Incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among newly employed manufacturing workers. Reducing musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators: comparison between ergonomics interventions at the workplace Epidemiologic surveillance of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders in the working population. A Tailored Workplace Exercise Program for Women at Risk for Neck and Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial Ergonomic Training Reduces Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: Results from the 6-Month Follow-Up. Effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among computer workers: a randomized controlled trial Workplace Prevention and Musculoskeletal Injuries in Nurses Job task and psychosocial risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper employees. Effectiveness of participatory training for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized controlled trial Effectiveness of workplace interventions in rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders and preventing its consequences among workers with physical and sedentary employment: systematic review protocol Effects of participatory ergonomic intervention on the development of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and disability in office employees using a computer Are Work Disability Prevention Interventions Effective for the Management of Neck Pain or Upper Extremity Disorders? A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremity among dentists in China A randomised controlled trial evaluating the effects of two workstation interventions on upper body pain and incident musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators Evaluation of Two Preventive Interventions for Reducing Musculoskeletal Complaints in Operators of Video Display Terminals Multi dimensional system for evaluating preventive program for upper extremity disorders among computer operators. Workplace upper limb disorders: a prospective study with intervention.
OBJECTIVES The incidence of upper-limb , neck-shoulder , and low-back disorders and their induction times were investigated among new workers in tasks with various physical workloads . METHODS New trailer assemblers ( N=364 ) were followed prospect ively for 45 months -- the workers ' health status via medical records and exposure to physical workload factors via job titles , walk-throughs , task descriptions , and some direct measurements . The incidence rate of first sick leave due to such disorders was calculated for different workload groups . The proportion of workers surviving without musculoskeletal disorders was estimated by the Kaplan-Maier product-limit estimator , and the effect of the exposure on the risk of incident disorders was estimated with the Cox proportional hazards model . RESULTS The highest annual incidences were observed for strenuous tasks , the incidence rate for men being 16.8 per 100 person-years [ 95 % confidence interval ( 95 % CI ) 8.0 - 30.9 ] for upper-limb disorders in strenuous tasks and 6.1 ( 95 % CI 2.0 - 14.1 ) in nonstrenuous tasks and that for women being 32.0 ( 95 % CI 11.7 - 69.7 ) and 9.9 ( 95 % CI 0.2 - 54.9 ) , respectively . The men 's risk of contracting an upper-limb or neck-shoulder disorder in strenuous tasks was about threefold [ hazard ratio ( HR ) 3.2 ( 95 % CI 1.1 - 9.4 ) for upper-limb disorders and 2.7 ( 95 % CI 0.9 - 8.1 ) for neck-shoulder disorders ] that of nonstrenuous tasks , whereas workload seemed not to affect low-back disorders . The workers first sought medical advice for their disorders typically some months after employment began . CONCLUSIONS Newly employed workers in h and -intensive tasks have a high risk of upper-limb and neck-shoulder disorders . An etiologic role for activities involving high force dem and s in upper-limb and neck-shoulder disorders is possible Typing is associated with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) caused by multiple risk factors . This control study aim ed to evaluate the efficacy of a workplace intervention for reducing  MSDs among computer workers . Sixty-six subjects with and without MSD were assigned consecutively to one of three groups : ergonomics intervention ( work site and body posture adjustments , muscle activity training and exercises ) accompanied with biofeedback training , the same ergonomics intervention without biofeedback and a control group . Evaluation of MSDs , body posture , psychosocial status , upper extremity ( UE ) kinematics and muscle surface electromyography were carried out before and after the intervention in the workplace and the motion lab . Our main hypothesis that significant differences in the reduction of MSDs will exist between subjects in the study groups and controls was confirmed ( χ2 = 13.3 ; p = 0.001 ) . Significant changes were found in UE kinematics and posture as well . Both ergonomics interventions effectively reduced MSD and improved body posture . Practitioner Summary : This study aim ed to test the efficacy of an individual workplace intervention programme among computer workers by evaluating musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) , body