Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and MSK Discomfort in Static Workstation

Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and MSK Discomfort in Static Workstation

Effects of Exercise, Rest Breaks and Ergonomics Modification on Fatigue and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Static Workstation Office Workers

The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.

Static workstation workers frequently experience musculoskeletal discomfort which, according to a survey of the literature, may include muscle tension, muscle fatigue, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones. The incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort in office workers like computer users is as high as 50%. In various studies on static workstation workers, musculoskeletal discomfort has been reported, either separately or in aggregate, in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, back, legs, buttocks, ankles, feet, and chest. The current study examines the effects of exercise, ergonomic modifications, and rest breaks on fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. For the purpose of this project, musculoskeletal discomfort is defined as a constellation of signs and symptoms that include muscle tension, paresthesia, pain, and/or physical strain in soft tissues and bones.

Participants in the exercise group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours. Exercises include shoulder shrugs, neck tilts, wrist and forearm stretch, back and hip stretch, upper body stretch, hamstring stretch, upper back stretch, hand/finger stretch. Side stretch and neck stretch. Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks.

Participants in the exercise with rest break group will receive 'Exercise Breaks', of 10 minutes, twice a day during the work hours, in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes, twice a day during the work hours. Participants will also receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks.

Participants in the rest breaks group will receive 'Supplemental Micro Breaks', of 30 seconds after every 15 minutes of working on a static computer workstation in addition to the two 'Conventional Rest Breaks' of 15 minutes twice a day during the work hours. Follow up 3 times a week for 5 weeks. During the rest breaks, participants will not perform any exercises.

To assess the severity of musculoskeletal discomfort. minimum as Never = 0, and maximum as Several times every day = 10 The discomfort score is the severity of discomfort categorized as 'mild', 'moderate', and 'severe discomfort'.

Each of the 11 items is answered on a 4-point scale ranging from the asymptomatic to maximum symptomology, such as 'Better than usual', 'No worse than usual, 'Worse than usual, and 'Much worse than usual.

Inclusion Criteria: Both male and female Age: 25-45 years Those static workstation office workers using a computer for at least 6 hours per day. Static workstation office workers screened by ROSA. Exclusion Criteria: Discomfort from non-musculoskeletal origin Recent history of trauma and receiving any kind of treatment for the current condition Severe orthopedic disease Any mental and physiological illness that could interfere in the exercise

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