Upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort among occupational
notebook personal computer users: Work interference, associations with risk
factors and the use of notebook computer stand and docking station
Affiliations: Department of Industrial Engineering, Turkish Air
Force Academy, Istanbul, Turkey
Note: [] Address for correspondence: O. Erdinc, Hava Harp Okulu Endustri,
Muhendisligi Bolum, Baskanligi 34149, Yesilyurt, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +90
212 663 2490/+90 505 849 2420; Fax: +90 212 663 2838; E-mail: o.erdinc@hho.edu.tr
Abstract: Objective: This study explored the prevalence and work interference
(WI) of upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort (UEMSD) and investigated the
associations of individual and work-related risk factors and using a notebook
stand or docking station with UEMSD among symptomatic occupational notebook
personal computer (PC) users. Participants: The participant group
included 45 Turkish occupational notebook PC users. Methods: The study used self-reports of participants. The Turkish version of the Cornell
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (T-CMDQ) was used to collect symptom
data. Results: UEMSD prevailed mostly in the neck, the upper back, and
the lower back with prevalence rates of 77.8%, 73.3%, and 60.0%
respectively, and with WI rates of 28.9%, 24.4%, and 26.7%
respectively. Aggregated results showed that 44% of participants reported WI
due to UEMSD in at least one body region. Significant risk factors were: being
female, being aged < 31 years, having computer work experience
<10 years, and physical discomfort during computer use. Conclusions: UEMSD prevalence and WI rates were considerable in the neck, the upper back,
and the lower back. Significant associations between certain risk factors and
UEMSD were identified, but no association was found between using notebook
stand and docking station and UEMSD among participants.
