title: Evaluation of 'I-Preventive': a digital preventive tool for musculoskeletal disorders in computer workers-a pilot cluster randomised trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  I-Preventive is a digital preventive tool for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in computer workers. We sought to determine its impact on pain in computer workers with upper limb MSDs and visual discomfort.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a pilot cluster randomised trial in 2 different sites of a tyre factory in France. We randomised 200 employees to either an intervention group (I-Preventive) or control group, each comprising symptomatic and asymptomatic employees. The workers were followed up for 5 months. The main outcome was overall recovery from symptoms following 1 month's intervention based on Nordic-style and eyestrain questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 185/200 workers: 96 in the intervention group (mean age 41.8±1.4 years; 88.5% males) and 79 in the control group (mean age 42.9±12.0 years; 94.5% males). The most painful areas (numerical scale ≥2) were the neck (40.0%), upper back (18.8%) and shoulders (15.7%). For the most painful anatomical area, the Nordic score significantly decreased after 1 month in the intervention group (p=0.038); no change was observed in the control group (p=0.59). After 1 month's use, the intervention group reported less pain in the painful area and less visual discomfort symptoms (p=0.02). Adherence to the I-Preventive program was 60%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  I-Preventive is effective in the short term on musculoskeletal symptoms and visual discomfort by promoting active breaks and eyestrain treatment. This easy-to-use digital tool allows each worker to focus on areas of their choice via personalised, easy exercises that can be performed in the workplace.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT02350244; Pre-results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Occupational Medicine, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (CHU), Clermont-Ferrand, France Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (CHU), Clermont-Ferrand, France Department of Psychological & Psychosocial Stress, CNRS UMR 6024, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France Clermont Auvergne University, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lanhers
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (CHU), Clinical Research and Innovation Direction, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garde
authors.affiliation: Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maublant
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Occupational Medicine, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (CHU), Clermont-Ferrand, France Department of Psychological & Psychosocial Stress, CNRS UMR 6024, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, School of Exercise Science, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Laboratory of Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise in Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P, EA3533), University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1468-6029
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dutheil
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (CHU), Clermont-Ferrand, France INRA, Human Nutrition Unit UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Coudeyre
keywords: PREVENTIVE MEDICINE; SPORTS MEDICINE