Search

Objectives: In this study, we gave information about appropriate working position to the office workers who have low back pain for last 3 months and we aimed to determine the effect of this intervention on frequency and level of low back pain and functionality of the workers. Materials and Methods: This study was an interventional study. Data were collected in September 2017 and December 2017 using face to face interview method. Information was given by a one-hour conference and distributing 4 informative brochures between October 2017 and November 2017. Results: 409 persons participated in the study and 141 of them who had low back pain for last 3 months formed the intervention group. 59.7% of the participants noted that they usually perform desk work. Logistic regression analysis showed that low back pain was 3,25 times more frequent among women than men, and 2,41 times more frequent among workers who had non-communicable disease. Among workers who had low back pain and attended the conference and read at least one brochure, mean Visual Analog Scale score was 5,97±1,2 before intervention and 5,03±1,1 after intervention (p0,05). Conclusions: Considering the effect of intervention, this result shows that implementation of intervention with health promotion approach at workplace is an appropriate method for reducing severity of low back pain and increasing functionality.

Background. The vaccine is the best available instrument to prevent influenza and reduce the risks of major disease complications and mortality. The vaccine effectiveness during the influenza season depends on a number of factors: (1) a person vaccinated (their age and health status); (2) the vaccine formulation; (3) types and subtypes of the circulating viruses; (4) vaccination timeline, as the immune response fades over time. An influenza vaccine can yield different effectiveness in people who have been infected or vaccinated previously and in those who have not been yet exposed to the circulating viruses. At present, trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccines are registered and produced in Russia. It allows for vaccination of all social groups, including high-risk populations, and for increasing the number of vaccinated individuals yearly. Russian Federation constantly improves the production of influenza vaccines, introducing new variants of vaccine formulations into national clinical usage. It is thus essential to monitor and analyze the changes in the effectiveness of influenza vaccines every season.Aim of the study. To evaluate of the effectiveness of Russian domestic influenza vaccines during the epidemic season 2019–2020 in St. Petersburg compared to the season 2018–2019.Materials and Methods. 3315 female and male adult participants aged 18 years and older were monitored from October 2019 to March 2020. The group included university students and tutors, researchers, and production and office workers of industrial enterprises. Sovigripp, Grippol Plus, Ultrix, and Ultrix Quadri influenza vaccines were used for immunization.Results and Discussion. In the context of incomplete correspondence between the viruses circulating in Russia and the strains used in the vaccines, the vaccination of the St. Petersburg population during the epidemic season 2019-2020 with Sovigripp, Grippol Plus, Ultrix, and Ultrix Quadri influenza vaccines cumulatively reduced influenza and ARI incidences by half; the total vaccine effectiveness against influenza and ARI amounted to 50.0%. The strongest preventive effect was identified for Grippol Plus, Ultrix, and Ultrix Quadri which demonstrated the total vaccine effectiveness from 70.6% to 75.0%, and their effectiveness against influenza A and B viruses reached from 65.5% to 83.5%.Conclusion. In the context of incomplete correspondence between the viral strains used in the vaccines and the strains circulating in Russia and St. Petersburg during the epidemic season 2019- 2020 and considering the active circulation of non-influenza viruses such as rhinoviruses and adenoviruses, we found a moderate preventive effectiveness of the influenza vaccines during the seasonal epidemic increase in ARI cases. Russian domestic influenza vaccines were shown to have good acceptability, be safe, and non-reactogenic.

PURPOSE Noise is one of the major environmental health problems and is defined as any unpleasant sound. It was shown that prolonged exposure to noise was associated with progress of diseases. There is no study evaluating the effect of noise on the oxidative parameters of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and DNA damage. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the effect of noise on TOS, TAC and DNA damage. METHODS In this study, we included 100 textile factory workers affected by noise as a noise group, and 56 healthy volunteers employed as office workers in our hospital who were not exposed to noise as the control group. Blood samples were obtained from both the groups. Oxidative Stress (OS) was measured by Oxidative stress index (OSI), TOS and TAC. The DNA damage level was measured by 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). RESULTS 8-OHdG (21.8 ± 12.0 vs. 14.7 ± 5.6 pg/ml, p = 0.001),TOS (14.1 ± 2.5 vs. 10.9 ± 1.5 mol H2O2 equivalent/l, p

