A simple ergonomic intervention for neck and upper back musculoskeletal pain in computer users

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: The use of computers at school, university, work and for social media is growing and whilst neck pain is common in the general population, computer users have an even higher prevalence. Incorrect workstation ergonomics have been identified as a risk factor for the development of neck pain in computer workers.Aims: To assess the effect of adjusting chair and monitor height of a female office worker's computer workstation on work related neck and upper back pain intensity, comfort of her sitting posture and disability.Methods: An N=1 study was conducted using the A-B-C design consisting of a computer workstation adjustment involving chair and monitor height of a female office worker. The effect of the intervention was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure neck and upper back pain intensity and comfort of sitting position, and the Neck Disability Index to measure disability. The effect of the intervention was assessed over the three phases, consisting of four weeks each. During these phases, the participant could continue with her usual computer work. The results were compiled and tabulated.Results: A reduction in neck and upper back pain intensity as well as an increase in sitting comfort position were found. However these improvements were not statistically or clinically significant. The effect size for pain intensity was 0.76 and for sitting comfort 0.21. The participant reported no disability as measured by the Neck Disability Index, at the start and at the end at the end of the study.Conclusion: The vertical adjustment of this female office worker's chair and monitor height according to her anthropometrics improved neck and upper back pain intensity and comfort of sitting position. This ergonomic workstation intervention could form part of a practical management option for computer users with neck and upper back pain. Further research is recommended to establish whether these findings are generalizable to the wider community of computer users.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University