1
|
Shokrolahi I, Mououdi MA. Designing an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk and its evaluating by RULA and NERPA methods. Work 2024:WOR230528. [PMID: 38788108 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230528] [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: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using a computer may lead to pain in wrists, neck, and back. In addition, adopting various body postures like sitting cross-legged, semi-fowler's position, and putting the laptop on the leg may lead to the development of persistent and irreversible discomfort. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research is to design and build an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk based on the anthropometric characteristics of students in the age range of 20 to 30 years and to evaluate its efficiency using RULA and NERPA methods. METHODS This cross-sectional study conducted on 108 students, in which an adjustable and portable ergonomic desk designed and built based on 10 anthropometric dimensions of students and the length and width of 10 different laptop models. Two assessment methods, RULA and NERPA, were used. Wilcoxon statistic test and SPSS version 26 software used for data analysis. RESULTS The dimensions of the desk were calculated in three positions, and the desk was made with the ability to adjust height, width and tilt, each with two degrees of freedom. The statistical analysis comparing score of RULA and NERPA in two situations without using a desk and using an ergonomic laptop desk had a significant difference (P-value < 0.001). Comparison of RULA and NERPA scores showed that NERPA evaluated the low ergonomic risk level better than RULA method. CONCLUSIONS Due to the ability to adjust the designed desk, the changes in RULA and NERPA score in all three modes, it indicates the effectiveness of the table in improving the body posture of users when using a laptop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Shokrolahi
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Mououdi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ryoo SW, Min JY, Lee DW, Choi BY, Choi J, Kim HY, Min KB. Telecommuting-related health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: a national population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:549. [PMID: 36959592 PMCID: PMC10034878 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telecommuting has expanded greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the advent of remote working from home, there has been an ongoing controversy about the positive or negative health-related impact of telecommuting. This study aimed to investigate change in the occupational health risk in South Korean workers involved in telecommuting during the pandemic period compared to daily commuters. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study of South Korean workers using the secondary data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (2020-2021) was designed. A total of 12,354 white-collar wage employees were selected as the study sample. Telecommuting, depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, headache-eye strain, absenteeism, and presenteeism were measured by self-reported data. Multiple logistic regression models, including gender stratification analysis, were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the health outcomes of telecommuters. RESULTS Among the study population, 338 males and 318 females were reported to be telecommuters. The entirely adjusted regression model showed a positive association between telecommuting and anxiety (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI, 1.93-4.10), insomnia (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.27-2.92), fatigue (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.30-2.37), musculoskeletal pain (AOR = 1,76; 95% CI, 1.33-2.32), headache-eye strain (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.48-2.54), presenteeism (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.20-2.28) respectively. Gender difference was identified in that only female telecommuters had a higher risk of depression (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.53) and insomnia (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI, 1.26-3.41) than daily commuters in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION Telecommuting was significantly associated with an increased risk of various health problems among South Korean workers and females were identified as a more vulnerable group. Although further research is required to ascertain the causal relationship, public health intervention should be considered to prevent the negative effects of telecommuting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Woo Ryoo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Min
- Veterans Medical Research Institute, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Yong Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Juho Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Yeon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Bok Min
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, Republic of Korea.
