Gender and Posture are Significant Risk Factors to Musculoskeletal Symptoms during Touchscreen Tablet Computer Use

[Purpose] To investigate the prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms during the use of tablet computer, and to identify the risk factors associated with these symptoms. [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted to study tablet computer usage, posture during use, and neck and shoulder symptoms in 412 participants in a school setting. Significant risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms during tablet computer use were identified. [Results] Overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during tablet computer use was 67.9% with greater prevalence of neck symptoms (neck: 84.6%; shoulder/upper extremity: 65.4%). Significant risk factors associated with symptoms during use were: current musculoskeletal symptoms, gender, roles, and postural factors including: sitting without back support, sitting with device in lap, and lying on the side and on the back during tablet computer use. A multivariate analysis further showed that the odds for females to have symptoms were 2.059 times higher than males. [Conclusion] The findings revealed that female gender and other postural factors were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms during the use of tablet computer. Among all postural factors, sitting without back support was identified as the most important risk factor for having musculoskeletal symptom

Sintomatología musculoesquelética en estudiantes de enfermería: un análisis de concepto

Objective: to analyze the musculoskeletal symptomatology concept in undergraduate nursing students through Rodgers' evolutionary method. Method: An integrative review of the literature was performed for the identification and selection of ten articles. A concept analysis was performed according to Rodgers' evolutionary method. Article search was performed using the EBOSCO Host platform, Virtual Health Library and Google scholar for the years from 2004 to 2018. Results: Based on the 3 elements of Rodgers model we found: 1) substitute terms and related concepts, where musculoskeletal disorders and musculoskeletal symptoms were highlighted; 2) as essential attributes of the concept we highlight pain and discomfort, as well as, measurement using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; and 3) risk factors were identified as antecedents, and the consequences were the impact on students' lives. Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge and clarification of the concept of musculoskeletal symptomatology in nursing students

Defining Mobile Tech Posture: Prevalence and Position Among Millennials

Background: Mobile technologies have revolutionized daily life, significantly impacting ADLs and IADLs, as well as use of the hand and upper extremity. The primary objectives of this study are to (a) provide a formal goniometric description of mobile tech posture and (b) examine the prevalence of this sub-optimal posture among a group of graduate students. Method: This study used a cross-sectional study design. Comprehensive goniometric measurements of the neck and upper extremity were taken with participants (N = 46) using their mobile devices while texting or using the Internet. Handheld usage data from the iPhone Screen Time feature (iOS 12) was collected from a sample of healthy young adults. Results: The participants spent an average of 143 min per day using mobile technology. Comprehensive goniometric measurements highlighted positions of clinical concern, including cervical spine flexion, scapular protraction, elbow flexion, and wrist ulnar deviation with thumb flexion. Discussion: Findings aligned with prior research suggesting several hr per day of handheld mobile technology use among young adults. Mobile tech posture, as described by goniometric trends, includes several positions of concern for musculoskeletal imbalance or cumulative trauma disorders (e.g., cubital tunnel syndrome; De Quervain’s tenosynovitis). Further research is recommended to examine broader societal trends and impact on occupational performance

Applications of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire: A Review

Sustainability seeks to provide economically viable products in an environmentally friendly way while respecting worker rights. Physical wellbeing forms part of these rights. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) diminish productivity, cause absence from work, impose costs on the public health system and can cast doubt on the sustainability of a company or a product. The objective of the present work is to review the literature on the application of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) on a worldwide level. In this work, the use of the NMQ has been classified by categories of knowledge, countries and years. The search was made using “Web of Science-Core Collection”. In total, 259 articles were chosen from scientific journals and conferences related, according to the title and or abstract, to the practical application of the questionnaire. In conclusion, the NMQ has been applied mainly in three sectors: “activities related to treating human health and social issues”, “manufacturing industries”, and “agriculture, livestock, fishing, and forestry”. The NMQ is an indirect method commonly used individually or complemented with other methods for evaluating the MSD and possible associated psychosocial and labour risks. The use of NMQ can help in the evaluation of the sustainability of a company

Risk factors for the onset and persistence of neck pain in undergraduate students: 1-year prospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although neck pain is common in young adulthood, studies on predictive factors for its onset and persistence are scarce. It is therefore important to identify possible risk factors among young adults so as to prevent the development of neck pain later in life.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prospective study was carried out in healthy undergraduate students. At baseline, a self-administered questionnaire and standardized physical examination were used to collect data on biopsychosocial factors. At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months thereafter, follow-up data were collected on the incidence of neck pain. Those who reported neck pain on ≥ 2 consecutive follow-ups were categorized as having persistent neck pain. Two regression models were built to analyze risk factors for the onset and persistence of neck pain.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among the recruited sample of 684 students, 46% reported the onset of neck pain between baseline and 1-year follow-up, of whom 33% reported persistent neck pain. The onset of neck pain was associated with computer screen position not being level with the eyes and mouse position being self-rated as suitable. Factors that predicted persistence of neck pain were position of the keyboard being too high, use of computer for entertainment < 70% of total computer usage time, and students being in the second year of their studies.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Neck pain is quite common among undergraduate students. This study found very few proposed risk factors that predicted onset and persistence of neck pain. The future health of undergraduate students deserves consideration. However, there is still much uncertainty about factors leading to neck pain and more research is needed on this topic.</p

