan D, Hossler J, Travis C, Geiger J. The relationship between objectively measured sitting time, posture, and low back pain in sedentary employees during COVID-19. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 19:259-266. [PMID: 36590365 PMCID: PMC9789514 DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-01031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between objectively measured sitting time, posture, and low back pain (LBP) in adults with full-time (≥ 40 h/week) sedentary "desk" jobs. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) between work environments (home vs. office) were also compared during COVID-19. Methods Participants (N = 53; M age = 41 ± 12years) were full-time employees in sedentary jobs during COVID-19. A survey with demographic, work environment, and LBP questions was completed; Thomas Test assessed poor hip posture. ActivPAL devices were worn for ≥ 4 valid days (≥ 10 h/d) to assess waking sitting time (min/d). Binomial logistic regressions examined sitting as a predictor of poor posture and LBP; ANOVAs compared PA and SB between work environments. Results Objectively measured sitting (min/day) predicted poor hip posture (β = - 0.01, p < 0.046) but was not significant for LBP (β = 0.002, p < 0.43). Participants who worked from home had significantly higher sitting time (569 ± 111 vs. 477 ± 46 min/d; p < 0.04), higher muscle strengthening PA (2.2 ± 2 vs. 0.5 ± 1.2d/week p < 0.02), but no difference in aerobic PA (p < 0.15), than those who worked from an office. Conclusion Given the shift to remote work during COVID-19, employees are at high risk for postural compensations that lead to LBP due to high SB and poor work ergonomics at home. There is a need to develop home-based behavioral and exercise interventions to reduce sitting, help improve posture, and invest in proper ergonomic homework equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Thralls Butte
- Health and Human Performance Department, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd W Ave, Seattle, WA 98119 USA
| | - Dale Cannavan
- Health and Human Performance Department, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd W Ave, Seattle, WA 98119 USA
| | - John Hossler
- Health and Human Performance Department, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd W Ave, Seattle, WA 98119 USA ,Mathematics Department, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, USA
| | - Caleb Travis
- Health and Human Performance Department, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd W Ave, Seattle, WA 98119 USA
| | - Jon Geiger
- Mathematics Department, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, USA
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12
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Rujiret U, Keerin M, Julaporn P, Petcharatana B, Wattana J, Chutima J. Validity of "OfficeCheck": A self-musculoskeletal assessment tool for screening work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. Work 2023; 76:1501-1508. [PMID: 37393474 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early self-assessment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is crucial in preventing severe symptoms and long-term consequences. Accessible tools are necessary for proactive management. OBJECTIVE To validate the OfficeCheck web application as a screening tool to classify office workers as capable of self-management for specific symptoms of WMSDs or requiring professional consultation. METHODS This study was conducted to determine the criterion-related validity of OfficeCheck using physical therapy assessment as the reference standard. In total, 223 office workers who work with a computer more than two hours a day with or without symptoms of WMSDs participated in this study. All of them were classified by self-assessment on the OfficeCheck process flow (Kappa = 0.841) and physical therapy assessment, respectively. For statistical analysis, classification numbers were calculated for sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS A total of 223 workers with a mean age of 38.9±9.0 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.3±5.2 kg/m2 were illustrated. The most common areas of complaint were neck/upper back and lower back/hip. The results indicated that OfficeCheck had high sensitivity (95.1%), low specificity (42.0%), low PPV (38.0%), and high NPV (95.8%). The FPR was 58.0% and the FNR was 4.9%. CONCLUSION OfficeCheck was found to have high sensitivity to classify office workers as capable of self-management for specific symptoms of WMSDs or requiring professional consultation. The use of OfficeCheck is thus recommended for self-detection and management to stop the consequences of WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mekhora Keerin
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pooliam Julaporn
- Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, NakhonPathom, Thailand
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13
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Appel-Meulenbroek R, Voulon T, Bergefurt L, Arkesteijn M, Hoekstra B, Jongens-Van der Schaaf P. Perceived health and productivity when working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work 2023; 76:417-435. [PMID: 37092204 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, office workers were obliged to work from home (WFH). Alongside known positive aspects of home-based telework, it is associated with reduced health and productivity impacts. Its success depends on employee and environmental characteristics. OBJECTIVE This paper fills the gap in knowledge on the mediating role of health between personal and environmental factors and employee productivity, when obliged to work from home full-time. It covers health in full (physical, mental, and social) unlike other WFH studies. METHODS Two large survey-based datasets (gathered April 27th - November 20th, 2020) were analysed resp. with a path model and descriptive analyses. The data provide experiences on health and productivity of resp. 25,058 and 18,859 Dutch office workers from different public organisations, who were obliged to work from home during the COVID-19 lockdowns. RESULTS In general, the workers in the sample perceived their health to be quite good. Path analysis revealed that gender, age, education, the at-home workspace, the presence of children in the household, and perceived organisational support were significantly related to self-perceived productivity. However, most of these effects were found to be mediated by physical, mental, and/or social health indicators. Possible explanations for health issues from the descriptive analyses were sedentary behaviour, unsuitable furniture, having to be at home, social isolation and changed content and frequency of contact with colleagues. CONCLUSION Findings imply that specifically engagement and organisational support of teleworkers are most relevant to steer on to ensure productivity while WFH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thijs Voulon
