This review summarizes the knowledge regarding ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders and the association with computer work. A model of musculoskeletal disorders and computer work is proposed and the evidence and implications of the model together with issues for future research is discussed. The model emphasizes the associations between work organization, psychosocial factors and mental stress on the one hand and physical demands and physical load on the other. It is hypothesized that perceived muscular tension is an early sign of musculoskeletal disorder, which arises as a result of work organizational and psychosocial factors as well as from physical load and individual factors. It is further hypothesized that perceptions of exertion and comfort are other possible early signs of musculoskeletal disorders in computer work. Interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders due to computer work should be directed at both physical/ergonomic factors and work organizational and psychosocial factors. Interventions should be carried out with management support and active involvement of the individual workers.

BackgroundIncreased occurrence of Raynaud’s phenomenon, neurosensory injury and carpal tunnel syndrome has been reported for more than 100 years in association with work with vibrating machines. The current risk prediction modelling (ISO-5349) for “Raynaud’s phenomenon” is based on a few studies published 70 to 40 years ago. There are no corresponding risk prediction models for neurosensory injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, nor any systematic reviews comprising a statistical synthesis (meta-analysis) of the evidence.ObjectivesOur aim was to provide a systematic review of the literature on the association between Raynaud’s phenomenon, neurosensory injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome and hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure. Moreover the aim was to estimate the magnitude of such an association using meta-analysis.MethodsThis systematic review covers the scientific literature up to January 2016. The databases used for the literature search were PubMed and Science Direct. We found a total of 4,335 abstracts, which were read and whose validity was assessed according to pre-established criteria. 294 articles were examined in their entirety to determine whether each article met the inclusion criteria. The possible risk of bias was assessed for each article. 52 articles finally met the pre-established criteria for inclusion in the systematic review.ResultsThe results show that workers who are exposed to HAV have an increased risk of vascular and neurological diseases compared to non-vibration exposed groups. The crude estimate of the risk increase is approximately 4–5 fold. The estimated effect size (odds ratio) is 6.9 for the studies of Raynaud’s phenomenon when including only the studies judged to have a low risk of bias. The corresponding risk of neurosensory injury is 7.4 and the equivalent of carpal tunnel syndrome is 2.9.ConclusionAt equal exposures, neurosensory injury occurs with a 3-time factor shorter latency than Raynaud’s phenomenon. Which is why preventive measures should address this vibration health hazard with greater attention.

Aims: To determine whether perceived muscular tension, job strain, or physical exposure are associated with increased risk of developing neck pain among VDU users. Methods: A baseline questionnaire was answered by 1283 respondents, of whom 671 were free from neck pain at baseline. Perceived muscular tension, job strain, and physical exposure were assessed at baseline. Information about newly developed neck pain was collected in 10 follow up questionnaires and the case definition was the first report of such pain in any of the follow up questionnaires. Median follow up time was 10.9 months. Results: Both men and women who perceived muscular tension at least a few times per week, compared to those who had not perceived muscular tension the preceding month, had an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.9 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.93) for developing neck pain, when stratifying for sex. High perceived muscular tension was associated with an increased risk (IRR 1.6, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.91), even when controlling for job strain, physical exposure, and age in the model stratified by sex. Conclusions: Perceived muscular tension was associated with an increased risk of developing neck pain among VDU users. The combination of high job strain and high perceived muscular tension was associated with higher risk of developing neck pain than the combination of high physical exposure and high perceived muscular tension. There was an indication of an excess risk due to interaction between high physical exposure and high job strain. N eck pain is believed to have a multifactorial aetiology, with physical, psychosocial and individual factors interacting in the development of these disorders, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] though some investigators conclude that psychosocial factors are of greater importance than physical.8 9 Several theoretical models of how these factors relate to each other and their associations with musculoskeletal pain have been proposed. [10][11][12][13][14] There are no generally accepted criteria for classification of pain in the neck/shoulder region, but the umbrella term cervicobrachial disorders has been used. 15 In previous cross-sectional studies, we found that both physical and psychosocial factors were associated with muscle activity, measured with electromyography (EMG). [16][17][18][19] We have also found positive associations between perceived muscular tension and muscle activity assessed with EMG. 18Theorell and colleagues 20 reported that perceived muscular tension was associated with symptoms from the back, neck, and shoulders in a cross-sectional study. Crosssectional studies of populations characterised by low biomechanical exposure-that is, customer service work, have observed associations between perceived general tension and musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck/shoulder region. 22Whether perceived muscular tension is a risk factor or an intermediate in the development of musculoskeletal symptoms is unknown, though Holte and colleagues 23 suggested perceived general tension to be an intermediate response to organisat...

This review shows that there is scientific evidence that exposure to WBV increases the risk of LBP and sciatica.

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