JointZone: users' view of an adaptive online learning resource for rheumatology

This paper describes an online learning resource for rheumatology that was designed for a wide constituency of users including primarily undergraduate medical students and health professionals. Although the online resources afford an informal learning environment, the site was pedagogically designed to comply with the general recommendations of the Standing Committee on Training and Education of EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) for a rheumatology core curriculum. Any Internet user may freely browse the site content with optional registration providing access to adaptive features that personalize the user’s view, for example, providing a reading history and targeted support based on scores from completed case studies. The site has now been available since early 2003, and an online survey of site registrants indicates that well structured pedagogical materials that reflect a learners’ dominant ‘community of practice’ appear to be a successful aid to informal learning

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck and Shoulder Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Users of Touch-Screen Tablet Computers

Background and Purpose: Neck and upper extremity symptoms are common health complaints in the general population and cause a substantial financial burden to the health care system. Neck pain is known to be a multi factorial disorder, with head and spinal posture being one of the most important factors. Currently there is little evidence showing a relationship between touch-screen tablet computer usage and neck/upper extremity pathologies. However, it is fair to postulate that the incidence of neck/upper extremity pathologies is higher within touch-screen tablet computer users, considering how users maintain static postures while using the device. The primary purposes of the current study were to 1) investigate the prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms and potential risk factors, 2) identify risk factors associated with symptoms during device use, especially in sitting postures. The secondary purpose was to investigate gender differences in device usage behavior, symptoms, and postural factors. Subjects: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a population of university students, staff, faculty, and alumni (N = 412). Methods and Results: Prevalence of symptoms during device use was 67.9 %. Most symptoms were reported in the neck (84.6%) and upper back/shoulder areas (65.4%). With sitting postures, significant symptoms during tablet use included sitting without back support (p= 0.016) and sitting with device in the lap (p= 0.002) based on Chi-square analyses. A multiple logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that female gender (p=0.004) and sitting in a chair without back support (p=0.006) are the predictors of experiencing symptoms during the use of tablets. For other general postures, the significant factors are lying on the side (p= 0.002) and lying on the back (p= 0.016) during tablet use. Furthermore, our results showed that 70.1% of the female respondents reported to have musculoskeletal symptoms during device usage, in comparison to 29.9% of the male respondents (p= 0.019). Additionally, women (75.7%) demonstrated significantly more symptoms at the upper back and shoulder regions than men (24.3%) (p = 0.014)

Computer Vision Syndrome among undergraduate dentistry students

Introduction The computer has become a common device and an indispensable tool not only in office but also in everyday life. As a consequence of working at the computer, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) may develop. The prevalence of CVS is estimated from 64% to 90% among computer users. Symptoms of the syndrome may be divided into ocular, visual and musculoskeletal. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of CVS symptoms among dentistry students and to determine the factors associated with the syndrome. Material and methods The study involving 62 students from the dentistry of Medical University was conducted. Students were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding socio-demographic data and CVS-related questions. Results Among dentistry students, most often CVS symptoms are headache, eye strain and neck pain. Headache, double vision and shoulder pain was significantly associated with gender. Conclusion Dentistry students suffer from CVS. Due to the increase of computer use in the last few years the syndrome is at risk of becoming a major public health issue. Treatment of the syndrome focuses primarily on prevention, which is the modification of the computer environment and user education

Exposure to Video Display Terminals and Associated Neuromuscular Pain and Discomfort in Male and Female Undergraduate University Students

This paper explores the gender differences with respect to potential negative physical effects associated with prolonged Video Display Terminal (VDT) use. In this cross-sectional survey, we distributed self- reported health questionnaire along with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to 278 University of Ontario students (95 males and 183 females, aged between 17-32 years) in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Results showed that female students suffered more pain/discomfort in the neck/shoulder/hand and wrist (64.1%) in comparison to males (45.7%). Location of pain was also different in female students when compared to male students. This study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that female UOIT students experienced increased negative health effects on exposure to VDTs in comparison to male students. This study will help facilitate more targeted interventions towards millennials and assist them in reducing pain/discomfort they may experience when using devices with VDTs

A study on upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort related to computer use among university students

A limited number of studies have focused on computer-use-related upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort among college students, though risk factors in terms of exposure may be similar to professional workers who use computers. The use of computer has increased among college students, as have musculoskeletal symptoms. There is evidence that these symptoms can be reduced through ergonomics and education approach. From literature reviews, it was found that the following were risks factors related to computer use: body posture, duration of computer use, psychosocial factors, work environment, complaints and history of musculoskeletal problems. In this study, the associations of these independent variables to upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort (dependent variable) among college students were determined. In other words, the purpose of this study was to examine whether the risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort among college students would significantly lead to musculoskeletal discomfort especially upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort. A cross-sectional correlation study was carried out to determine the correlation. A total of 132 questionnaires were distributed, only 130 (98.5%) students completed a self-administered questionnaire concerning the risk factors and the upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort specifically associated with computer use. The research hypotheses were tested using Pearson Correlation Analysis. The results revealed that body posture, psychosocial factors, complaints and history of musculoskeletal pain were significantly correlated to upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort. However, duration of break time and work environment were on the contrary. Multiple Regression results revealed that 35.8% of the variance (R-square) in upper extremity discomfort has been significantly explained by the six independent variables. There were other factors that need to be considered that might contribute to upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort. The findings signal a need for intervention, apart from ergonomics parameters various psychosocial workplace factors need to be considered while designing a preventive intervention program, including training and education on posture, prior to entry into the workforce. Students are future workers therefore it is important to determine whether their increasing exposure to computers, prior to entering the workforce may make them already injured or do not enter their chosen profession due to upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort. The future health of undergraduate students deserves consideration, therefore more research is needed on this matte