Thursday, October 29, 2009
Proactive ergonomics reduces symptoms: study
A proactive ergonomics approach, which involves having a professional ergonomist set up and adjust office furniture, can help reduce pain related to poor posture, according to a study from the World Bank's Joint Bank/Fund Health Services Department.
As part of the study, one group of workers received new ergonomic furniture with setup instructions, while a second group received furniture set up by an ergonomist.
Study results showed members of the second group who had previously experienced symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and eyestrain experienced a reduction in symptoms, according to a press release from the Elk Grove Village, IL-based American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, which published the study in its Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Researchers suggested a proactive program should include an individual workstation assessment to be effective in reducing symptoms and increasing productivity.