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oakman J, Lambert KA, Weale VP, Stuckey R, Graham M. Employees Working from Home: Do Leadership Factors Influence Work-Related Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3046. [PMID: 36833739 PMCID: PMC9964430 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043046] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response, which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. However, given the rapid change from traditional ways of working, evidence is limited on the role of leaders, managers, and supervisors in supporting their employees' physical and mental health whilst WFH. The study aimed to examine the impact of leaders through their management of psychosocial working conditions on employees' stress and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) levels whilst WFH. METHODS Data from 965 participants (230 males, 729 females, 6 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, and April and November 2021, were analysed. Generalised mixed-effect models were used to test relationships between psychosocial leadership factors and employees' stress and MSP levels. RESULTS Higher quantitative demands are associated with increased stress (B: 0.289, 95%CI 0.245, 0.333), presence of MSP (OR: 2.397, 95%CI 1.809, 3.177), and increased MSP levels (RR: 1.09, 95%CI 1.04, 1.14). Higher levels of vertical trust decreased stress (B: -0.094, 95%CI -0.135, -0.052) and presence of MSP (OR: 0.729, 95%CI 0.557, 0.954). Role clarity decreased stress (B: -0.055, 95%CI -0.104, -0.007) and levels of MSP (RR: 0.93, 95%CI 0.89, 0.96). Working with interruptions was associated with increased stress (B: 0.199, 95%CI 0.119, 0.280) and MSP (OR: 1.834, 95%CI 1.094, 3.072). CONCLUSION Leaders will need to take a broad view of job design, taking into account physical and psychosocial aspects of work, to effectively support employees WFH and manage stress and MSP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Katrina A. Lambert
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Victoria P. Weale
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Melissa Graham
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fang F, Huo F, Feng Y. The effects of dual screen layout on neck-shoulder muscle activity and head-neck posture variability during computer tasks. Work 2023; 76:1535-1546. [PMID: 37355926 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220585] [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: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larger dual screens have been widely used during office work and their biomechanical exposure should be explored. OBJECTIVE To investigate the biomechanical effect of two dual screen layouts on neck-shoulder muscle activity and the variability of head-neck posture in computer users. METHODS A preliminary study of the user-preferred dual screen angles was carried out in V-shaped and L-shaped layouts. Twenty healthy participants aged 19 to 26 years were recruited and assigned to perform reading, typing, and searching tasks for 30 minutes in both workstation layouts. Electromyography was measured at bilateral cervical erector spinae (CES), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and upper trapezius (UT). The head-neck lateral bending, rotation, and flexion angles were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate visual strain. RESULTS The muscle activity at the left UT and right CES sites when using the V-shaped layout was significantly higher than the L-shaped. There were significant differences in head-neck rotation and flexion angles between the two layouts in reading and typing tasks. In the searching task, there was no significant difference in the head-neck rotation and flexion angles between the two layouts. The visual strain score was significantly higher in the V-shaped layout. CONCLUSION The CES and UT muscles displayed higher levels of activation while using the V-shaped layout in comparison to the L-shaped layout. The head-neck rotation and flexion angles differed due to varied types of work when using V-shaped and L-shaped layouts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fang
- Pan Tianshou College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Faren Huo
- Pan Tianshou College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yiran Feng
- Pan Tianshou College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rafiee M, Mokhtarinia HR, Parsons D, Hosseinpouri M, Gabel CP. Laptop use and muscle activity in adult females: Ground sitting has lower muscular demand than using a chair. Work 2023; 76:1113-1123. [PMID: 37212082 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220473] [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: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With progressing technology in the portable computing field, laptops are now integral for work, home and social settings. Different working postures adopted by laptop users impose different loads on the relevant muscles, which can be associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in the various body regions. Some Arabic and Asian cultures adopted postures are not well investigated, particularly for the 20-30 years age-group. OBJECTIVE This study compared muscle activity in the cervical spine, arm, and wrist among different laptop workstation setups. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 23 healthy female university students (age = 24.2±2.28 years, range 20-26 years) performed a standardized 10 minute typing task in four different laptop workstation setups: DESK, SOFA, GROUND sitting with back support, and laptop table (LAP-Tab). Differences between electromyography (EMG) muscle activity recorded in the trapezius (TR), cervical extensors (CE), deltoid (DEL), and wrist extensors (WE) were determined using one-way repeated ANOVA measures with a post-hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS Significantly higher muscle activity was observed respectively in the workstations of DESK > LAP-Tab > SOFA > GROUND. Significant differences were found between WE muscle activity and the three other muscle groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between workstations and muscle activity (F(9,264) = 3.81, p < 0.001, = 0.11), where the WE and DEL muscles showed respectively higher and lower muscle activity in all setups. CONCLUSION Muscles showed variable activity in different workstations such that the GROUND workstation provided the minimum load, while the DESK workstation showed the maximum load on the measured muscle groups. These findings require further investigation in different cultural and gender specific groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Rafiee
- Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mokhtarinia
- Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dave Parsons
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mahdi Hosseinpouri
- Center of Planning, Budgeting and Performance Evaluation, Department of Environment, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cousins DJE, Schaefer BH, Holmes MWR, Beaudette SM. The effects of COVID-19 related shutdowns on perceived lifestyle and prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. Work 2023; 76:11-20. [PMID: 36872831 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220388] [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: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 caused a transition to work-from-home conditions, closures of recreation facilities and cancelation of social events. OBJECTIVE This study sought to characterize and quantify the impact COVID-19 related shutdowns had on perceptions of health and wellbeing, musculoskeletal discomfort, and physical characteristics of workstation set-up in full time workers who transitioned to working from home. METHODS 297 participants from 8 countries completed a retrospective pre/post survey design that assessed outcomes prior to COVID-19 shutdowns and when each participant was experiencing peak pandemic-related restrictions. There were 3 categories including, health and wellbeing, musculoskeletal discomfort, and workplace ergonomics. RESULTS General discomfort on a scale from 1 to 100 increased from 31.4 pre to 39.9 during COVID-19. Notable areas increasing in severity of discomfort from pre to during included the neck (41.8 to 47.7), upper back (36.3 to 41.3) and right wrist (38.7 to 43.5). The percentage of the population experiencing discomfort increased from pre to during in the low back (41.5% to 55.2%), upper back (28.7% to 40.9%), neck (45.5% to 60.9%) and right wrist (16.1% to 23.7%). CONCLUSION There were three distinct groups for physical activity one group including, one maintaining and one that decreased, which did not have an impact on perceived general discomfort. There was a significant decrease in usage of a desk and adjustable chair and an increase in laptop use. Working from home in some capacity will likely be a more common occurrence which will require further ergonomic assessments and considerations to keep a healthy workforce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J E Cousins
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Bailey H Schaefer
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Michael W R Holmes
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn M Beaudette
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Telework Conditions, Ergonomic and Psychosocial Risks, and Musculoskeletal Problems in the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e811-e817. [PMID: 36084630 PMCID: PMC9722330 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002704] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of telework conditions with ergonomic and psychosocial risks and with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems among employees of the Brazilian Labor Judiciary during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 934 workers from August to October 2021. The data were collected via Web using a self-administrated questionnaire survey. Nonparametric tests and generalized linear regression analysis were used. RESULTS Previous experience in telework was associated with a better evaluation of the home workstation, a lower increase in workload, a greater increase in productivity, and greater preference to continue teleworking after the pandemic. The lack of a place dedicated to telework was specially related to greater ergonomic and psychosocial risks and to the greater occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. CONCLUSIONS Companies should monitor telework conditions to reduce health risks among their employees.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kadri Filho FE, de Lucca SR. Ergonomic and psychosocial risks related to musculoskeletal problems among Brazilian labor judges in telework during the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:837-846. [PMID: 35658816 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2085382] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic and psychosocial risks in telework and their relationship with musculoskeletal problems in Brazilian labor judges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 119 participants. The data were collected through a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire, from the Brazilian versions of the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br revised), the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA-Br) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), added to a numerical pain scale. Results. According to ROSA-Br, 47.06% of the participants showed an outcome where it is considered that there is a need for immediate intervention in the workplace. The results of ROSA-Br and MUEQ-Br revised presented a significant correlation with the intensity of complaints in the neck and shoulders in the last 12 months and in the last seven days. The total score of MUEQ-Br revised presented more important correlations with problems in these body regions and with the intensity of complaints in the upper back, wrists/hands and lower back in both periods. Conclusions. Companies should propose ways to assess the ergonomic and psychosocial risks among their employees in telework as a way to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fauzi El Kadri Filho
- PhD student at the School of Medical Sciences of the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil
| | - Sérgio Roberto de Lucca
- PhD, professor at the School of Medical Sciences of the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|