INTRODUCTION
The modern digitalization of the economy increases significantly the amount of work with video display terminals (VDTs) on a daily basis. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are cumulative disorders of the muscles, joints, nerves, and local blood circulation. Common symptoms are pain, numbness, formication of the upper, lower limbs, back, and shoulders.
AIM:
The aim of this article is to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms of WMSDs among IT workers in Varna and the use of breaks and stretch exercises during their daily shift.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
An ergonomic evaluation of the office work spaces of 173 employees was performed in the period October–December 2021. They were also asked to report any discomfort related to pain during work in individual interviews. The data gathered included reports on pain in different body areas and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms. Information regarding daily breaks and use of stretch exercises was gathered from employees using a structured questionnaire.
RESULTS:
The average age of the employees who received ergonomic evaluation was 32.5 (SD 0.59, range: 21–54 years) years. Males were prevalent in the gender distribution of the workers—117, or 67.6% of all participants with women being 56, or 32.4%.
The mean work experience with VDTs of the studied group was 10.3 (SD 0.49, range 1-30 years). A total of 34.7% of the employees reported discomfort or pain during work. Almost two thirds, or 65.3%, of the respondents did not report any discomfort during their work day. The number of employees who used regular breaks and stretches during the shift was 91 (52.6%).
CONCLUSION:
Stretch exercises and microbreaks during the workday are common prevention methods, whose impact on the symptoms of WMSDs needs further studies. Adequate prevention strategies in regard to the safety and health at the office are needed to reduce the risk of WMSDs.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Frequently Asked Questions.
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