Ergonomic chair intervention : effect on chronic upper quadrant dysfunction, disability and productivity in female computer workers
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : AIM: To compare the effect of two ergonomic chairs on upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain and tension, disability and productivity among female computer workers in the office workplace. METHODS: A series of two N=1 studies were conducted using the A-B-A-C-A design whereby an intervention ergonomic chair was compared to a less adjustable control ergonomic chair using visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and muscle spasm, the Neck Disability Index and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. The female participants were assessed over the four week phases as they performed high intensity visual display unit work. The results were compiled and tabulated. RESULTS: Both the control and intervention ergonomic chairs showed a reduction in both the mean and variance of pain and muscle spasm. The second participant also showed an increase in productivity with both chairs. CONCLUSION: The introduction of an ergonomic chair shows a reduction in VAS intensity and frequency for pain and muscle spasm, as well as a reduction in variance of the symptoms. Both chairs showed a similar reduction in symptoms, thus indicating almost equivalent benefit from the use of both ergonomic chairs.
Description
CITATION: Hoeben, C. & Louw, Q. 2014. Ergonomic chair intervention : effect on chronic upper quadrant dysfunction, disability and productivity in female computer workers. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 70(2):11-18, doi:10.4102/sajp.v70i2.32.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajp.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajp.co.za
Keywords
Chair design -- Physiological effect, Office chairs -- Design, Myalgia -- Research, Women white collar workers, Industrial productivity
Citation
Hoeben, C. & Louw, Q. 2014. Ergonomic chair intervention : effect on chronic upper quadrant dysfunction, disability and productivity in female computer workers. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 70(2):11-18, doi:10.4102/sajp.v70i2.32