title: Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: a systematic review.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Few high quality studies were found that examined the effects of interventions in the office on musculoskeletal or visual health.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas, School of Public Health, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brewer
authors.forename: Dwayne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Van Eerd
authors.forename: Benjamin C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Amick
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Irvin
authors.forename: Kent M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Daum
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gerr
authors.forename: J Steven
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cullen
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rempel
mesh_terms: D016287:Computer Peripherals; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017132:Workplace