Work - Volume 37, issue 4

Authors: van Eijsden-Besseling, Marjon D.F. | van den Bergh, Karien A.M. | Staal, J. Bart | de Bie, Rob A. | Smeets, Rob J.E.M. | van den Heuvel, Wim J.A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To assess the influence of work- and treatment-related factors on clinical status and functional disability in patients with non-specific work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD). Participants: 182 computer workers with non-specific WRULD, 18–50 years old, not having specific WRULD nor incomplete medical records. Methods: Retrospective cohort study among computer workers with non-specific WRULD; average follow-up 4 years. Medical records at time of diagnosis and during treatment period and a follow-up questionnaire were used. …Setting: Outpatient department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht. Outcome measures: Non-specific WRULD (clinical status) and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) at follow-up. Results: 103 patients (57%) returned the questionnaire. Of these, 14% developed a chronic pain syndrome, 9% recovered, 77% worsened slightly. None of the selected work- and treatment-related factors were significantly associated with clinical status. "Number of working hours per week before diagnosis" was negatively (b=−0.66, p=0.00) and "other therapies during treatment" (b=8.76, p=0.02) positively associated with DASH. Conclusions: Computer workers with non-specific WRULD have a poor prognosis. Working more hours before diagnosis seems not predictive for disability while having undergone other therapies during treatment period does. Prospective cohort studies are recommended to unravel the associations found. Show more

Keywords: Non-specific work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD), work-related factors, treatment factors, prognosis, functional disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-1096

Citation: Work, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 425-432, 2010

Authors: Taylor, Wendell C. | Shegog, Ross | Chen, Vincent | Rempel, David M. | Baun, MaryBeth Pappas | Bush, Cresendo L. | Green, Tomas | Hare-Everline, Nicole

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Work breaks are underutilized opportunities to promote health. The Booster Break program is a co-worker led physical activity group session devoted exclusively to standard 15-minute work breaks. The purpose of this study was to report the fidelity, attendance, feasibility, and sustainability of the Booster Break program and to explore its potential impact. Participants: The study site was a small business that provides legal and court reporting services to lawyers. The company's services include …legal videography, litigation, records retrieval, and videoconferencing to civil attorneys. Established in 1973, the organization has 14 employees (8 women and 6 men), from 32 to 66 years of age. Methods: For six months, this small business implemented the Booster Break program. Booster Break facilitators conducted the group sessions according to protocol, which included describing, cueing, and executing the physical activity sequence. Results: During the six month period, 117 sessions were conducted. The average monthly attendance ranged from 76% to 86%. Participants significantly improved HDL cholesterol (p=0.04) and lost an average of 14 pounds. Conclusions: The Booster Break program is a feasible physical activity program for small business settings. The implications of the Booster Break program for future research in worksite settings are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Worksites, health promotion, physical activity, work breaks, employee health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-1097

Citation: Work, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 433-443, 2010

Authors: McLoone, Hugh E. | Jacobson, Melissa | Hegg, Chau | Johnson, Peter W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Research has shown that fixed-split, ergonomic keyboards lessen the pain and functional status in symptomatic individuals as well as reduce the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders in asymptomatic typists over extended use. The goal of this study was to evaluate design features to determine whether the current fixed-split ergonomic keyboard design could be improved. Participants: Thirty-nine, adult-aged, fixed-split ergonomic keyboard users were recruited to participate in one of three studies. Methods: First …utilizing non-functional models and later a functional prototype, three studies evaluated keyboard design features including: 1) keyboard lateral inclination, 2) wrist rest height, 3) keyboard slope, and 4) curved "gull-wing" key layouts. Results: The findings indicated that keyboard lateral inclination could be increased from 8° to 14°; wrist rest height could be increased up to 10 mm from current setting; positive, flat, and negative slope settings were equally preferred and facilitated greater postural variation; and participants preferred a new gull-wing key layout. The design changes reduced forearm pronation and wrist extension while not adversely affecting typing performance. Conclusions: This research demonstrated how iterative-evaluative, user-centered research methods can be utilized to improve a product's design such as a fixed-split ergonomic keyboard. Show more

Keywords: Computers, text entry, design process, wrist posture, forearm posture, performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2010-1109

Citation: Work, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 445-456, 2010