Introduction. According to Russian and foreign studies, the frequency of musculoskeletal system pathology continues to grow. To improve the life quality and reduce the level of the musculoskeletal system diseases, an urgent task is to increase the volume of available non-drug methods of prophylaxis.The aim of the research was to develop measures to prevent the formation of somatic dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system and their relapses in office workers using osteopathic correction.Materials and methods. In the period from 2016 to 2020, a prospective controlled randomized study was carried out on the basis of the ANO TIMM. The work is based on the results of osteopathic care in combination with a controlled change in the ergonomics of the workplace after the correction of somatic dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system in office workers. The study involved 426 people who were divided into two comparable groups: the main and control groups of 212 and 214 people, respectively. All patients underwent osteopathic diagnostics before the start of the treatment, during therapy, and at its completion in accordance with the approved clinical guidelines. Patients of both groups received osteopathic care provided in accordance with the developed algorithm. The patients of the main group underwent correction of their workplaces ergonomics.Results. The study showed that office workers are characterized by the presence of somatic dysfunctions at the regional and local levels. Somatic dysfunctions of the spine, pelvis, abdominal and pelvic diaphragms were most often observed. As a result of osteopathic correction in combination with a change in the ergonomics of the workplace in patients of the main group, the frequency of recurrences of the somatic dysfunctions formation decreased significantly (pConclusion. The use of osteopathic correction in combination with the workplace ergonomics change effectively contributes to the prevention of the formation of the musculoskeletal system somatic dysfunctions and their recurrence in office workers.

A research was conducted among the employees referred to work in the home office in connection with the announced state of the epidemic in Poland. The research was conducted using a questionnaire method, the study was attended by 199 respondents. The research is burdened with an error in the selection of statistical sample units, which resulted from the respondents’ involvement and their truthfulness. The aim of the article is to assess the activities of employers from the private and state sectors in Poland, related to the delegation of employees to work in the home office, and to analyze the skills and possibilities of self-organization of work by employees. An important result of the survey was to demonstrate the differences in the behavior of public and private sector employers. The study shows that the private sector has adapted better to sudden changes than the state sector.

Objective To investigate the interrelationships among concerns regarding dental visits, the status of regular dental visits, and periodontal health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Background Continuous oral health care and regular dental visits are important for maintaining periodontal health. Due to the possibility of contracting COVID‐19, individuals have been reluctant to visit medical institutions. It is unclear how the periodontal health of the Japanese population has been affected by the interruption of regular dental visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic and how concerns regarding dental visits have affected attendance at regular dental visits. Methods This study included 199 Japanese office workers in one municipal office at Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan (average age = 42.6 years; age range = 19–77 years; 123 men and 76 women). Periodontitis was defined based on a full‐mouth periodontal examination. The status of regular dental visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic and concerns regarding dental visits were obtained via questionnaire. We tested the hypothesis that concerns regarding dental visits would indirectly affect periodontal health through the interruption of regular dental visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We used mediation analysis, in which concerns regarding dental visits (present or absent) were set as the exposure, periodontitis (present or absent) was set as the outcome, and the status of regular dental visits (continued during the COVID‐19 pandemic or not) was set as the mediator. Results Of the 199 study participants, 108 had a habit of attending regular dental visits. Of these, 31 (28.7%) discontinued regular dental visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Compared to the individuals who continued regular dental visits, those who discontinued regular dental visits had a higher prevalence of periodontitis (49.4% vs 77.4%, p

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 lockdown caused a sudden change in the work culture and environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown caused changes in musculoskeletal pain (MSP), physical activity (PA), workplace properties, and their in-between relationships among office workers. METHODS: A total of 161 office workers (64.6%female) with a mean age of 38.2±9.5 years participated. The study was conducted as an online form. Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, NORDIC Questionnaire, and questions about the work environment were used. The participants were asked to describe the current situation and retrospectively the situation 3 months before. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the prevalence of MSP or between the mean number of body regions suffering from MSP before and during the lockdown. During the lockdown, a significant (p

The relationship between occupational exposure and different skin diseases including scalp psoriasis and Pityriasis amiantacea has been studied. The information about imbalance of essential trace elements in psoriatic patients is still scarce. In the present follow-up study, the scalp hair and blood samples of patients (labors of cement factory) have different skin disorders (plaque's psoriasis and Pityriasis amiantacea) and were analyzed for zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) before and after treatment with mineral supplements. For comparative purposes, both biological samples of referents who do not have any skin disease (office workers and labors of cement industry) were also analyzed for Zn and Se using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The result indicates a significant decrease in the concentrations of Se and Zn in both biological samples of patients with scalp psoriasis and P. amiantacea as compared with referents/controls, whereas the referent labor has not any skin disease with 15-25% lower values of both essential trace elements as compared to office worker, possibly due to poor diet.

BACKGROUND: Computer workstation use is a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Governmental guidelines have been developed as a resource for workstation set-up to minimize this risk. The degree of worksite compliance with guidelines has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine workstations using the VDT Workstation Checklist to determine compliance, and potential modifications. METHODS: Subjects were recruited from a variety of work settings in Erie, PA. Workstations were assessed with the worker present, using the VDT Workstation Checklist. Adjustments and recommendations were made as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 60 workstations examined, 48%did not receive a passing score. All but one were correctable to an acceptable level with minimal low-cost modifications. The recommendation for wrist rests (43%), changes in monitor height (30%) or position (27%) and reposition of the keyboard (13.3%) and mouse (13.3%) were the most frequent modifications. Ten (16.7%) workstations did not require modification. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of workstations reviewed were not in compliance with current guidelines, however almost all (98%) could be brought into compliance with simple modifications. Office workers need guidance in setting up workspace and adjusting ergonomic equipment to provide comfortable and safe work settings and minimize musculoskeletal symptoms.

