Multi Dimensional System for Evaluating a Preventive Program for Upper Extremity Disorders Among Computer Operators

Summary

Computer settings points to a number of risk factors which may induce the development of Work related MSD (WRMSD). In light of the expanded use of computers and the increased occurrence of Upper Extremity (UE) WRMSD among computer operators various intervention programs have been developed and tested. Nevertheless, many of these programs do not meet the criteria of quality and level of evidence.

The main objective of this study is to use simultaneously a three dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis system, surface electromyography (SEMG) and fingertip force measurement system (Flexiforce) while typing, to test the efficacy of primary and secondary preventive intervention programs aimed at reducing MSD among computer operators.

Work hypothesis: Significant score differences will be found on the evaluation parameters between the research group which underwent ergonomic training with biofeedback, the group without feedback, and the control group.The evaluated parameters will correlate with the appearance of MSD symptoms and pain and will affect level of function.

The study will include 66 participants, programmers and computer engineers. The participants will be assigned randomly to one of three groups: 1) participants will receive ergonomic training with biofeedback; 2) participants will receive ergonomic training without biofeedback; and 3) control group, without intervention. Each group will consist of 22 participants.

Treatment efficacy will be tested both at work and in the motion lab. In the lab, 3D kinematic measurements and fingertip forces relevant to typing while entering a standard text will be measured. At the work site, anthropometric and measurements, work station measurements, posture observation and questionnaires about, psychosocial status, function and pain level will be filled The preventive program will be performed at the workstation after the preliminary data collection phase. The program will consist of one group meeting at the workplace for all employees participating in the study, and individual instruction at the workstation, including 3-6 meetings for the two research groups. Data will be collected before and after the intervention program.

Conditions

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Upper Extremity Pain Chronic

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Ergonomic intervention

Ergonomic intervention, how to sit and work, an d muscle re education with a SurfaceElrctromyograph Biofeedback (SEMG biofeedback)

BEHAVIORAL

Standard ergonomic intervention

Standard ergonomic intervention , how to sit and work with computers

BEHAVIORAL

control group

general instructions no intervention

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Yafi Levanon, MsC · Sheba Medical Center , Tel aviv University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2009-09-30

Primary Completion

2012-03-31

Completion

2013-02-28

Countries

• Israel

Study Locations