The main objective of the present study was to estimate the association between forced postures and musculoskeletal disorders in office workers who work in a Health Institute in Mexico City. The secondary objectives are to describe the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and level of physical activity and to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms.
The present study has a cross-sectional analytical design and includes office workers who have given written informed consent. Inclusion criteria are six months of working and daily computer use of over three hours. Exclusion criteria include a history of systemic autoimmune diseases and musculoskeletal symptoms related to COVID-19 infection.
The examination included administering the Nordic Kuorinka questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptoms, the work history questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the ergonomic Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method.
135 participants were included in the study, yielding a response rate of 91.2%. 58.5% were women (n=79), and 41.5% were men (n=56), with a mean age of 41.65 ± 8.62 years. The median seniority in their current position was 5 years. Participants reported a median of 7 hours spent in front of the computer daily (IQR 6-8 hours). 45.9% of workers had a high activity level, 28.9% had a moderate level, and 25.2% had a low level. 95.6% of the participants reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom. The most affected body regions were the cervical spine (81.5%, n=110), lumbar spine (52.6%, n=71), and forearm/wrist (34%, n=46), with the intensity of discomfort showing high levels of intensity. A significant association exists between forced postures and musculoskeletal symptoms, with an OR 9.75, 95% CI 1.76-53.74, p=0.018.
The study results reveal a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among workers, with 95.6% of participants reporting at least one symptom. The most affected regions were the forearm/wrist and the cervical and lumbar spine, with a high intensity of discomfort in these areas. Forced postures showed a significant association with musculoskeletal symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of appropriate ergonomic intervention to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in these types of work environments.
The high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, especially in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and forearm/wrist, suggests the urgent need to implement ergonomics programs and prevention strategies. These interventions could improve workers' physical well-being, reduce absenteeism, and improve productivity.
awkward working posture
musculoskeletal symptoms