Background There are limited studies on the health effects of street trading in spite of common knowledge that individuals engaged in the trade are exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution per their mode of operation, and also the fact that the venture is a dominant occupation in cities of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other developing regions. Objective We characterized particulate matter (PM) pollution levels at traffic hotspots of Accra, Ghana during the dry and wet seasons, and assessed exposure experiences of street traders. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 236 street traders operating along six selected traffic routes of Accra and a comparison group of 186 office workers. PurpleAir PA-II monitors were used to measure PM levels at the selected traffic routes. We estimated annual PM2.5 exposure of street traders using assigned seasonal PM2.5 levels, and information collected in a structured questionnaire on their activity patterns. Outcomes investigated were self-reported respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms. Results PM levels at Accra traffic hotspots were high in both seasons. 1 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure increased respiratory, cardiovascular, and overall symptoms by a factor of 0.00027 (95% CI: 0.00012, 0.00041), 0.00022 (95% CI: 0.00007, 0.00036), and 0.00048 (95% CI: 0.00023, 0.00073), respectively. Compared to office workers, high PM2.5 exposure among street traders was associated with increased odds of coughing, catarrh (postnasal drip), sneezing, rapid heart beating, irregular heartbeat, sharp chest pains, fainting spells, headaches, and dizziness. Low and medium PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased odds of dermatitis, rapid heart beating, and irregular heartbeat, and sharp chest pains, respectively. Conclusions We found consistent evidence that PM2.5 exposure among street traders increases the occurrence of respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms. We also provide indicative measurements of PM levels at traffic hotspots of a rapidly growing SSA city with heavy vehicular traffic and yet, limited air quality monitoring capacity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the application of spinal support device with core stabilization exercise on the pain and low back dysfunction of office workers with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Methods: This study was conducted with 50 office workers with NSLBP. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Both groups performed core stabilization exercise and bed rest for three times a week for 4 weeks, and the intervention group used a spinal support device for bed rest. The primary outcome was pain, and the secondary outcome was low back dysfunction and satisfaction. Measurements were performed pre and post intervention. Results: As a result of the study, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in resting pain, working pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT), and low back dysfunction (p

Background: Sedentary behavior is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Physical exercise exerts beneficial physiological effects on cardiovascular fitness. Different grades of physical exercise have different effects on cardiovascular health. Objective: To compare the effect of moderate and high intensity exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV) in sedentary office workers. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 healthy sedentary volunteers aged between 20-40 years of both the genders. Participants were distributed into two groups of 20 subjects each. Subjects of group I and group II performed moderate intensity and high intensity exercise respectively on bicycle ergometer for 12 weeks. Their 5- minute ECG recording was done by three channel physiograph, and frequency domain indices of HRV and heart rate (HR) were analyzed and compared before and after exercise training. Their blood pressure was also recorded and compared before and after exercise training. Independent sample t-test and paired sample ttest were used for statistical analysis. Results: HF, systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduced significantly after exercise in group II (p=0.015, 0.005, and 0.015 respectively) while HR and LF/HF ratio reduced in both group I and group II (p=0.000 for HR, and 0.034, 0.001 for LF/HF). The decrease in HR was greater after high intensity exercise than moderate intensity exercise (p= 0.025). Conclusion: Parasympathetic activity improves after moderate and high intensity exercise but improvement is more after high intensity exercise training. Therefore, high intensity exercise training is more beneficial than moderate intensity exercise training. J Bngladesh Soc Physiol 2021;16(1): 16-23

Hairdressers may be differentially exposed to phthalates through hair salon services provided and products used, yet no U.S. studies have investigated these exposures in this population. We characterized concentrations and exposure determinants to nine phthalate metabolites in postshift urine samples among 23 hairdressers from three Black and three Dominican salons, as well as a comparison group of 17 female office workers from the Maryland/Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Overall, hairdressers had higher metabolite concentrations than office workers. The geometric mean (GM) for monoethyl phthalate (MEP) was 10 times higher in hairdressers (161.4 ng/mL) than office workers (15.3 ng/mL). Hairdressers providing select services and using certain products had higher GM MEP concentrations than those who did not: permanent waves/texturizing (200.2 vs 115.4 ng/mL), chemical straightening/relaxing (181.6 vs 92.1 ng/mL), bleaching (182.3 vs 71.6 ng/mL), permanent hair color (171.9 vs 83.2 ng/mL), and Brazilian blowout/keratin treatments (181.4 vs 134.6 ng/mL). Interestingly, hairdressers providing natural services had lower GM MEP concentrations than those who did not: twists (129.1 vs 215.8 ng/mL), sister locs/locs (86.0 vs 241.9 ng/mL), and afros (94.7 vs 203.9 ng/mL). Larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings and identify disparities in occupational phthalate exposures.

