[Low back pain among video-terminal workers: ergonomic postural interventions]

Med Lav. 2009:100 Suppl 1:16-9.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Background: Several studies report a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among video-terminal (VDT) workers. Targeted ergonomic interventions can help reduce the burden.

Objectives: We investigated the long-term efficacy of an ergonomic postural intervention to address LBP among VDT workers.

Study design: Non-randomized, crossover trial.

Population and setting: Four hundred employees working in the administrative offices of the two main buildings of the town hall ofForlì who used VDTs for at least 20 hours a week; we randomly selected 100 participants from each building.

Intervention: Ergonomic adjustment of the VDT workstation design.

Outcome measures: Changes in prevalence of LBP and work-related posture.

Results: The ergonomic adjustment of the workstation improved work-related posture and reduced LBP in VDT operators who benefited from the intervention.

Conclusions: A personalized ergonomic prevention intervention can improve work-related posture and LBP for VDT workers.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Terminals*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Ergonomics*
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / epidemiology
  • Low Back Pain / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Posture*