- Urban Systems & Real Estate, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Bergefurt
- Urban Systems & Real Estate, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Arkesteijn
- Management of the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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14
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The longitudinal association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 96:521-535. [PMID: 36566457 PMCID: PMC9790086 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the associations between working from home and the presence of MSP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home often involves a lot of sedentary computer screen work and the home working environment might not be optimally equipped, which can lead to health problems, including musculoskeletal pain (MSP). METHODS Longitudinal data from 16 questionnaire rounds of the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) were used. In total, 40,702 Dutch workers were included. In every round, participants reported whether they worked on location, from home, or hybrid. Logistic Generalized Estimating Equations were used to study the association of work situation with the presence of MSP and the presence of severe MSP. RESULTS Working from home was associated with higher risks of having MSP in the lower back (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08), in the upper back (OR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.18-1.31), and in the neck, shoulder(s) and/or arm(s) (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.22). Hybrid working was associated with higher risks of having pain in the upper back (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17) and in the neck, shoulder(s) and/or arm(s) (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.20). Both home and hybrid workers had higher risks of severe MSP in the different body areas. CONCLUSION Home workers, and to a smaller extent hybrid workers, had higher risks of having MSP than location workers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate the importance of measures to prevent MSP in future policies involving working from home.
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15
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Loef B, van Oostrom SH, Bosma E, Proper KI. The mediating role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1072030. [PMID: 36530694 PMCID: PMC9757165 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1072030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated both with physical inactivity and musculoskeletal pain. However, it has not been examined whether physical activity and sedentary behavior are underlying mechanisms in the association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, we examined their mediating role in this association. Methods Data were used from 24 questionnaire rounds of the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort (March 2020-January 2022). Longitudinal information on work situation (location, home, hybrid), physical activity, sedentary behavior, and musculoskeletal pain was collected among 28,586 workers. Analysis of physical activity/sedentary behavior as mediators of the association between working from home and musculoskeletal pain was performed using multilevel structural equation modeling. Results Home workers more often had pain in the upper back [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95%-confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.34] and arm, neck, and/or shoulder (ANS) (OR = 1.32, 95%-CI = 1.19-1.47) than location workers. Furthermore, home workers were more often sedentary for >9 h per work day than location workers (OR = 2.82, 95%-CI = 2.56-3.09), and being more sedentary was associated with musculoskeletal pain (upper back: OR = 1.17, 95%-CI = 1.06-1.30; ANS: OR = 1.25, 95%-CI = 1.16-1.34). Corresponding indirect effects were OR = 1.18 (95%-CI = 1.04-1.33) and OR = 1.26 (95%-CI = 1.12-1.35). No indirect effect was found for physical activity. Similar indirect effects were observed for hybrid workers. Conclusion Home and hybrid workers were more likely to have pain in the upper musculoskeletal system during the COVID-19 pandemic than location workers, which was partly mediated by increased sedentary behavior, but not by reduced physical activity. Measures to reduce sedentary time in home workers may contribute to preventing musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bette Loef
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Bette Loef
| | - Sandra H. van Oostrom
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Esmee Bosma
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | | | - Karin I. Proper
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands,Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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16
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Gosain L, Ahmad I, Rizvi MR, Sharma A, Saxena S. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among computer users working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey. BULLETIN OF FACULTY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9800234 DOI: 10.1186/s43161-022-00110-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Office employees are at a greater risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to their prolonged computer use. In the context of COVID-19, an unanticipated shift to working from home is likely to increase MSD due to a lack of an ergonomic workspace and longer workdays.
Aim
To explore the prevalence of MSD with work-related risk factors among the computer users working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study design
Cross-sectional survey.