posture , upper extremity kinematics , muscle activity and psychosocial factors were tested . The proposed ergonomics interventions effectively reduced MSDs and improved body posture OBJECTIVE Since 2002 , an epidemiologic surveillance system of work-related , upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) has been implemented in France 's Pays de la Loire region to assess the prevalence of MSDs and their risk factors in the working population . METHODS The surveillance was based on a network of occupational physicians ( OPs ) and used the recommendations of a group of European experts ( criteria document consensus ) . In 2002 - 2003 , 80 of 400 OPs volunteered to participate . All underwent a training program to st and ardize the physical examination .  Health status was assessed by self-administered question naire and physical examination . Occupational risk factors were assessed by self-administered question naire .  Exposure scores were computed for each anatomic zone by summing the risk factors taken into account by the criteria document . RESULTS More than 50 % of the 2,685 men and women r and omly included in 2002 - 2003 experienced nonspecific musculoskeletal symptoms during the preceeding 12 months and approximately 30 % experienced them in the preceeding week . The prevalence of clinical ly diagnosed MSDs was high : approximately 13 % of workers experienced at least 1 of the MSDs . The most frequent disorder was rotator cuff syndrome followed by carpal tunnel syndrome and lateral epicondylitis . The prevalence of MSDs increased with age and varied widely across economic sectors and occupations . More than half of the workers were exposed to at least 2 risk factors of MSDs . Exposure varied according to industrial activity and occupation . According to the criteria document , a high percentage of MSD cases could be classified as probably work related ( 95 % in men and 89 % in women age < 50 , and 87 % in men and 69 % in women age > 50 ) . CONCLUSION Nonspecific upper-limb symptoms and specific upper-limb MSDs are common in the working population . These results show the need to implement prevention programs in most sectors to reduce the prevalence of MSDs Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate a tailored physical activity protocol performed in a work environment with a group of female workers employed in manual precision tasks to reduce upper limb pain . Methods : Sixty female subjects were r and omly assigned to an intervention group or a control group . The IG was administered of a 6-month , twice-a-week , tailored exercise program , whereas the CG received no intervention . Results : The IG showed a reduction on shoulder pain accompanied by increases on the range of motion measures . In addition , reductions in upper limb pain and neck disability were detected with concomitant increases in grip strength . Conclusions : This study indicated positive effects of a tailored workplace exercise protocol in female workers exposed to moderate risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders , showing clinical ly meaningful reductions of pain symptoms and disability on upper limb and neck regions BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are commonly reported among computer users . This study explored whether these disorders can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education . METHODS A cluster r and omised controlled trial was conducted in which 3 units were r and omised for intervention and received training , and 3  units  were given a leaflet . The effect of intervention on workstation habits , musculoskeletal disorders , days and episodes of sick leave , and psychological well-being were assessed . RESULTS A significant improvement in workstation habits was found , and the differences remained significant at the follow-up time point for keyboard , mouse , chair , and desk use . The largest reduction in the percentage of musculoskeletal disorders was in the neck region ( -42.2 % , 95 % CI -60.0 to -24.4 ) . After adjusting for baseline values , significant differences were found at the follow-up time point in the neck , right shoulder , right and left upper limbs , lower back , and right and left lower limbs . No significant differences were found for the days and episodes of sick leave or the psychological well-being among workers after the intervention . CONCLUSION Consistent reductions were observed for all musculoskeletal disorders at the follow-up time point , although the difference was not statistically significant for the upper back . The improvements in the musculoskeletal disorders did not translate into fewer days lost from work or improved psychological well-being Purpose The aim of the study was to determine effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders ( WUEMSDs )  among computer workers . Methods Four hundred computer workers answered a question naire on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms ( WUEMSS ) . Ninety-four subjects with WUEMSS using computers at least 3 h a day participated in a prospect i ve , r and omized controlled 6-month intervention . Body posture and