Does ergonomics training have an effect on body posture during computer usage?

Background: Computer users are at risk in terms of musculoskeletal disorders. It is known that ergonomics training prevents short-term injuries to the musculoskeletal system, but its long-term effect is unknown.

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of receiving ergonomics training in undergraduate instruction on posture during computer usage.

Methods: The present study included 27 individuals who had received training previously and 58 individuals who had not received any training. Their posture was evaluated with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Musculoskeletal Diseases in Computer Users Frequency and Risk Factors Screening Form (MCFRF).

Results: The percentage of pain experienced at least once in four weeks was much higher in the untrained than the trained group. The RULA scores were 3.7 ± 2.1 and 3.3 ± 0.8 points for the lower body and upper extremity for the trained group, and 4.2 ± 2.2 and 3.9 ± 0.9 points for the lower body and upper extremity, respectively, for the untrained group. The MCFRF scores were 1.9 ± 1.0 and 1.7 ± 1.0 points for the lower body and upper extremity, respectively, for the trained group, and 1.6 ± 1.3 and 1.6 ± 0.8 points for the lower body and upper extremity for the untrained group.

Conclusions: According to RULA scores, training on ergonomics was effective in reducing the risk level of musculoskeletal disorders. MCFRF scores showed that ergonomics training had no effect on posture during computer usage. Nevertheless, MCFRF evaluates only posture and does not calculate approximate forces that body parts were exposed to. Thus, these areas of MCFRF required improvement. Our study emphasized the importance of the long-term effects of ergonomics training for preventive purposes before musculoskeletal problems manifest.