A systematic review of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among computer users

Introduction

Rapid technological developments, especially in the use of electronic devices, have affected workers. MSDs are a major burden for both employees and employers, and in contemporary society. Millions of computer workers suffer musculoskeletal diseases and it is the most common cause of occupational illness in the USA and result in medical costs and absenteeism that cost the sector between $45 and $54 billion annually. A single review was done about WMSDs, however it only investigated neck and upper extremities disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to review epidemiological evidence about the prevalence and risk factors of overall WMSDs among computer user bankers and office workers.

Methods

An extensive literature search was undertaken in the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Articles published in peer-reviewed English-language journals were considered for inclusion criteria. Articles published in conference proceedings, reports, abstracts, and not full text were excluded. After a thorough search of databases, a total of 90 articles were discovered, and finally, 25 of them met the inclusion criteria and were investigated in detail.

Result

The magnitude of WMSDs ranged from 33.8 to 95.3 %. The lower back, neck, upper back, and shoulder were the most affected body parts, and the elbow, hip/thigh, knee, wrist/hand, and ankle/feet were the least affected body parts. Prolonged computer use, being older, repetitive moments, female sex, working in awkward posture, low educational status, a lack of physical exercise, and ergonomics training were significantly affected by MSDs.

Conclusion

and recommendation: The prevalence of WMSDS was very high, and as a result, an interventional study should be conducted. Reducing prolonged use of computers and working in the right posture will reduce the magnitude of MSD among computer users.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among computer user bankers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: a cross sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The use of information devices like computers is skyrocketed in recent years, leading injuries. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a leading cause of upper extremity MSDs specially to banking workers. Hence, this paper was intended to highlight its magnitude associated factors in the study area.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 13, 2021 to October 09, 2021. A total of 422 private and government owned computer user bankers were participated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using Durkan's compression test, flexion and compression test, Phalen's test, and Tinel's test. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between predictors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. P-value less than 0.05 was considered to declare as a significant and Adjusted Odds Ration for strength association between risk factors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

RESULT

Among 422 participants, the annual prevalence of CTS was 11.7%. Being smoker [AOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.76-10.26], having > 5-year work experience [AOR: 7.98; 95% CI: 3.7-17.33], movement repetition [AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.66-9.4] and lack of ergonomics training [AOR: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.8-9.5] were independently associated risk factors to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was high (11.7%) among bankers in this study area. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was predicted by smoking, length of employment, movement repetition, and not received ergonomics training. Therefore, fore the banking industry, it would be better to maintain strict follow-up and provision of ergonomics training.

Effect of the difficulty level of a biofeedback device for postural correction on the orbicularis oculi and upper trapezius muscle activity and trunk flexion angle during computer work

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the difficulty level of a biofeedback device for postural correction on the orbicularis oculi and upper trapezius muscle activity and trunk flexion angle during computer work. [Subjects] Ten computer workers were included in this study. [Methods] The biofeedback tool used in this study provided visual and auditory feedback with regard to changes in trunk flexion angle under two different conditions during computer work: The first condition was when there was an increase of more than 10 degrees in a standard sitting posture. The second condition was when there was an increase of more than 20 degrees in the same posture. [Results] The trunk flexion angle showed no significant difference between conditions. The muscle activities of the orbicularis oculi and upper trapezius under condition 1 (high difficulty level) was significantly increased compared with those under condition 2 (low difficulty level). [Conclusion] This result showed that frequent feedback with greater sensitivity can trigger stress and lead to the outbreak of other illnesses.

The influence of Positional Release Therapy on the myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle in computer users

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Positional Release Therapy (PRT) in computer users via latent trigger points (LTrPs) of the upper trapezius muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight women with the upper trapezius MTrPs participated in this study. Subjects were randomly classified into two groups (14 in each group): the subjects in the Group 1 received PRT in shortened position while those in the group 2 received sham control in the neutral position of the upper trapezius muscle. They received three therapy sessions every other day for one week. The local pain intensity and Pressure pain threshold (PPT) were measured via Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and algometry, respectively, before interventions and repeated 5 min after the first and third treatment sessions in each group.

RESULTS

One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis. After treatment, between groups comparison revealed that for PPT and VAS, there were significant differences between the two groups (VAS and PPT; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both groups (PRT and sham control) showed alleviation of pain and increase in PPT during three sessions of therapy although PRT showed to be more effective in these patients.

Comparison of activation and change in the upper trapezius muscle during painful and non-painful computer work

[Purpose] Activation and changes in parts of the upper trapezius muscle during painful and non-painful computer work were compared. [Subjects] Ten male computer workers were recruited. [Methods] Surface electromyography was used to compare upper trapezius muscle activation and changes (difference between minimum and maximum activation) during painful and non-painful computer work. [Results] Mean normalized upper trapezius muscle activity did not differ between the “feel-pain” and “non-feel-pain” muscle sections. The mean change in upper trapezius muscle activity in the feel-pain section decreased significantly compared to the non-feel-pain section. [Conclusion] Measuring changes in the activity of muscle sections was useful to study static and sustained muscle stress during computer work.