Using teleconsultation for health aspects of computer-based workers in the new normal situation (post COVID-19) of the world

Article type: Article Commentary

Authors: Gisour, Bita Bagheri^a | Ghayour Najafabadi, Mahboubeh^{b; *} | Zandi, Hassan Gharayagh^a | Shaw, Ina^c

Affiliations: [a] Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran | [b] Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran | [c] School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Mahboubeh Ghayour Najaf-abadi, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, North Kargar Avenue, Amirabad Street, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The use of teleconsultation platforms enabling health professionals to provide advice especially in the new normal post COVID-19 situation has increased in both developing and developed countries. This teleconsultation has also expanded beyond that of post COVID-19 application to other purposes such as in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this commentary is to focus on presenting a feasible guide related to physical as well as psychological aspects in relation to computer based workers that could be taught to the computer-based workers using teleconsultation platforms. METHODS:A multi-criteria search was performed among available guidelines and approaches related to the physical and psychological aspects used for computer-based workers. RESULTS:A continuation of musculoskeletal pain creates a feedforward loop of pain and distress. Several conventional methods exist to manage musculoskeletal pain, however, the new normal situation following COVID-19 has rendered many of these moot, especially in computer based workers and with the increased reliance on teleconsultation platforms. CONCLUSIONS:During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals were required to stay home due to varying levels of lockdown protocols and provide their usual services using online platforms both increasing sedentary behaviour in computer based workers and limiting the tools available to health professionals. Following in what is now the worldwide new normal post COVID-19 situation, individuals have adapted and accepted that they receive much of their necessary health advice using teleconsultation platforms as well.

Keywords: Teleconsultation, telehealth, computer based workers, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230033

Journal: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1071-1074, 2024