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Evaluation of Two Preventive Interventions for Reducing Musculoskeletal Complaints in Operators of Video Display Terminals

P Pillastrini is Physical Therapist and Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Neurological Sciences, and School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
R Mugnai is Physical Therapist, School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna
C Farneti is Physical Therapist, School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna
L Bertozzi is Physical Therapist, School of Physiotherapy, University of Bologna
R Bonfiglioli, MD, is Doctor, Occupational Medicine Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna
S Curti, MStat, is Statistician, Occupational Medicine Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna
S Mattioli, MD, is Doctor, Occupational Medicine Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna
FS Violante, MD, is Doctor and Director, Occupational Medicine Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna

Address all correspondence to Prof Pillastrini at: paolo.pillastrini{at}unibo.it

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a preventive ergonomic intervention, which was provided by physical therapists, on spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and symptom complaints of workers who use video display terminals (VDT).

Subjects: Two hundred employees who spent at least 20 hours per week at a VDT were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group E received the ergonomic intervention and an informative brochure, and group I received only the brochure.

Methods: Both groups were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at a follow-up 5 months later. The following tools were used: a pain drawing and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method to assess spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture.

Results: Group E had a lower REBA score and reduced lower back, neck, and shoulder symptoms compared with group I.

Discussion and Conclusion: The results suggest that a personalized preventive ergonomic intervention can improve spinal and upper-extremity work-related posture and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers who use VDTs.