Methods
Computer users working from home for more than 6 hours per day during the COVID-19 lockdown were assessed for possible work-related MSD using web-based survey—Google forms for Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.
Results
One hundred twenty one responses from 53 (43.8%) females (25.47 ± 5.72 years) and 68 (56.2%) males (28.65 ± 4.68 years) were included. The female participants were more prone to musculoskeletal pain as compared to males. The neck pain (60.3%), lower back pain (59.5%), and shoulder pain (49.6%) were the most reported body regions affected by work-related MSD. The elbow (18.2%), wrist/hand (35.5%), upper back (42.1%), hips (24.8%), knee (23.1%), and ankle/feet (14%) were the least affected regions. The risk factors associated with MSP includes lack of workplace at home during lockdown, stress after being in one posture, stress in eyes, and mental stress due to work.
Conclusions
During the lockdown phase, the transition of computer workers from working office environment to home increased the prevalence of MSD more commonly in females than males. There is a need to investigate early detection, prevention, and management options to enhance health outcomes.
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17
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Waongenngarm P, van der Beek AJ, Akkarakittichoke N, Janwantanakul P. Immediate Effect of Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Non-Specific Neck and Low Back Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study. Asia Pac J Public Health 2022; 34:849-852. [PMID: 36114708 PMCID: PMC9483132 DOI: 10.1177/10105395221126012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pooriput Waongenngarm
- Faculty of Health Science Technology,
HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Allard J. van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational
Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nipaporn Akkarakittichoke
- Inter-Department Program of Biomedical
Sciences, Faculty of Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok,
Thailand
| | - Prawit Janwantanakul
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty
of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Prawit Janwantanakul, Department of
Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University,
Phyathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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18
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Somasundram KG, Hackney A, Yung M, Du B, Oakman J, Nowrouzi-Kia B, Yazdani A. Mental and physical health and well-being of canadian employees who were working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1987. [PMID: 36316683 PMCID: PMC9619010 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed various aspects of our lives, including how we work. Since the start of the pandemic, numerous organizations in Canada have mandated their employees to work from home (WFH) on a full-time basis. The rapid rise in the number of remote workers and the possibility for WFH continuing in the future signifies the importance of understanding the health and well-being of employees working from home over the course of the pandemic in Canada. We present the findings of two surveys (initial and 6-month follow-up) to examine the health and well-being of WFH employees during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. We analyzed the changes in mental and physical health and well-being of employees who were working from home between two time points during the pandemic. METHODS Initial survey was completed between October 2020 and December 2020 (n = 1617); follow-up survey was completed between May 2021 and June 2021 (n = 382). We calculated the frequencies for survey questions involving demographics, WFH preferences, workstation setup training, employment situation, provision of hardware technologies, provision and usage of software technologies, and organization's return to work plan. We conducted Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to analyze the within-individual changes in mental and physical health and well-being of the 382 respondents who completed both the initial and follow-up surveys. RESULTS Our analyses showed significant changes in various aspects of employee mental and physical health and well-being. Burnout, stress, general mental health, and job insecurity levels significantly decreased between the two time periods. Work-related sedentary behaviour reduced over time; however, the average proportion of time spent sitting during work hours was more than 80% in both surveys. Employees received more help and feedback from their colleagues and experienced a better sense of community with their co-workers over time. CONCLUSION The findings can inform workers and organizations on the changes in mental and physical health and well-being of employees working from home during the pandemic. By understanding the changes in worker health and well-being, employers can develop effective strategies and implement policies that help protect employees' health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumara G Somasundram
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Hackney
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Marcus Yung
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Bronson Du
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amin Yazdani
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON, Canada.
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
- School of Geographic and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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19
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Wilms P, Schröder J, Reer R, Scheit L. The Impact of "Home Office" Work on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912344. [PMID: 36231651 PMCID: PMC9566552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world enacted a wide variety of regulations and laws to contain the incidence of infection. One of these measures was the relocation of work to the home office. The objective of this review was to analyze the influence of the home office in correlation with regulations on sedentary and activity behavior. A search was conducted on various electronic databases from November 2019 to January 2022, using the search terms physical activity (PA), COVID-19, and working from home. The primary outcomes were changes in PA and sedentary behavior (SB). Secondary outcomes included pain, mood, and parenting stress. The risk of bias was assessed using the (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool. For the review, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria (total n = 1268). There was a significant increase in SB (+16%) and a decrease in PA (-17%), Light PA (-26%), and moderate to vigorous PA (-20%). There was also an increase in pain and parenting stress and a decrease in well-being. Due to our significant results, programs that promote movement should be created. Future studies should explore how an increase of PA and a reduction of SB in the home office could be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Wilms
- Department I–Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, 22049 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schröder
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Reer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Scheit
- Department I–Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, 22049 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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20
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Marcos-Pardo PJ, Abelleira-Lamela T, Vaquero-Cristobal R, González-Gálvez N. Changes in life satisfaction, depression, general health and sleep quality of Spanish older women during COVID-19 lockdown and their relationship with lifestyle: an observational follow-up study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061993. [PMID: 36002204 PMCID: PMC9412044 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJETIVES To analyse the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on mental well-being variables of older women, and to determine the influence of lifestyle and age on such effects. The hypothesis of the study was that all parameters related to mental well-being would worsen in older women during the COVID-19 lockdown. DESIGN Observational follow-up study. Pre lockdown measurements were taken before the lockdown. Post lockdown measurements were taken as soon as began the de-escalation. SETTING Senior centres in the Region of Murcia (Spain). PARTICIPANTS The sample was composed of 40 older women volunteers, over 54 years of age (mean age=62.35±8.15 years). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Pre lockdown and post lockdown evaluations were carried out face to face. The following questionnaires were completed: Satisfaction with Life Scale, The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, The Short Form 36 Health Survey, The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Prevention with Mediterranean Diet. RESULTS Post lockdown, a worsening was found in the variables of life satisfaction (p=0.001); depression (p<0.001), quality of life in physical role (p=0.006), pain (p=0.004), emotional role (p<0.001) and mental health (p<0.001); and sleep quality (p=0.018), sleep latency (p=0.004), sleep disturbances (p=0.002) and global sleep quality score (p=0.002). It was found how age influenced the variables of pain (p=0.003) and social role (p=0.047), as well as the influence of a healthy lifestyle on the variables analysed (F=6.214; p=0.017). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was shown to be a protective factor against increased depression (p=0.03). Spending time sitting was shown to be a risk factor for physical role health (p=0.002), as was advanced age on health due to worsening pain (p=0.005), or an unhealthy lifestyle on increased consumption of sleeping aids (p=0.017). CONCLUSION The lockdown had a great negative impact on Spanish older women on mental well-being variables. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04958499.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jorge Marcos-Pardo
- SPORT Research Group (CTS-1024), CERNEP Research Center, Universidad de Almeria, Almeria, Andalucía, Spain
- Department of Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Active Aging, Exercise and Health/HEALTHY-AGE Network, Consejo Superior de Deportes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomás Abelleira-Lamela
- Injury prevention in sport Research Group (PRELEDE), Faculty of Sport, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Vaquero-Cristobal
- Active Aging, Exercise and Health/HEALTHY-AGE Network, Consejo Superior de Deportes, Madrid, Spain
- Injury prevention in sport Research Group (PRELEDE), Faculty of Sport, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Noelia González-Gálvez
- Active Aging, Exercise and Health/HEALTHY-AGE Network, Consejo Superior de Deportes, Madrid, Spain
- Injury prevention in sport Research Group (PRELEDE), Faculty of Sport, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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21
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Grubben M, Wiertsema S, Hoekman R, Kraaykamp G. Is Working from Home during COVID-19 Associated with Increased Sports Participation? Contexts of Sports, Sports Location and Socioeconomic Inequality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610027. [PMID: 36011663 PMCID: PMC9408749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has focused mainly on the association between working from home (WFH) and physical activity, establishing that physical activity diminished among people WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, we investigated the association between WFH and specifically sports participation (competitive and non-competitive). We theorized that WFH would offer individuals additional opportunities to practice sports during the pandemic. Governmental restrictions at the time constrained opportunities to participate in organized sports and in sports with others. We, therefore, expected sports participation during the pandemic to be largely restricted to individual participation and participation at home or in the public space. By means of descriptive analyses and adjusted analyses of variance (n = 1506), we found positive associations between WFH and various aspects of sports participation. Lower-educated individuals, in particular, seem to be benefiting from WFH related to their sports participation in the public space, and economically deprived individuals also seem to be benefiting from WFH in regard to their sports participation at home. Our findings extend the literature on physical activity and sports participation among people who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic while offering implications for policies on WFH, sports opportunities in public space and physical activity-friendly environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malou Grubben
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (S.W.); Tel.: +31-24-3613013 (M.G.)
