title: Evaluation of two preventive interventions for reducing musculoskeletal complaints in operators of video display terminals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention, which was provided by physical therapists, on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals (VDT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure, and group I received only the brochure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later. The following tools were used: a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back, neck, and shoulder symptoms compared with group I.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Sciences, School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. paolo.pillastrini@unibo.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pillastrini
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mugnai
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Farneti
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bertozzi
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bonfiglioli
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Curti
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mattioli
authors.forename: Francesco Saverio
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Violante
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016288:Computer Terminals; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010174:Pamphlets; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology