Combined effects of Stretching and Ergonomic Advice in Computer Professionals on the Incidence of Upper Limb Disorders
Subscribe/Renew Journal
Purpose of study: Previous studies have shown the effects of ergonomics and stretching separately on these work related upper limb disorders but none of the study so far has evaluated the combined effects of stretching and ergonomic interventions.
Materials and method: 90 subjects performing computer work for at least 20 hours per week with minimum four hours continuously per day from last two years were randomly divided into three groups. In group A, subjects received hydrocollator pack, advice on ergonomics and work style modifications. In group B, subjects received same intervention as in group A with additional stretching of upper fibres of trapezius muscle and levator scapulae muscle. And group C was control group and was provided only hot packs. Pre-test and Post-test values were collected by using standard goniometer as an outcome measure.
Results: After analyzing the results, significant improvement was found in all the three groups but both statistically and clinically, maximum improvement was found in group B.
Conclusion: It is recommended that patients with chronic neck disability associated with occupation will be given combination of stretching and ergonomic interventions along with other conservative treatments.
Keywords
- Abasolo L, Blanco M, Bachiller J et al. A health system program to reduce work disability related to musculoskeletal disorders. Annals of Internal medicine. 2005; 143(1): 404-414.
- Bernaards CM, Ariens AM, Knol DL, Hildebrandt VH. The effectiveness of work-style intervention and a lifestyle physical activity intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers. Pain. 2007; 132(1):142-153.
- Bernaards CM, Ariens AM, Hildebrandt VH. The (cost-) effectiveness of a lifestyle physical activity intervention in addition to a work style intervention on the recovery from neck and upper limb symptoms in computer workers. Bio Med Central Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2006; 7(80): 74-80.
- Drppanda. Computer professional’s pain and the remedy. Available at: http:/computerprofessional- pain.html. Cited: Sept 30, 2011.
- Kietrys D, Galper J, Verno V. Effects of at-work exercises on computer operators. Work: A journal of Assessment, Prevention and Rehabilitation. 2007; 28(1):67-75.
- Kisner C, Colby LA. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques. 5th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Ltd; 2007.
- Podniece Z. Work related musculoskeletal disorders: Back to work report. Luxembourg: Office for official publications of the European Communities; 2007.
- Povlsen B, Rose L. Managing Type II Work related upper limb disorders in keyboard and mouse users who remain at work: A Case Series Report. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2008; 21(81):69-79.
- Schakenraad CH, Vendrig L, Sluiter JK, Veenstra W, Dresen M. Evaluation of a multidisciplinary treatment for patients with chronic non-specific upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders: a pilot study. Journal of Occupational Medicine. 2004; 54(8):576-578.
- Sleator A, Gore D, Vilder G. Work related upper limb disorders published in Great Britain Parliament, Library, House of Commons. 11. Yelin EH, Henke CJ, Epstein WV. Work disability among persons with musculoskeletal conditions. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1986; 29:1322-33.
Abstract Views: 550
PDF Views: 0