Faris H Binyousef,1 Shahad A Alruwaili,1 Abdulaziz F Altammami,1 Ahmed A Alharbi,1 Feras A Alrakaf,1 Abdulrhman A Almazrou2 1College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Ophthalmology Department, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Shahad A AlruwailiCollege of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaTel/Fax +966534479993Email shahadabdullahalr@gmail.comPurpose: To assess the impact of dry eye disease (DED) on work productivity in Saudi Arabia and investigate its effect on daily activities.Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on male and female Saudi workers age 20 years or older. The data were collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed electronically through social media. We used the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire to diagnose DED patients and assess their DED severity as mild, moderate, and severe.Results: A total of 463 respondents qualified for the study. All patients in the DED groups reported a loss of work productivity. Most patients in the severe DED group (59%) reported difficulty focusing on work due to DED, whereas 17.1% of patients with mild DED and 22.7% with moderate DED reported the same. These findings indicate significantly worsening productivity as DED progresses in severity (p< 0.05). Participants with severe DED reported significantly more affected work hours weekly (35.8%) than participants with moderate (6.1%) and mild DED (7.1%).Conclusion: DED has a significant impact on work productivity, with the most pronounced effect among office workers. It is essential to screen office workers for DED and enhance the awareness of its effect on work productivity among the workforce and healthcare providers.Keywords: dry eye syndrome, work performance, office worker, presenteeism, occupation

Objectives. This study aimed to define specific patterns of multisite musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in office employees and to examine how derived patterns relate to ergonomic chair design. Methods. This cross-sectional study of 254 office employees extracted major patterns of MSDs using latent class analysis and investigated the association with ergonomic chair design. Results. Four major patterns of MSDs were extracted using latent class analysis: class 1 (12.1%), individuals with high probabilities of MSDs in the neck, shoulders, back and wrists; class 2 (35.6%), individuals with near-zero probabilities of MSDs across all sites; class 3 (14.1%), those with high probabilities of complaints in the back, hips and knees; class 4 (38.2%), those with high probabilities of MSDs across all sites. Considering class 2 as the reference, there was an inverse significant association between seat comfort and membership in class 3 (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.89, 0.99]) and class 4 OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.91, 0.98], and a significant inverse relationship between body support and membership in class 4 OR 0.95, 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]. Conclusion. MSDs can be summarized with latent class-derived patterns among office workers. Ergonomic chair design was significantly associated with type of MSD patterns.

Neck pain found to be most common musculoskeletal condition in office workers with 12-month prevalence. Mechanical neck pain can be classified into two categories in clinical studies mechanical neck pain which has patients without any identifiable anatomic cause and leaves patients having neurological dysfunctions cervicogenic headache and inflammatory disorders. Current research work has total of 150 participants out of which there were 100 females school teachers having mean age of 37.8 years(median 38 years) and 50 male school teachers having mean age 40 years (median 39 years). Participants included in the study were professionally active school teachers of primary, secondary and senior secondary. Scapula position and neck disability was examined as per keiblers lateral scapular slide test and Neck disability index. Total 150 teachers were included in the study 80 teachers having mechanical neck pain (study group) and 70 teachers not having mechanical neck pain (control group) statistically significant difference found in scapula position and neck disability. In the present research, it is found that there is statistically significant difference in scapula position protraction and upward rotation at three different levels as well as there are statistically significant changes observed in neck disability.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a global problem. In Indonesia, the prevalence of MSDs that disrupts activities reaches 9.2% in office workers with complaints of the neck by 68%, upper back 62%, and lower back 60%. In developing countries, MSDs are the most common occupational diseases found in 40-95% of lecturers. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia resulted in the government implementing work from home (WFH) which caused 66.3% of workers to experience musculoskeletal pain. This can be caused by not fulfilling sleep which is a physiological need. It was found that 41.9% of adults experienced sleep disturbances which affected the emergence of MSDs complaints. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep quality and musculoskeletal complaints. This is an analytical study using a cross-sectional design towards the lecturers and educational staff at the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta. A sample size of 84 people was taken using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected online using the PSQI for sleep quality and NMQ for musculoskeletal. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.The results showed that the majority of respondents were female (54.8%), had poor sleep quality (94%), and experienced musculoskeletal complaints (73.8%). The results of the Fisher test showed a significant relationship between sleep quality and musculoskeletal complaints (p = 0.016; OR = 13.5). Conclusion: The low quality of sleep in lecturers and educational staff increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in workers is high. Its impact can lower health status and disrupt work productivity. This research aimed to identify the dominant factor of metabolic syndrome among workers in government agencies of the Tanjung Priok port, Jakarta. The research method used descriptive- analytic with a cross-sectional design. The study used secondary data from medical check-up records of 256 workers in Port of Tanjung Priok. The inclusion criteria was all employees who had a medical check-up. Exclusion criteria was pregnancy and individuals with too much missing or poorly recorded information. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were applied for analysis. The study found that metabolic syndrome prevalence was quite high in workers (38.7%). The results of a multivariate analysis showed physical activity (p = 0,003, OR = 2,238), total energy (P = 0,038, OR = 1,960), and carbohydrate intake (p = 0,014, OR = 0,490), together became the risk factor of the metabolic syndrome among workers. The dominant factor of metabolic syndrome was physical activity. The worker was susceptible to low physical activity so that the risk of metabolic syndrome was quite high. The company should improve the health promotion program in the workplace with regular screening, improved physical activity and provide a healthy meal to prevent metabolic syndrome in workers.

목적: 본 연구에서는 만성 두통을 앓고 있는 직장인들을 대상으로 SNPE 다나손을 이용한 C-move 운동이 두통감소에 미치는 영향을 양적연구와 질적연구의 통합을 통해 살펴보았다. 방법: 순서균형화를 적용한 반복측정실험 설계를 통해 5일 동안 SNPE 다나손 C-move 운동과 목 스트레칭을 각각 수행하였고, 사전/사후에 걸쳐 VAS, NDI, HIT-6을 측정하였다. 실험 종료 7일 후, 질적자료를 수집하기 위해 대상자들과 심층 인터뷰를 진행하였다. 결과: 다나손을 적용한 C-move 운동을 목 스트레칭과 비교한 결과 다나손이 스트레칭 보다 통증감소와 통증관련 증상을 약화시키는데 도움이 되는 것으로 나타났다. 질적연구에서도 대상자들은 다나손이 통증 개선에 대해 긍정적 경험을 하는 것으로 도출되었다. 결론: SNPE 다나손을 이용한 C-move 운동은 두통과 경추장애를 완화하는데 도움이 되었고, 스트레칭보다 두통완화에 효과적이라고 볼 수 있다.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are of multi-factorial origin, including individual, physical, and psychosocial factors. An effective education program for musculoskeletal disorders should include predisposing factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of risk factor education on pain intensity and disability levels compared to a home-based exercise program in office workers with nonspecific neck or low back pain. METHODS: A pilot cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted in 46 workers with neck or low back pain. The education group received checklists of risk factors and handbooks providing information on how to manage them. The exercise group received a home-based exercise program to manage their neck or low back pain. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity and disability levels. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in pain intensity or disability level between groups at baseline and follow-ups. However, neck and low back pain intensity, but not disability level, at the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups was significantly lower than those at baseline in both groups. CONCLUSION: Risk factor education was not more effective than the home-based exercise program in terms of pain intensity or disability reduction in workers with nonspecific neck or low back pain.

ObjectivesSedentary behaviour among office workers and the risk of adverse health outcomes are public health problems. However, risk indicators for these outcomes require invasive biochemical examination. A proactive screening tool using a non-invasive, easy-to-use method is required to assess the risk focused on musculoskeletal health for primary prevention. However, middle-aged adults have insufficient awareness of musculoskeletal disorders. This study examined to determine whether the 30-s chair-stand test (CS-30) can be used as a proactive screening index for musculoskeletal disorder risk of sedentary behaviour in office workers.DesignCross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires and physical measurements.SettingFour workplaces located in a metropolitan area of Japan.Participants431 Japanese office workers aged 20–64 years. 406 valid sets of results remained (valid response rate: 94.2%).Primary and secondary outcome measuresMusculoskeletal function was measured using the CS-30, quadriceps muscle strength. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the sensitivity, specificity and optimal cut-off value for the CS-30. The risk of future incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was calculated using current quadriceps muscle strength.ResultsIn total participants, 47.0% were male and the mean sitting time in work duration was 455.6 min/day (SD=111.2 min). The mean lower limb quadriceps muscle strength was 444.8 N (SD=131.3 N). For the optimum cut-off value of 23 on the CS-30 for all participants, sensitivity was 0.809 and specificity was 0.231. For men, the optimum cut-off was 25, with a sensitivity of 0.855 and a specificity 0.172. For women, the optimum cut-off was 21, with a sensitivity of 0.854 and a specificity 0.275.ConclusionsSensitivity was high, but specificity was insufficient. The CS-30 may be a potential proactive screening index for musculoskeletal disorder risk of sedentary behaviour, in combination with other indicators.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered national recommendations encouraging people to work from home (WFH), but the possible impact of WFH on physical behaviors is unknown. This study aimed to determine the extent to which the 24-h allocation of time to different physical behaviors changes between days working at the office (WAO) and days WFH in office workers during the pandemic. Methods Data were collected on 27 office workers with full-time employment at a Swedish municipal division during the COVID-19 outbreak in May–July 2020. A thigh-worn accelerometer (Axivity) was used to assess physical behavior (sedentary, stand, move) during seven consecutive days. A diary was used to identify periods of work, leisure and sleep. 24-h compositions of sedentary, standing and moving behaviors during work and non-work time were examined using Compositional data analysis (CoDA), and differences between days WAO and days WFH were determined using repeated measures ANOVA. Results Days WFH were associated with more time spent sleeping relative to awake, and the effect size was large (F = 7.4; p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.22). The increase (34 min) in sleep time during WFH occurred at the expense of a reduction in work and leisure time by 26 min and 7 min, respectively. Sedentary, standing and moving behaviors did not change markedly during days WFH compared to days WAO. Conclusion Days working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden were associated with longer duration of sleep than days working at the office. This behavioral change may be beneficial to health.