workstation layouts were assessed by the Ergonomic Question naire . We used the Visual Analogue Scale to assess the intensity of WUEMSS . The Upper Extremity Function Scale was used to evaluate functional limitations at the neck and upper extremities . Health-related quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36 . After baseline assessment , those in the intervention group participated in a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program including a comprehensive ergonomic training consisting of two interactive sessions , an ergonomic training brochure , and workplace visits with workstation adjustments . Follow-up assessment was conducted after 6 months . Results In the intervention group , body posture ( p < 0.001 ) and workstation layout ( p = 0.002 ) improved over 6 months ; furthermore , intensity ( p < 0.001 ) , duration ( p < 0.001 ) , and frequency ( p = 0.009 ) of WUEMSS decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group . Additionally , the functional status ( p = 0.001 ) , and physical ( p < 0.001 ) , and mental ( p = 0.035 ) health-related quality of life improved significantly compared with the controls . There was no improvement of work day loss due to WUEMSS ( p > 0.05 ) . Conclusions Ergonomic intervention programs may be effective in reducing ergonomic risk factors among computer workers and consequently in the secondary prevention of WUEMSDs Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the availability of preventive devices and training in relation to neck , shoulder , and back musculoskeletal injuries/disorders ( MSD ) in registered nurses . Summary background data Nurses have one of the highest rates of MSD of any occupation . Studies have shown that mechanical lifting devices and lifting teams can reduce MSD rates and associated costs . Methods Data from 1163 r and omly selected currently working nurses ( 1 + years on the current job ) were collected in anonymous mailed surveys ( 74 % response rate ) . MSD cases had neck , shoulder , and /or back symptoms for at least 1 week , or at least monthly , and moderate or more pain , in the past year . Results Nurses with mechanical lifting devices available were significantly less likely to have neck or back MSDs . Back injury was less likely when lifting teams were available . However , adjustable beds and transfer sheets were associated with greater odds of back MSD . Training in workstation adjustment was associated with significantly lower MSD prevalence , though postural training was not . Conclusions Though use of mechanical devices and lifting teams was limited in nursing workplaces , these prevention strategies were related to reduced odds of MSD . Nursing administrators can use these findings to consider workplace changes OBJECTIVES A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors among employees using video display terminals at a large metropolitan newspaper . METHODS The study included 1050 r and omly selected workers from four departments . The workers were asked to complete question naires on symptoms , job tasks , and psychosocial and work organization conditions . Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities were defined by frequency , duration , and intensity of symptoms not attributable to acute injury . Data were analyzed with the use of logistic regression . RESULTS A total of 973 workers completed the survey . The one-year period prevalence rate for any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper extremities was 41 % . Neck symptoms ( 26 % ) were the most frequently reported , followed by h and or wrist ( 22 % ) , shoulder ( 17 % ) , and elbow ( 10 % ) symptoms . Greater time working at the video display station was associated with increased h and or wrist symptoms in a dose-response relationship . In addition , variables corresponding to increased work-load dem and s ( eg , increased time working under deadline and increased job pressure ) were associated with increased neck , shoulder , and h and or wrist disorders . Women were more likely to report symptoms in several areas , but this finding may reflect the concentration of women in jobs involving more risk factors . CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities among newspaper employees , and they provide additional evidence that increased work load , time pressure , and greater hours of computer use are related to the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among these workers , particularly for disorders in the h and or wrist area Purpose Health and safety training program has been applied to prevent work-related  musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) in workplace . We evaluated the effectiveness of participatory training and didactic training programs on MSD prevention among frontline workers in Shenzhen , China . Methods The authors r and omly assigned 918 workers from intervention factories to receive participatory training ( intervention group ) , and 907 workers from intervention factories and 1,654 workers from control factories to receive didactic training ( control_1 group , control_2 group , respectively ) from June 1 , 2008 to November 30 , 2009 . Participants were asked to report experience of ache , pain or discomfort in 10 body parts at baseline and 1 year after training . Data were analyzed to compare the MSD prevalence 1 year before and 1 year after training in different groups from 2009 to 2010 . Results The follow-up rate was 61 % ( 2,120/3,479 ) at 1 year after training . In the year after training , there were no statistically significant changes in the proportion of workers who reported MSD in any body part . MSD prevalence rates in the intervention group reduced from 16.8 to 9.9 % for lower extremities ( χ2 = 13.102 , p < 0.001 ) and from 12.9 to 8.3 % ( χ2 = 9.433 , p = 0.002 ) for wrist and finger at 1 year after training . However , the rates did not change significantly for upper back , lower back , neck , shoulder and elbow in the intervention group and for all 10 body parts in two control groups . Conclusions Overall , the training programs did not seem to prevent the occurrence of MSD among frontline workers . However , participatory training might be effective to reduce MSD in the lower extremities and wrist and finger Background Musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) are the leading cause of work disability and sickness absence worldwide . The prevalence of MSDs increases with age , consequently challenging sustainable employability among the growing ageing workforce . Knowledge of feasible and efficient workplace-based interventions to rehabilitate MSD or prevent its consequences is therefore warranted . This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions on MSDs and its consequences among adult workers with physical and sedentary work tasks , respectively . Methods We will search the following bibliographic data bases : PubMed ( including the data base ‘ MEDLINE ’ ) and Web of Science Core Collection ( including the data bases ‘ Science Citation Index Exp and ed ’ , ‘ Social Sciences Citation Index ’ and ‘ Arts & Humanities Citation Index ’ ) . Manual search es will also be performed . We will include r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) and non- RCTs reported in English in which ( 1 ) participants are adult workers with MSD , ( 2 ) interventions are aim ing at rehabilitating pain symptoms of MSD or preventing the consequences of MSD and ( 3 ) interventions are initiated and /or carried out at the workplace . The review will adhere to the ‘ Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review s and Meta-Analyses ’ ( PRISMA ) guidelines for reporting systematic review s and the Institute for Work and Health ( IWH ) guidelines for workplace-based interventions . For the primary evaluation of the review , the quality assessment and evidence synthesis will conform to the IWH guidelines . Secondary evaluation will include a meta- analysis ( unless the included studies do not allow this due to heterogeneity ) and employ the risk of bias domains recommended by Cochrane along with the Grading of Recommendations , Assessment , Development and Evaluations ( GRADE ) approach on the studies with pain intensity as an outcome . Discussion This systematic review will provide knowledge on effective workplace-based interventions among physical and sedentary workers with MSD . RCTs are considered the most powerful experimental design in clinical trials , but solely including these may be too restrictive to underst and effective workplace-based interventions where r and omised and carefully controlled trials ( RCTs ) are not always possible . In order to maximize practical relevance , the selection process will , therefore , include both RCTs and non- RCTs and the quality assessment and evidence synthesis will conform to IWH guidelines focusing on developing practical guidelines for stakeholders . The result of this work will form the basis for industry-specific evidence -based recommendations on effective workplace-based interventions for rehabilitation of MSDs and its consequences that will later be operationalised into concrete and user-friendly practical tools for workplaces . Systematic review registration International Prospect i ve Register of Systematic Review s ( PROSPERO ) number CRD42018116752 Objective : To evaluate the participatory ergonomic method on the development of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and disability in office employees . Methods : This study is a r and omized controlled intervention study . It comprised 116 office workers using computers . Those in the intervention group were taught office ergonomics and the risk assessment method . Cox proportional hazards model and generalized estimating equations ( GEEs ) were used . Results : In the 10-month postintervention follow-up , the possibility of developing symptoms was 50.9 % . According to multivariate analysis results , the possibility of developing symptoms on the right side of the neck and in the right wrist and h and was significantly less in the intervention group than in the control group ( p<0.05 ) . Neck disability/symptom scores over time were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group ( p<0.05 ) . Conclusion : The participatory ergonomic intervention decreases the possibility