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. 2022 Nov 1;64(11):e782-e791.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002698. Epub 2022 Sep 7.

Relationships Between the Physical Work Environment, Postures and Musculoskeletal Pain During COVID-19: A Survey of Frequent Computer Users

Suzanne J Snodgrass  1 , Ishanka Weerasekara, Suzi Edwards, Nicola R Heneghan, Emilio J Puentedura, Carole James
Affiliations

Relationships Between the Physical Work Environment, Postures and Musculoskeletal Pain During COVID-19: A Survey of Frequent Computer Users

Suzanne J Snodgrass et al. J Occup Environ Med. .

Abstract

Objective: To understand the flexible work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and depression in frequent computer users.

Methods: An e-survey determined the extent of workplace changes and MSD, and the relationships between them using descriptive-statistics and chi-squared tests.

Results: Of 700 who commenced the survey, 511 were analyzed. Since the pandemic commenced, 80% of respondents reported they were working more from home; and 89% reported some musculoskeletal pain. Compared with prepandemic, more people worked in nonergonomic environments, computer configurations and body postures. Work location was associated with upper back pain ( P = 0.011); body posture with headache ( P = 0.027) and low back pain ( P = 0.003).

Conclusion: Nonergonomic work environments of frequent computer users during COVID-19 are related to having upper back pain, whereas nonergonomic postures are related to having headache and low back pain.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests Statement: There are no competing interests to report.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Illustrations of body posture used by respondents to select the body posture they used most often while working before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (trunk a little bent forward (A), straight up, back against backrest (B); straight up, back NOT against backrest (C); bottom dropped, lower back not against backrest (D); and variable, alter at least once per ½ hour (no illustration). Reproduced with permission from James et al. Applied Ergonomics, and originally published by IJmker et al. Applied Ergonomics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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