title: Video display terminal workstation improvement program: II. Ergonomic intervention and reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort.
abstract: The effects of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal discomfort in 118 video display terminal (VDT) users were assessed 1 year after intervention. The intervention consisted of recommended changes to workstations, which were based on the evaluation of 15 ergonomic characteristics. Compliance with the intervention was at least 75% for most workstation characteristics. Reduction in discomfort was substantial and was highest for the wrist/hand (57%), lower back (43%), and neck/shoulder (41%) severity of discomfort outcomes. Neither compliance with intervention on individual workstation characteristics nor summary intervention scores were associated with reduction in discomfort. Our results demonstrate that although reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort may be observed in the context of an intervention study, it may be difficult to link these benefits to specific interventions.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Department, World Bank, Washington, D.C., USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Demure
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mundt
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bigelow
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Luippold
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Liese
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016288:Computer Terminals; D003625:Data Collection; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration*