Effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention on work-related posture and low back pain in video display terminal operators: a 3 year cross-over trial.
This study investigated the effectiveness of a workstation ergonomic intervention for work-related posture and low back pain (LBP) in Video Display Terminal (VDT) workers. 100 VDT workers were selected to receive the ergonomic intervention, whereas 100 were assigned to a control group. The two groups were then crossed-over after 30 months from baseline. Follow-ups were repeated at 5, 12, and 30 months from baseline and then at 6 months following crossover.


RESULTS
Work-related posture and LBP point-prevalence using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment method and a Pain Drawing, respectively. The ergonomic intervention at the workstation improved work-related posture and was effective in reducing LBP point-prevalence both in the first study period and after crossover, and these effects persisted for at least 30 months. In conclusion, our findings contribute to the evidence that individualized ergonomic interventions may be able to improve work-related posture and reduce LBP for VDT workers.
Occupational Medicine Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via P. Palagi 9, Bologna, Italy. paolo.pillastrini@unibo.it
Paolo
P
Pillastrini
Raffaele
R
Mugnai
Lucia
L
Bertozzi
Stefania
S
Costi
Stefania
S
Curti
Andrew
A
Guccione
Stefano
S
Mattioli
Francesco S
FS
Violante
D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D017116:Low Back Pain; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface