Computer work and self-reported variables on anthropometrics, computer usage, work ability, productivity, pain, and physical activity

Abstract

Background: Computer users often report musculoskeletal complaints and pain in the upper extremities and the neck-shoulder region. However, recent epidemiological studies do not report a relationship between the extent of computer use and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD).The aim of this study was to conduct an explorative analysis on short and long-term pain complaints and work-related variables in a cohort of Danish computer users.

Methods: A structured web-based questionnaire including questions related to musculoskeletal pain, anthropometrics, work-related variables, work ability, productivity, health-related parameters, lifestyle variables as well as physical activity during leisure time was designed. Six hundred and ninety office workers completed the questionnaire responding to an announcement posted in a union magazine. The questionnaire outcomes, i.e., pain intensity, duration and locations as well as anthropometrics, work-related variables, work ability, productivity, and level of physical activity, were stratified by gender and correlations were obtained.

Results: Women reported higher pain intensity, longer pain duration as well as more locations with pain than men (P < 0.05). In parallel, women scored poorer work ability and ability to fulfil the requirements on productivity than men (P < 0.05). Strong positive correlations were found between pain intensity and pain duration for the forearm, elbow, neck and shoulder (P < 0.001). Moderate negative correlations were seen between pain intensity and work ability/productivity (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The present results provide new key information on pain characteristics in office workers. The differences in pain characteristics, i.e., higher intensity, longer duration and more pain locations as well as poorer work ability reported by women workers relate to their higher risk of contracting WMSD. Overall, this investigation confirmed the complex interplay between anthropometrics, work ability, productivity, and pain perception among computer users.

Figure 1

Pain intensity for women and men. Median and 25-75% quartiles pain intensity within the last three months in the dominant elbow/forearm and neck/dominant shoulder for women (●) and men (▲). * P < 0.05.

Figure 2

Pain intensity and pain duration relationship for women and men. Median and 25-75% quartiles pain intensity within the last three months and pain duration within the last 12 months (highest number of days with complaints) for women (●) and men (▲) in (a) the neck/dominant shoulder and (b) the dominant elbow/forearm. ρ: Spearman’s correlation coefficient and P: level of significance.