Evaluation of two preventive interventions for reducing musculoskeletal complaints in operators of video display terminals.
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.
Pillastrini
Paolo
P
Department of Neurological Sciences, School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. paolo.pillastrini@unibo.it
Mugnai
Raffaele
R
Farneti
Chiara
C
Bertozzi
Lucia
L
Bonfiglioli
Roberta
R
Curti
Stefania
S
Mattioli
Stefano
S
Violante
Francesco Saverio
FS
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