This study assessed musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in administrative workers, associating MSCs with nonpaid housework, home use of electronic devices and physical exercise, while keeping a distinctive gender approach. This may promote the development of more effective preventive measures, by meeting the specific strengths and weaknesses of each gender. Methods. Ninety-six administrative workers (58 women and 38 men) who used computers more than 50% of their working time participated in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire concerning individual socio-demographic data, habits and lifestyle, and including the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), was deployed. Gender-based odds ratios for MSCs in body areas over the previous 12 months and correlation coefficients between habits and lifestyle variables and NMQ variables were computed. Results. Women did not incur a higher risk of MSCs than men. Analysis of the association did not yield meaningful associations for either gender. Results suggest giving future consideration to development of gender-specific preventive measures. Conclusion. Computerized work performed concomitantly with physical exposures outside the workplace showed mixed associations with MSCs, according to gender and depending on the kind of exposure. Results are indicative of the need for development of gender-specific preventive measures., Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) and C-MAST – Centre for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies.

Despite mitigation efforts, 2 coronavirus disease outbreaks were identified among office workers in Washington, DC. Moderate adherence to workplace mitigation efforts was reported in a serologic survey; activities outside of the workplace were associated with infection. Adherence to safety measures are critical for returning to work during the pandemic.

Belayneh Shetie Workneh,1 Enyew Getaneh Mekonen2 1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Enyew Getaneh Mekonen Tel +251946607528Email enyewgetaneh12@gmail.comIntroduction: Low back pain is a very common health problem that most people experience at some point in their working life. It results in sick leave, disability, producing significant restrictions on usual activity and participation among many office workers. The working style of bank workers is sedentary mostly and the alignment of their chairs, table, and computers is not designed based on their health aspects which exposes them to low back pain.Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among bank workers in Gondar city.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th October to 10th November 2020 at banks in Gondar city. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 296 bank workers. A structured pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered in epi-info version 7, analyzed using SPSS version 21, and presented by frequencies, percentages, and tables. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were employed using a binary logistic regression model. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as factors significantly associated and the odds ratio with a 95% CI was used to determine the strength of association.Results: The prevalence of low back pain among bank workers in the last 12 months was 55.4%. Being female, work-related stress, lack of physical activity, using a fixed chair and a chair without an armrest, and lifting heavy objects increases the risk of developing low back pain.Conclusion: The prevalence of low back pain among bank workers in Gondar city was high. It is better to establish a health screening team, avail a movable chair and a chair with an armrest, and give special attention to female workers and bank workers with stress, and do physical activity to reduce the risk of developing low back pain.Keywords: banks, bank workers, low back pain, prevalence, associated factors, Ethiopia

Background: Sedentary behavior is associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and especially prevalent in office workers. Objective: This cross-sectional analysis examined postures and activities of office workers to determine whether there were associations between posture/activity levels, MSD, and cardiometabolic measures. Methods: Participants completed baseline questionnaires, wore an inertial measuring unit, blood pressure cuff, and heart rate monitor to quantify posture, physical activity, and cardiometabolic measures. The relationships among posture/activity, MSD, and cardiometabolic data were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: There were weak to moderate negative correlations between steps per day, hours spent standing, and hours spent walking and MSD. Weak to moderate positive correlations existed between time spent sitting, transitions, and MSD, yet there were moderate correlations between the number of transitions and measures of heart rate. Conclusion: Future interventions should take into consideration comprehensive approaches to decrease sedentary time throughout the day and maximize worker health.

Background: Sit–stand desks have been suggested as an initiative to increase posture variation among office workers. However, there is limited evidence of what would be preferable combinations of time sitting and standing. The aim of this study was to determine and compare perceived pleasantness, acceptability, pain, and fatigue for 5 time patterns of sitting and standing at a sit–stand desk. Methods: Thirty postgraduate students were equally divided into a normal-weight (mean body mass index 22.8 kg/m2) and an overweight/obese (mean body mass index 28.1 kg/m2) group. They performed 3 hours of computer work at a sit–stand desk on 5 different days, each day with a different time pattern (A: 60-min sit/0-min stand; B: 50/10; C: 40/20; D: 30/30; E: 20/40). Pleasantness, acceptability, pain, and fatigue ratings were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the 3-hour period. Results: High ratings of pleasantness were observed for time patterns B, C, and D in both groups. All participants rated acceptability to be good for time patterns A to D. A minor increase in perceived fatigue and pain was observed in time pattern E. Conclusion: For new sit–stand desk users, regardless of body mass index, 10 to 30 minutes of standing per hour appears to be an amenable time pattern.

