Musculoskeletal, visual and psychosocial stress in VDU operators before and after multidisciplinary ergonomic interventions. A 6 years prospective study--Part II

Appl Ergon. 2001 Dec;32(6):559-71. doi: 10.1016/s0003-6870(01)00030-8.

Abstract

A prospective epidemiological field study covering a 2 years period has earlier been published. The study has a parallel group design with two intervention groups (T and S) and one control group (C) of Visual Display Unit (VDU) operators. The present paper covers the period from 2 to 6 years of the study. After 3.5 years, the C group got the same intervention in terms of new lighting system, new workplaces and at last an optometric examination and corrections if needed. The C group reported a significant reduction in visual discomfort after interventions while the two groups (T and S) continued to report significant reduction of visual discomfort after 6 years. By supporting the forearm on the table top, the C group reported significant reduction of shoulder and neck pain while the T group reported significant reduction in shoulder and back pain after 6 years. Organizational and psychosocial factors at work and outside work did not show any significant changes during the study period.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Terminals*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / etiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Ergonomics*
  • Eyeglasses
  • Humans
  • Lighting
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Workplace