Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2011 , Vol 57 , Num 4

Upper Extremity Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Computer Users and Effectiveness of Ergonomic Interventions

Emel Özcan 1 ,Sina Esmaeilzadeh 2 ,Hande Başat 3
1 İstanbul Üniversitesi, Istanbul Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Istanbul, Türkiye
2 İstanbul Üniversitesi İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, İstanbul, Türkiye
3 Bolu Fizik Tedavi v,e Rehabilitasyon Hastanesi, Bolu, Türkiye
DOI : 10.4274/tftr.49091

During the last two decades, computer use in the workplace has increased dramatically. Along with the increase in the productivity, the presence of computer in the workplace leads to changes in the workplace organizations and to emergence of new risk factors, thus causing many health problems such as upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UE-WMSD) among computer users. The prevention of UEWMSD, which frequency increases continuously, is possible with applying proper body mechanics and providing an ergonomic workplace. An approach that encloses the employer’s support and the active employee participation will increase the success of these programs.In terms of developing new effective prevention strategies, we need to understand more about these disorders. The aim of this study was to review the literature about the prevalence, risk factors and cost in UEWMSD and also to evaluate the evidence about the prevention programs and ergonomic interventions related to these disorders.

Keywords : Ergonomics, upper extremity, work-related musculoskeletaldisorders, computer user