Do psychosocial factors mediate the appearance of musculoskeletal symptoms? Evidence of an empirical study about the role of mental workload in computer workers

Abstract

The emergence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) in computer workers is a relevant occupational health problem. This study tests a multilevel model of analysis of risk factors in the appearance of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in computer workers that integrates indicators from different areas: temporal usage patterns, ergonomic factors, psychosocial factors, and individual variables, specifically testing the possible mediating role of the mental workload. A cross-sectional study was performed through online registration with a non-probabilistic sample of 1198 workers from Spanish organizations. The results show that mental workload has a higher association than the rest of the factors with the onset of pain and discomfort in various body areas: neck in men, neck, shoulders and upper back in women. They also support the mediation role of mental workload in the relationship between usage patterns and the appearance of musculoskeletal symptoms. The use of multilevel theoretical models that adequately consider the complexity of the relationships between the different risk factors is necessary for a better understanding and intervention on MSSs in computer workers.

Association of electronic learning devices and online learning properties with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs): A cross-sectional study among Thai undergraduate students

“…Evidence from electronic device users also highlights the link between work-related (physical, environmental, and psychological risk factors) and unrelated (individual risk factors) factors. Owing to the combination of personal, psychosocial, and physical risk factors, it is believed that an increase in muscle load or activity could be an early sign of musculoskeletal disorders in people who are at work [ 6 , 9 , 41 ]. Therefore, an assessment of multidimensional risk factors [ 7 ], such as those in the workplace (e.g., stress, bent posture, and prolonged sitting), should be a priority for the target group of first-year students with online classes and those engaging with electronic devices (e.g., iPad/tablet, mobile phone, and notebook) for online learning.…”

Ward-level leadership quality and prospective low-back pain of eldercare workers: do resident handlings mediate the association?

“…As an alternative to self-reported data, observational exposure assessment tools have been developed to assess different exposures in eldercare (Jakobsen et al 2015 ; Karstad et al 2018b ). Also, several resident handling conditions should be evaluated together, since they are likely to occur concomitantly (Soria-Oliver et al 2021 ), such as when handling a resident alone, without any assistive device, and being interrupted by a coworker who needs urgent help.…”

Saúde do trabalhador: revisão integrativa da literatura sobre os riscos ocupacionais do teletrabalho

“…Sendo assim, considerando a origem multifatorial dos problemas musculoesqueléticos, estudos que sugerem apenas a abordagem da ergonomia física do local de trabalho podem não ser suficientes para a prevenção dos riscos ocupacionais entre esses trabalhadores (FRUTIGER;BOROTKANICS, 2021;HOE et al, 2018;JANELA et al, 2022;SORIA-OLIVER et al, 2021;SOUZA et al, 2021)the summed effect of workplace interventions on neck pain in office workers remains unclear. This systematic review with meta--analysis and meta-regression evaluated the summed effect of workplace interventions on neck pain in office workers.…”