| | - Sara Wiertsema
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (S.W.); Tel.: +31-24-3613013 (M.G.)
| | - Remco Hoekman
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Mulier Institute, P.O. Box 85445, 3508 AK Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerbert Kraaykamp
- Department of Sociology, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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22
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Giuseppe LT, Marta C, Elena M, Riccardo G, GianRomolo B, Giancarlo P, Delfo A, Antonio LI, Alice M. Smart working perception in banking companies’ employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional pilot study. Work 2022; 73:363-376. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to make decisions to re-assess working-time and location in order to ensure business survival. The resorting to Smart Working (SW) has been adopted to support business continuity, especially in the banking sector. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at evaluating the attitude and opinions of the bank employees on SW, focusing on the demographic, social and occupational characteristics of the respondents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the attitudes of the banking workers towards SW. The research was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021 through a validated questionnaire administered online. RESULTS: The workers more interested in SW were younger than 45 years old (p < 0.001), with a high educational level (p = 0.001), and lived > 50 km away from the workplace (p < 0.001). Who reported an improved productivity was aged < 45 years, childless (p < 0.001), not married (p = 0.004). Who thought that working in smart mode has penalized the teamwork was older than 45 years (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.73), lived near the office (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.16-2.99). CONCLUSIONS: SW could help finding a balance between private and working life, modifying the traditional working activity. However, it could enhance the risk of social isolation, impacting negatively on the working motivation. Establishing good practices on SW could be useful in the short-term to improve the time-management, focus better on work, and prevent possible psychological consequences on banking workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Torre Giuseppe
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiappetta Marta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mazzalai Elena
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gresele Riccardo
- Coordinamento Regionale Veneto Banche di Credito Cooperativo (BCC), Federazione italiana sindacale lavoratori assicurazione e credito (FISAC) CGIL, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Bazzo GianRomolo
- Unione Italiana Lavoratori del Credito, Esattorie ed Assicurazioni, UILCA, Rome, Italy
| | - Pederzolli Giancarlo
- Federazione Italiana Reti dei Servizi del Terziario (FIRST), CISL Alto Adige Trentino Veneto, Rome, Italy
| | - Azzolin Delfo
- Federazione Autonoma Bancari Italiani (FABI), Coordinamento Regionale Veneto Banca di Credito Cooperativo (BCC), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mannocci Alice
- Faculty of Economics, Universitas Mercatorum, Rome, Italy
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Holzgreve F, Maurer-Grubinger C, Fraeulin L, Bausch J, Groneberg DA, Ohlendorf D. Home office versus ergonomic workstation - is the ergonomic risk increased when working at the dining table? An inertial motion capture based pilot study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:745. [PMID: 35922791 PMCID: PMC9347120 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In order to reduce the risk of infection with Sars-Cov-2, work practices have been shifted to the home office in many industries. The first surveys concerning this shift indicate an increase in musculoskeletal complaints of many employees. The aim of this study was to compare the ergonomic risk in the upper extremities and trunk of working in a home office with that of working in an ergonomically optimized workplace. Methods For this purpose, 20 subjects (13w/7m) aged 18–31 years each performed a 20-minute workplace simulation (10 min writing a text, 10 min editing a questionnaire) in the following set up: on a dining table with dining chair and laptop (home office) and on an ergonomically adjusted workstation (ergonomically optimized workplace). The subjects were investigated using a combined application of a motion capture kinematic analysis and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) in order to identify differences in the ergonomic risk. Results Significantly reduced risk values for both shoulders (left: p < 0.001; right: p = 0.02) were found for the ergonomically optimized workstations. In contrast, the left wrist (p = 0.025) showed a significantly reduced ergonomic risk value for the home office workstation. Conclusion This study is the first study to compare the ergonomic risk between an ergonomically optimized workplace and a home office workstation. The results indicate minor differences in the upper extremities in favor of the ergonomically optimized workstation. Since work-related musculoskeletal complaints of the upper extremities are common among office workers, the use of an ergonomically optimized workstation for home use is recommended based on the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Holzgreve
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe- University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Building 9a, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Christian Maurer-Grubinger
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe- University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Building 9a, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laura Fraeulin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe- University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Building 9a, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Juliane Bausch
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe- University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Building 9a, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniela Ohlendorf
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe- University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Building 9a, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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24