of musculoskeletal complaints and disability/symptom level in office workers Abstract Purpose We conducted a systematic review to critically appraise and synthesize literature on the effectiveness of work disability prevention ( WDP ) interventions in workers with neck pain , whiplash-associated disorders ( WAD ) , or upper extremity disorders . Methods We search ed electronic data bases from 1990 to 2012 . R and om pairs of independent review ers critically appraised eligible studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria . Scientifically admissible studies were summarized and synthesized following best- evidence synthesis methodology . Results Of the 6,359 articles retrieved , 16 r and omized controlled trials were eligible for critical appraisal and five were admissible . We found that a return-to-work coordination program ( including workplace-based work hardening ) was superior to clinic-based work hardening for persistent rotator cuff tendinitis . Workplace high-intensity strength training and workplace advice had similar outcomes for neck and shoulder pain . Mensendieck/Cesar postural exercises and strength and fitness exercises had similar outcomes for non-specific work-related upper limb complaints . Adding a brief job stress education program to a workplace ergonomic intervention was not beneficial for persistent upper extremity symptoms . Adding computer-prompted work breaks to ergonomic adjustments and workplace education benefited workers ’ recovery from recent work-related neck and upper extremity complaints . Conclusions At present , no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of WDP interventions for managing neck pain , WAD , and upper extremity disorders . Our review suggests a return-to-work coordination program is more effective than clinic-based work hardening . Also , adding computer-prompted breaks to ergonomic and workplace interventions benefits workers ’ recovery . The current quality of evidence does not allow for a definitive evaluation of the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions Objectives Studies from western countries show that dentists are vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders ( WMSDs ) of the neck and upper extremities , but little is known about their epidemiology among members of this rapidly growing profession in China . This study aims to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and identify potential risk factors associated with their occurrence in the dental profession in China . Setting and participants A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 52 different hospitals in a large metropolitan city in China . A total of 304 question naires were distributed to respondents identified via stratified r and om sampling and 272 dentists ( 121 females and 151 males ) completed the survey . The response rate was 89.5 % . Outcomes Visual analogue score was used to record neck and upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms on a body chart . Work-related risk factors , including physical and psychosocial factors , were accounted for in the regression analysis . Results 88 % of the dentists reported at least one musculoskeletal disorder and 83.8 % suffered from neck pain . In the multivariate analyses , working hours per day were associated with neck pain ( OR=1.43 ; 95 % CI 1.03 to 1.98 ) . Inability to select the appropriate size of dental instrument was associated with shoulder ( OR=2.07 ; 95 % CI 1.00 to 4.32 ) and wrist/h and ( OR=2.47 ; 95 % CI 1.15 to 5.32 ) pain . As for psychosocial factors , high job dem and was associated with symptoms in the shoulder ( OR=1.09 ; 95 % CI 1.00 to 1.18 ) , elbow ( OR=1.11 ; 95 % CI 1.03 to 1.19 ) and wrist/h and ( OR=1.09 ; 95 % CI 1.02 to 1.17 ) . Regular physical exercise was associated with decreased neck pain ( OR=0.37 ; 95 % CI 0.14 to 1.00 ) . Conclusions The prevalence of WMSDs among Chinese dentists is high . Specifically , long working hours , inability to select the appropriate size of dental instrument and high job dem and are the most significant risk factors Background : Call centre work with computers is associated with increased rates of upper body pain and musculoskeletal disorders . Methods : This one year , r and omised controlled intervention trial evaluated the effects of a wide forearm support surface and a trackball on upper body pain severity and incident musculoskeletal disorders among 182 call centre operators at a large healthcare company . Participants were r and omised to receive ( 1  ) ergonomics training only , ( 2 ) training plus a trackball , ( 3 ) training plus a forearm support , or ( 4 ) training plus a trackball and forearm support . Outcome measures were weekly pain severity scores and diagnosis of incident musculoskeletal disorder in the upper extremities or the neck/shoulder region based on physical examination performed by a physician blinded to intervention . Analyses using Cox proportional hazard models and linear regression models adjusted for demographic factors , baseline pain levels , and psychosocial job factors . Results : Post-intervention , 63 participants were diagnosed with one or more incident