This research focuses on evaluating the potential of architects/engineers as Knowledge Workers (KW) operating in the Turkish construction sector. A survey to identify the presence of KWs was prepared and applied to 113 of 324 employees, including architects and engineers from 138 different large-scale Turkish contractor companies (head offices, design offices, technical offices and construction sites). The survey consists of two main sections that (1) recognise the profile of the participants and companies and (2) six sub-sections as communication, motivation, autonomy, possessing theoretical and practical knowledge, ability to access and use information, and intellectual ability. The results of the survey indicate that architects have a higher potential to be identified as KWs than engineers in the Turkish construction sector. Furthermore, the number of KWs among the design and head office workers is higher, because there are a higher number of architects working in these departments.The potential of being a KW increases in parallel to the level of education of the employees, which is determined from a Bachelor's degree and PhD degree. When examining gender statistics in the survey, women employees have higher scores than men. The findings of this study should guide the construction sector professionals in Turkey as well as those from other countries who seek to identify the KWs in the contractor companies. This research, with the approach and methodology, may provide better management of human resources by identifying and placing these valuable employees correctly.

INTRODUCTION: Low Back Pain (LBP) constitutes a public health problem as almost every individual is expected to experience LBP at least once during their lifetime. OBJECTIVE: This study is done to determine the prevalence of LBP and associated factors in an urban Nigerian community. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This cross-sectional household survey randomly selected 741 subjects using a 4-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained through a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Association between categorical variables and LBP was analyzed using the Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model (?=0.05). RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 41.32 ± 15.24 years. The point, annual, and lifetime prevalence of LBP were 31.2%, 61.1%, and 70.6% respectively. Aged 40 years and above (p=0.006), being an artisan (p=0.005) or trader (p=0.007) compared to being an office worker (p=0.071), and continuously sitting more than 3 to 4 hours (p

The aim of the current study was to investigate the extent of smartphone use, possible correlation with neck pain and/or psychological impairment in office workers. A convenience sample of 1,602 office workers who were using smartphone for prolonged periods (≥ 4 years) participated in a cross-sectional report of a cohort study, assessing demographic, abnormal symptoms of pain in the neck, physical activity, and psychological behavior characteristics. Participants were assessed using a short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-42) questionnaire, as well as International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Multiple logistic regression model was conducted to evaluate the adjusted effect of smartphone overuse on nuchal symptoms. The prevalence of neck pain among the office workers was 30.1%. Significantly more female (33.3% vs. 24.5%) and younger (42.2 vs. 43.2 years) employees reported to have neck pain. Overall in 326 (20.3%, 95% CI: 18.4%–22.4%) of studied subjects had, SAS score ≥ 31 and ≥ 33 for male and females, respectively, and so smartphone overuse (SO) was diagnosed. The results of multiple logistic regression model revealed that those with SO were approximately 6 times more likely to have neck pain (95% CI: 4.44–8.09, P

Introduction: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is developed among computer workers due to long time working with computers or viewing of the video display terminal (VDT). The objective of this study is to determine the magnitude and determinants of CVS symptoms among IT officers. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study of IT office workers was conducted at Kathmandu from March to April 2019. Self-administrated questionnaire and observation of researcher was applied to collect information. CVS defect was considered if the participants were having minimum of one symptom during /following use of VDT. The proportion of CVS and its association with different independent factors was carried out. Results: The prevalence of CVS reported by 263 participants was 82.5% (95% CI: 81.3% - 83.6%), of them 163(62.0%) were not aware about bad effects of computers to the visual apparatus. Goggles were used as protection against CVS by 140(53.2%) participants. CVS symptoms included headache 127(48.0%), tired eyes 123(47.0%) and eye strain 114(43.0%). Use of computer for more than 4.75 hours/day experienced CVS. The mean office work included 7.7 ± 2.02 hours computer work. The video display gadgets usage in home was 2.7 ± 2.35 hours/ day. Not taking breaks (OR:7.3; 95% CI:2.2 - 24.9), not massaging eyes (OR:7.5; 95% CI:1.2 - 47.7), unusual viewing distance (OR:9.0; 95% CI:2.0 - 44.5), improper posture (OR:3.6; 95% CI:1.3 - 10.3), computer usage for more than 10 hours/ day (OR:5.4; 95% CI:1.6 - 18.2) and not aware of CVS (OR:7.2; 95% CI:2.6 - 20.3) were significant predictors of CVS in IT workers. Conclusion: Most of the IT workers had CVS. Health education and care of IT workers based on predictors found need to be strengthened in the study area.

Advance high technology in professional life is progressing very fast. Technological advances, particularly, innovation of computers, have reorganized the aspect of working. Computer has become an essential unit of our life. However, its use is not free from health risks.

Purpose. This study investigated the effect of different sit–stand workstations on lumbar spine kinematics, lumbar muscle activity and musculoskeletal pain. Methods. Thirty-two office workers were ...

