Which factor has more influence on musculoskeletal disorders of computer users? Physical activity or Office ergonomics

Subject Areas : Physical Activity and Health

shahrzad masoumi ¹

1 - physical education faculty. Islamic Azad university of Rasht. Rasht. Iran

Received: 2023-04-16 Accepted : 2023-07-08 Published : 2023-04-21

Keywords: Physical Activity, Office ergonomics, Computer users, musculoskeletal disorders,

Abstract :

Introduction: Today, with the advancement of technology, computer users are more prone to musculoskeletal disorders than other employees in any organization. The existence of a relationship between musculoskeletal disorders, especially low back pain, and sitting posture in workplace has been confirmed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity level and office ergonomics with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in female computer users of Islamic Azad University of Rasht.Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study with the cooperation of 39 female employees of the Islamic Azad University of Rasht. The data collection tool in this study was questionnaire. Beck Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ), Rapid Administrative Stress Assessment (ROSA) and Nordic Questionnaire were used to assess the variables of physical activity level; office ergonomics and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and Chi-square statistical tests.Results: The results showed that there was no significant relationship between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders, but a significant relationship was observed between the ergonomics of the subjects workplace environment and musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects who scored in alert areas and ergonomic intervention needs on ROSA assessment, reported musculoskeletal disorders.Discussion: generally, the results of the present study showed that physical activity does not prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in computer users, but ergonomic situation in the workplace, plays a major role in the prevalence of these disorders.