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Hu T, Ji Y, Fei F, Zhu M, Jin T, Xue P, Zhang N. Optimization of COVID-19 prevention and control with low building energy consumption. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 219:109233. [PMID: 35664635 PMCID: PMC9148426 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a global threat. Non-pharmaceutical interventions were commonly adopted for COVID-19 prevention and control. However, during stable periods of the pandemic, energy would be inevitably wasted if all interventions were implemented. The study aims to reduce the building energy consumption when meet the demands of epidemic prevention and control under the stable period of COVID-19. Based on the improved Wells-Riley model considering dynamic quanta generation and pulmonary ventilation rate, we established the infection risk - equivalent fresh air volume - energy consumption model to analyze the infection risk and building energy consumption during different seasons and optimized the urban building energy consumption according to the spatio-temporal population distribution. Shopping centers and restaurants contributed the most in urban energy consumption, and if they are closed during the pandemic, the total infection risk would be reduced by 25%-40% and 15%-25% respectively and the urban energy consumption would be reduced by 30%-40% and 13%-20% respectively. If people wore masks in all public indoor environments (exclude restaurants and KTV), the infection risk could be reduced by 60%-70% and the energy consumption could be reduced by 20%-60%. Gyms pose the highest risk for COVID-19 transmission. If the energy consumption kept the same with the current value, after the optimization, infection risk in winter, summer and the transition season could be reduced by 65%, 53% and 60%, respectively. After the optimization, under the condition of R t < 1, the energy consumption in winter, summer, and the transition season could be reduced by 72%, 64%, and 68% respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Fei
- College of Mechatronical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei province, China
| | - Min Zhu
- 6th Medical Center of General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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Moreira S, Criado MB, Ferreira MS, Machado J, Gonçalves C, Mesquita C, Lopes S, Santos PC. The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Perception of Physical Activity and on the Perception of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers: Comparative Longitudinal Study Design. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127311. [PMID: 35742554 PMCID: PMC9223672 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim(s): Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Methods: Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moreira
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
- ESS IPVC, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-914796967
| | - Maria Begoña Criado
- CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal;
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Maria Salomé Ferreira
- ESS IPVC, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- UICISA: E—Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Portugal School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
- CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal;
- LABIOMEP—Laboratório de Biomecânica do Porto, Universidade do Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Gonçalves
- ESDL IPVC, Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), 4960-320 Melgaço, Portugal
| | - Cristina Mesquita
- ESS PPorto—Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (S.L.); (P.C.S.)
- CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Lopes
- ESS PPorto—Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (S.L.); (P.C.S.)
- CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- CESPU—Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte (IPSN), 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal
| | - Paula Clara Santos
- ESS PPorto—Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (S.L.); (P.C.S.)
- CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- CESPU—Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte (IPSN), 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal
- CIAFEL—Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Changes in Workers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has changed the world and strongly affected the health of the people and the quality of their life. These changes might impact employees’ physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). This study aimed to summarize the literature focusing on the COVID-19-caused changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior among the adult working population. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in June 2021 using multiple electronic databases. The following keywords and synonyms were used during the searching process: physical activity, sedentary behavior, COVID-19, employee. After the data cleaning process (duplicates, inclusion criteria), the title and the abstract of all manuscripts from the searches were screened independently by two reviewers. Results: Thirty-nine manuscripts were selected as a result of the searching process. Of these, 5 were SB related, 15 were PA related and 19 addressed both PA and SB. There were longitudinal (10), cross-sectional (28) and a case study (1) in the selected manuscripts. The majority of studies were conducted in the USA (6) and Europe (18), and four studies examined the PA and/or SB in multiple countries. The majority (34 studies) of the studies used subjective, self-reported, but mostly before-validated questionnaires. Objective measures were less common and used only 12.8% of the examined studies. Moreover, 76.4% of the studies described an overall decrease in the amount of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. In three cases, researchers observed an increase in PA among the workers. Five studies reported no significant changes in the amount of PA during the pandemic. As far as SB is concerned, 18 out of 24 of the studies reported an overall increase in the amount of SB between the two periods. Four manuscripts reported no significant change in the amount of SB, and there was only one manuscript in the examined studies that reported an overall decrease in the SB time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdown and work from home (WFH) policies, impaired the PA and SB level of the populations. This period has delivered an important message for the adult working population as well. They should be as active as possible and avoid high levels of SB and uninterrupted sitting time. Therefore, organizations, policies and public health bodies should motivate workers, especially office workers, to be more active and interventions must be developed to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 on PA and SB.
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