Open AccessAssociation between comprehensive workstation and neck and upper‐limb pain among office worker
Author(s) -
Nakatsuka Kiyomasa,
Tsuboi Yamato,
Okumura Maho,
Murata Shunsuke,
Isa Tsunenori,
Kawaharada Rika,
Matsuda Naoka,
Uchida Kazuaki,
Horibe Kana,
Kogaki Masahumi,
Ono Rei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of occupational health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 1348-9585
DOI - 10.1002/1348-9585.12194
Subject(s) - workstation , association (psychology) , medicine , office workers , physical therapy , upper limb , neck pain , physical medicine and rehabilitation , operations management , computer science , psychology , engineering , operating system , alternative medicine , psychotherapist , pathology
Objectives Our study aimed to investigate the association between comprehensive workstations and neck and upper‐limb pain (NUP) among office workers. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 307 office workers (median age, 39 years; 88% men). Workstations (presence of armrest, armrest position, number of monitors used, mouse position, mouse usage, keyboard usage, and keyboard position) were investigated in terms of 17 items and judged as “adequate” or “inadequate.” NUP was assessed using a numerical rating scale. NUP locations included the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. In the statistical analysis, outcome variables were the presence of pain in each part, while explanatory variables were the number of inadequate workstations. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for age, gender, working duration, and exercise habit. Results The prevalence of neck pain was 47% (n = 143), shoulder pain was 50% (n = 153), elbow pain was 7.2% (n = 22), and wrist pain was 13% (n = 40). In the adjusted model, the number of inadequate workstations had significant positive associations with elbow pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06.1.81) and wrist pain (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17.2.26). However, the number of inadequate workstations was not significantly associated with neck pain or shoulder pain. Conclusions Workstation‐related factors (presence of armrest, armrest position, mouse usage, and keyboard usage) were significantly associated with elbow and wrist pain. Our findings suggest that workstations can contribute to elbow and wrist pain in office workers.