Objective Neck pain is a burdensome musculoskeletal disorder in office workers. Workplace interventions aim to prevent and minimize the effect of neck pain and improve work quality. However, the summed effect of workplace interventions on neck pain in office workers remains unclear. This systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression evaluated the summed effect of workplace interventions on neck pain in office workers. Methods We searched 7 electronic databases to January 2020 for randomized clinical trials. We selected studies, independently extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analyses were carried out along with normalized trend plots. Results Twenty-nine trials, including 8 of high quality, met our inclusion criteria. Normalized trend plots indicate that neck strengthening demonstrated the sharpest decrease in pain scores. The results of pre- and post-outcome measurement of the effect of activity performance and workplace modification showed significant improvements in self-reported neck pain (P ≤ 0.001). Meta-regression was used to evaluate the effect of time, but it was not significant. Conclusions There is low-quality evidence that neck strengthening and tailored workstation modifications are effective at reducing neck pain in office workers. Further high-quality research methodology, including clinicians, is important to evaluate this summed effect.

A sedentary routine at work can cause various muscular, skeletal or visual diseases, however these can be prevented with what is known as active pauses. This article is intended to illustrate how software can help reduce the risk of occupational disease due to the sedentary lifestyle of an office job, for this purpose a web application was developed under the SCRUM methodology, which makes use of the TensorFlow, Flask PoseNet model and python, for an active pause control application which is a proven practice of reducing the type of diseases already mentioned. With these tools it was possible to develop an algorithm capable of comparing two human figures; which serves to compare whether the user of the program is performing or not correctly performing the active pause exercise, with an average error squared on the order of 10−32. Finally, The application can keep track of the figure and exercises performed by the user just by using the user personal webcam and the comparison algorithm developed, leaving behind the use of tools such as Kinect.

OBJECTIVE We explored associations between occupation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk behaviors including: attempted weight loss, physical activity, smoking, and restaurant meal and sugary beverage consumption. METHODS We used NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2014 data, and coded free-text, occupational question responses using 2010 US Census Bureau Classification. CVD risk behaviors were compared across occupational categories, using regression to adjust for demographics. RESULTS There were health behavior differences across occupational categories. Construction/transportation/maintenance workers smoked more and were less likely than management to attempt weight loss, service workers were less likely to eat restaurant-prepared meals, sales/office workers were less likely to be physically active (all P

Purpose. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are increasing due to overuse of desktop computers. This investigation examined musculoskeletal pain in office workers. Methods. Sociodemographic factors were recorded for 362 participants (female, 50.8%; male, 49.2%; mean age 37.35 ± 8.43 years). Participants were questioned for their daily working time, computer usage time and years, whether musculoskeletal pain was related to their job and whether pain disturbed their activities of daily living (ADLs). Working postures were observed and pain severity was evaluated by visual analog scale. Results. Participants more frequently had upper back pain (69.6%), neck pain (65.2%) and lower back pain (LBP) (64.1%) during the last 12 months; 60.5% of participants reported pain after they started work. LBP (32.9%), back pain (28.2%) and neck pain (22.9%) restricted participants’ daily life. We found positive correlations between daily computer use and neck/upper back, and LBP. Conclusions. The most painful areas of participants using desktop computers were the upper back, neck, lower back and shoulder, and the pain in these regions affected ADLs negatively. This pain mostly occurred after the current job and these individuals experience more intense pain. Ergonomic approaches could reduce WMSDs and make workers more independent in ADLs and prevent chronicity. © 2020, © 2020 Central Institute for Labour Protection–National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB).

Corporate intelligence — this term has only recently appeared in our country, but it is already widely used in business. And even managed to acquire stereotypes: some consider corporate intelligence analogous to industrial espionage, others imagine it as a game of office workers in « James Bond», and the rest do not understand why it is needed in the enterprise. Corporate intelligence specialists analyze available information and check all market sources in order to make an assessment of all possible threats and risks to the business.

Maintaining employees’ presenteeism is a major issue in the workplace. Simple and convenient methods to improve presenteeism are required. We investigated whether administering the lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) can improve the performance and physical condition of office workers. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) an intake period (consumption of LC-Plasma-containing yogurt beverage) followed by a non-intake period, or 2) a non-intake period followed by an intake period. Each period lasted 4 weeks and there was a 4- week washout period between each. Assessment was conducted using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ), the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and physical condition questionnaires. A total of 153 subjects were analyzed. Absolute presenteeism (as assessed by the HPQ) and vigor (as assessed by POMS) were significantly higher in the intake period than the non-intake period. The subject’s physical health (as assessed by typical common cold symptoms, physical condition, sneezing or runny noses, coughing or sore throats, and lassitude) was also superior during the LC-Plasma intake period. Our results suggest that intake of LC-Plasma for 4 weeks improves work performance through reducing the risk of infection.

Different configurations of the physical environment of office work are rapidly changing the way office workers behave and perform at work. In particular, organisations today are progressively accommodating their employees in open plan offices (OPOs). In this article, we focus on the OPO and discuss its future and implications for research and practice. Specifically, we build on recent advances in the field to propose that new OPO configurations will require new forms of work behaviour involving new processes and practices, and new research approaches. In addition, we discuss possible areas of work that OPO environments of the future might affect; for example, work design, interpersonal processes, noise and distractions, human resource management (HRM) practices and leadership. Along these lines, we suggest future research directions and make recommendations to navigate the intersection of organisational behaviour (OB) and OPO research and practice. JEL Classification: M19