Observed postural variations across computer workers during a day of sedentary computer work

Abstract

Sedentary computer work is widespread and typically occurs at a fixed-height seated workstation. Both neutral and at-risk postural classes of the back and neck were observed among 11computer-intensive workers using such workstations who had reported high discomfort levels. Four video recordings of approximately 1 hour each over the working day were analyzed to determine the percent duration and number of observations of each body and neck posture. Risky slouching (32.3% ±17.3%) and neck forward postures (16.9% ±12.3%) varied significantly by participant but not by time of day. Absence from video field of view of the workstation was not negligible, occurring 23.8%±14.8%. Postural changes of slouch and neck forward occurred several times during each recording (4.8±1.9 and 2.5±0.9, respectively) and varied significantly by participant but not over the day. Despite these postural adjustments, the prevalence of risky postures suggests that static workstations are fundamentally problematic.

The Ergonomic Association between Shoulder, Neck/Head Disorders and Sedentary Activity: A Systematic Review

“…According to Ng et al, the shoulder muscles contracted mildly to moderately during sedentary tasks. A significant difference in muscle activity was found in the head leaning and shoulder shrugging postures, but no demographic differences between male and female participants were found [ 3 , 7 , 55 ]. Zhu et al researched the importance of positioning the forearm while typing and recommended that computer workers benefit by employing articulating armrests and frequent breaks.…”

“…In light of some studies, SP acquisition is undoubtedly due to working with arms above the shoulder level and other unbalanced positions, such as flexion of the front trunk, severe vibrations of the arm, pressing, and pulling the load. Moreover, other risk factors, such as physical discomfort situations, cuts, bending, working with arms raised to a support level, overloading, and handling heavy loads, can cause problems in the upper appendix, especially the shoulder problem [ 42 , 55 , 66 ]. In addition, computer and typography workers will generally work in a particular position.…”