Ergonomics of E-Learning Workstations and the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders—Study among University Students

Abstract

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) has increased significantly in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a fundamental change in the lifestyles, ways of learning and working patterns of the general population, which in turn, might lead to health consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of e-learning and the impact of the learning modality on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms among university students in Poland. This cross-sectional study included 914 students who completed an anonymous questionnaire. The questions covered two time periods (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) and were aimed at obtaining information about lifestyle (including physical activity using the modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 2007 (IPAQ), perceived stress and sleep patterns), the ergonomics of computer workstations (by Rapid Office Strain Assessment, 2012 (ROSA) method), the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms (by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, 2018 (NMQ)) and headaches. The main differences between the two periods were statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon test in terms of physical activity, computer use time, and severity of headaches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in MSD (68.2% vs. 74.6%) and their intensity (2.83 ± 2.36 vs. 3.50 ± 2.79 points) among the student population (p < 0.001). In the group of students with MSD, there was a high musculoskeletal load, due to the lack of ergonomic remote learning workstations. In future, a thorough study should be carried out, and there is an urgent need to raise students’ awareness of arranging learning workstations according to ergonomic principles in order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.

Distribution of sleep components while working remotely

“…However, it seems that the headaches reported by the respondents could be related to long hours spent in front of the computer and were probably tension-type headaches. Another consequence of longer hours spent in front of the computer, combined with less frequent breaks, was an increase in the severity of musculoskeletal complaints [23,24,30,31]. It is also worth emphasizing that an additional reason for the occurrence of the above-discussed problems are inadequate, in terms of ergonomics, home workstations [23,33,34].…”

“…Another consequence of longer hours spent in front of the computer, combined with less frequent breaks, was an increase in the severity of musculoskeletal complaints [23,24,30,31]. It is also worth emphasizing that an additional reason for the occurrence of the above-discussed problems are inadequate, in terms of ergonomics, home workstations [23,33,34]. When working remotely, people tend to use their computers longer than when working at a stationary workplace, because all work-related activities, as well as contacts with colleagues, clients, etc., have to be carried out using the computer.…”

“…The full methodology of the study was described in previous articles [23,24]. The questionnaire included demographic questions characterizing the study population,…”

Ergonomics and organization of remote work – health aspect and recommendations for home office organization

“…Z analiz wynikało, że wydłużony czas pracy zwiększał prawie dwukrotnie ryzyko bólu w odcinku szyjnym kręgosłupa, natomiast dostosowanie regulacji siedziska do cech antropometrycznych pracowników zmniejszało ryzyko o ok. 40%. W analizach dotyczących studentów, pracowników dydaktycznych i administracyjnych łódzkich uczelni wyższych wykazano, że w czasie epidemii COVID-19 nauka/praca zdalna była związana ze zwiększeniem wykorzystania urządzeń nowych technologii, wydłużeniem deklarowanego czasu korzystania z nich oraz z większą częstością występowania i nasileniem MSD [26,37].…”