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  • Effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort
    Publication . Cardoso, Bárbara; Mateus, Catarina; Rodrigues, Matilde
    Musculoskeletal discomfort is common among office workers, being related to individual, workplace and behaviors risk factors. Ergonomic interventions are of particular importance to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort. However, only few have studied the impact of an ergonomic intervention on these symptoms reduction. This study aims to design and implement an intervention program to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in office workers. A total of 84 employees from a charity and social assistance institution were involved in the study. The intervention included training actions to all employees, delivery of informative pamphlet and modifications in workplaces. To assess the intervention effectiveness, a questionnaire with a scale to assess musculoskeletal discomfort was applied in three moments: Pre-intervention; Post intervention Moment 1 and Post-intervention Moment 2. The areas described with greater musculoskeletal discomfort in the three moments were the neck, lower back, upper back and right shoulder. Between Pre-intervention and Post intervention Moment 1, there was a tendency to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort at the end of the day in all regions analyzed. It was also found a stagnation of discomfort in some regions of the body, comparing the Moment 1 and Moment 2 Post-intervention. Significant improvements in upper back and neck at the end of the workday were observed. This study suggests that an ergonomic intervention program has advantages for the employees' health, promoting the reduction of musculoskeletal symptoms
  • Ergonomic intervention program for office workers: a case study about its effect in computer vision syndrome and musculoskeletal discomfort
    Publication . Cardoso, Bárbara; Mateus, Catarina; Magalhães, Rúben; Rodrigues, Matilde
    This study aims to develop and implement an ergonomic intervention program at the workplace of knowledge workers, and to evaluate its impact on the reduction of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and musculoskeletal symptoms. 84 workers were part of the study (mean age 43.2 ± 9.7 years). The intervention included training, delivery of a packaging of artificial tears, and adjustments in workstations. It was conducted intensively along 6 weeks. Data was collected on-site, with questionnaires administered pre-intervention, 2 months after, and 4 months after. Participants exhibited behavioural changes, especially in workplace adjustments and visual rest. By the intervention’s end, over 90% had correctly adjusted screens and adopted appropriate postures, while 42.7% adhered to the 20x20x20 rule. CVS severity and prevalence decreased, but not significantly across the three time points. Significant improvements were observed in upper back and neck musculoskeletal symptoms at the end of workdays. Findings suggest that an ergonomic intervention program can benefit employees by reducing visual and musculoskeletal symptoms.