Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA | Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Nancy A. Baker, Department of
Occupational Therapy, 5012 Forbes Tower, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
PA, 15260, USA. Tel.: +1 412 383 6607; Fax: +1 412 383 6613; E-mail:
nab36@pitt.edu
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Awkward postures during computer use are assumed to be
related to the fit between the worker and the workstation configuration, with
greater mismatches leading to higher levels of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS).
The objective of this study was to examine if chronic MSS of the neck/shoulder,
back, and wrist/hands was associated with 1) discrepancies between workstation
setups and worker anthropometrics and 2) workers' postures. PARTICIPANTS: Secondary analysis on data collected from a randomized
controlled cross-over design trial (N=74). METHOD: Subjects' workstation configurations, baseline levels of
MSS, working postures, and anthropometrics were measured. Correlations were
completed to determine the association between postures and discrepancies
between the worker anthropometrics and workstation configuration. Associations
were examined between postures, workstation discrepancies and worker MSS. RESULTS: There were only 3 significant associations between worker
posture and MSS, and 3 significant associations between discrepancies in
worker/workstation set-up and MSS. CONCLUSION: The relationship between chronic MSS and the workers
computer workstation configuration is multifactorial. While postures and the
fit between the worker and workstation may be associated with MSS, other
variables need to be explored to better understand the phenomenon.
