Prevalence of perceived stress, symptoms of depression and sleep disturbances in relation to information and communication technology (ICT) use among young adults - an explorative prospective study

screen, and men’s short time in the same job and good computer skills were associated with neck symptoms. Hand-wrist symptoms were predicted by previous symptoms and low influence at work for both the men and women and sensorial demands for the women only. The duration of computer use predicted hand-wrist symptoms [eg, odds ratio (OR) of 2.3, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.2–4.3, for almost continual computer use], but not neck symptoms. For those with almost continual computer use, hand-wrist symptoms were associated with mouse use for at least half of the worktime (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.0–15.5) and not using the mouse at all (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.1–14.4), as compared with mouse use for one-fourth of the worktime. Conclusions Limiting computer use to less than three-fourths of the worktime would help to prevent handwrist symptoms. Furthermore, low influence at work predicts both neck and hand-wrist symptoms.

Development of neck and hand-wrist symptoms in relation to duration of computer use at work.

Background: The literature examining the effects of workstation, eyewear and behavioral interventions on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among computer users is large and heterogeneous. Methods: A systematic review of the literature used a best evidence synthesis approach to address the general question “Do office interventions among computer users have an effect on musculoskeletal or visual health?” This was followed by an evaluation of specific interventions. Results: The initial search identified 7313 articles which were reduced to 31 studies based on content and quality. Overall, a mixed level of evidence was observed for the general question. Moderate evidence was observed for: (1) no effect of workstation adjustment, (2) no effect of rest breaks and exercise and (3) positive effect of alternative pointing devices. For all other interventions mixed or insufficient evidence of effect was observed. Conclusion: Few high quality studies were found that examined the effects of interventions in the office on musculoskeletal or visual health.

Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: a systematic review

Background: This review examines the evidence for an association between computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders (except carpal tunnel syndrome). Methods: A systematic critical review of studies of computer work and musculoskeletal disorders verified by a physical examination was performed. Results: A total of 22 studies (26 articles) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results show limited evidence for a causal relationship between computer work per se, computer mouse and keyboard time related to a diagnosis of wrist tendonitis, and for an association between computer mouse time and forearm disorders. Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome, but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient. Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities, including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis, and any aspect of computer work. Conclusions: There is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied. None of the evidence was considered as moderate or strong and there is a need for more and better documentation.

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Computer work and musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity: A systematic review

Objectives This prospective study concentrated on determining factors of computer work that predict musculoskeletal symptoms in the shoulder, elbow, and low-back regions.

Methods A questionnaire on ergonomics, work pauses, work techniques, and psychosocial and work factors was delivered to 5033 office workers at baseline in early 1999 (response rate 69%) and to 3361 respondents at the time of the follow-up in late 2000 (response rate 77%). An increased frequency or intensity of symptoms was the outcome variable, including only nonsymptomatic respondents from the baseline questionnaire (symptom frequency below 8 days within the last 12 months or intensity score below 4 within the last 3 months).

Results In the follow-up, 10%, 18%, and 23% had symptoms more often in the elbow, shoulder, and low back, respectively, and 14%, 20%, and 22% had more intense symptoms. Women were more likely to be afflicted than men in all regions. In the full-fit multivariate logistic regression analysis, little influence on the timing of a rest pause and being disturbed by glare or reflection were significant predictors of shoulder symptoms, screen below eye height was a significant predictor for elbow symptoms, and previous symptoms was a significant predictor for symptoms in all regions. Computer worktime and psychosocial dimensions were not significant predictors.

Conclusions Influence on work pauses, reduction of glare or reflection, and screen height are important factors in the design of future computer workstations. Since previous symptoms was a significant predictor of recurrent symptoms in all three regions under study, it can be concluded that musculoskeletal symptoms are persistent.

Computer users' risk factors for developing shoulder, elbow and back symptoms.

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National Institute for Working Life Ergonomic Expert Committee Document No 1Visual Display Unit Work and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal DisordersA Review of Epidemiological Findings

L Punnett

Papers

National Institute for Working Life Ergonomic Expert Committee Document No 1Visual Display Unit Work and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal DisordersA Review of Epidemiological Findings