musculoskeletal disorders  . Hazard rate ratios showed a protective effect of the armboard for neck/shoulder disorders ( HR = 0.49 , 95 % CI 0.24 to 0.97 ) after adjusting for baseline pain levels and demographic and psychosocial factors . The armboard also significantly reduced neck/shoulder pain ( p = 0.01 ) and right upper extremity pain ( p = 0.002 ) in comparison to the control group . A return-on-investment model predicted a full return of armboard and installation costs within 10.6 months . Conclusion : Providing a large forearm support combined with ergonomic training is an effective intervention to prevent upper body musculoskeletal disorders and reduce upper body pain associated with computer work among call centre employees Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention , which was provided by physical therapists , on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals ( VDT ) . Subjects Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were r and omly divided into 2 groups . Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure , and group I received only the brochure . Methods Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later . The following tools were used : a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment ( REBA ) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture . Results Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back , neck , and shoulder symptoms compared with group I. Discussion and Conclusion The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs Typing is associated with musculoskeletal complaints ( MSCs ) , caused by multiple risk factors . Although a wide variety of ergonomic intervention programs were conducted to reduce risk factors and MSC 's , only few of them were found evidence based . This study aim ed to test the efficacy of a workplace intervention in reducing MSC 's among computer workers . 66 computer workers were assigned r and omly to one of three intervention programs : ergonomic intervention including biofeedback , intervention without biofeedback and control group without intervention . The efficacy was tested by advanced assessment including ; pain location and severity , posture at work , upper extremity 3D kinematics , muscle activity and psychosocial status . Working hypothesis ; significant score differences will be found between the study groups which underwent ergonomic intervention and the control group on the following measures : pain complaints , upper extremity kinematics , muscle activity and psychosocial status . Significant differences were found between pre and post intervention and between research groups and the control group in pain , posture and motion . The ergonomic intervention with biofeedback had no unique contribution in comparison to other interventions . In conclusion ; the proposed intervention program was found efficient for reducing pain among computer workers A prospect i ve longitudinal study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of upper limb disorders in an electromechanical plant between 1980 and 1988 . It included clinical and epidemiological studies , measurement of  vibration produced by the power tools used , ergonomic assessment of the works and time and motion studies . Simultaneously during the same period remedial actions were taken through multidisciplinary interventions when the specific causal factors were known . The study shows the clinical entities of the disorder , identifies the risk factors and evaluates the results of the interventions . It assists in establishing a cause and effect relationship for the condition and demonstrates the way a preventive strategy could be developed
There was low- to very low- quality evidence that other interventions were not effective in reducing work-related upper limb and neck MSDs in adults .
We found moderate- quality evidence to suggest that the use of arm support with alternative mouse may reduce the incidence of neck/shoulder MSDs , but not right upper limb MSDs .
Moreover , we found moderate- quality evidence to suggest that the incidence of neck/shoulder and right upper limb MSDs is not reduced when comparing alternative and conventional mouse with and without arm support .
However , given there were multiple comparisons made involving a number of interventions and outcomes , high- quality evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of these interventions clearly .
While we found very-low- to low- quality evidence to suggest that other ergonomic interventions do not prevent work-related MSDs of the upper limb and neck , this was limited by the paucity and heterogeneity of available studies .
BACKGROUND Work-related upper limb and neck musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) are one of the most common occupational disorders around the world .
Although ergonomic design and training are likely to reduce the risk of workers developing work-related upper limb and neck MSDs , the evidence is unclear .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of workplace ergonomic design or training interventions , or both , for the prevention of work-related upper limb and neck MSDs in adults .