Document Detail


Effects of software programs stimulating regular breaks and exercises on work-related neck and upper-limb disorders.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12718496     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects on work-related neck and upper-limb disorders among computer workers stimulated (by a software program) to take regular breaks and perform physical exercises. Possible effects on sick leave and productivity were studied as well. A randomized controlled design was used with cluster randomization. Altogether 268 computer workers with complaints in the neck or an upper limb from 22 office locations were randomized into a control group, one intervention group stimulated to take extra breaks and one intervention group stimulated to perform exercises during the extra breaks during an 8-weekperiod. Questionnaires were administered before andafter the intervention, and questions were generated by the software during the intervention period. Computer usage was recorded online. RESULTS: The data on self-reported recovery suggested a favorable effect; more subjects in the intervention groups than in the control group reported recovery (55% versus 34%) from their complaints and fewer reported deterioration (4% versus 20%). However, a comparison between the reported pre- and postintervention scores on the severity and frequency of the complaints showed no significant differences in the change among the three groups. No effects on sick leave were observed. The subjects in the intervention groups showed higher productivity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a software program stimulating workers to take regular breaks contributes to perceived recovery from neck or upper-limb complaints. There seems to be no additional effects from performing physical exercises during these breaks.
Authors:
Swenne G van den Heuvel; Michiel P de Looze; Vincent H Hildebrandt; Kiem H Thé
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health     Volume:  29     ISSN:  0355-3140     ISO Abbreviation:  Scand J Work Environ Health     Publication Date:  2003 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2003-04-29     Completed Date:  2003-07-31     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7511540     Medline TA:  Scand J Work Environ Health     Country:  Finland    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  106-16     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
TNO Work and Employment (TNO = The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. S.vdHeuvel@arbeid.tno.nl
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Analysis of Variance
Computer Terminals
Cumulative Trauma Disorders / prevention & control*
Efficiency
Exercise
Female
Humans
Intervention Studies
Male
Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology,  prevention & control*
Neck Pain / prevention & control
Occupational Diseases / epidemiology,  prevention & control*
Pain Measurement
Probability
Recovery of Function
Reference Values
Sensitivity and Specificity
Sick Leave / trends
Software*
Upper Extremity / physiopathology

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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