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Workplace ergonomics may do little to ease arm, neck or shoulder pain

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Workplace ergonomics may do little to ease arm, neck or shoulder pain

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An updated Cochrane review has found that ergonomic interventions show no meaningful benefit for pain, function, recovery or sick leave in workers with work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder (CANS), compared with no treatment.

CANS covers disorders that develop from repetitive movements, awkward postures or external forces such as vibrating tools. They significantly affect working populations worldwide.

Workplaces invest heavily in ergonomic interventions, such as office furniture changes and biomechanical or ergonomic education, to help office workers with CANS.

Led by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney, the review analyzed 20 trials involving a total of 2,478 people with work-related CANS. Of those trials, 16 looked at nonspecific CANS. The participants included workers who frequently use computers in their jobs.

The review found that, compared with no treatment, usual care or placebo, ergonomic interventions may make little to no difference to short-term pain. They probably make little to no difference to functional status, sick leave or recovery.

Low-certainty evidence points to possible benefits for quality of life and health care use. Results were mixed, however, and one analysis showed a reduction in health care consumption while another showed little to no difference.

Overall, ergonomic approaches appear less effective than exercise, though small benefits may occur in specific subgroups, such as people with rotator cuff tendinitis.

"When we pooled the best available trials, ergonomic interventions made little to no difference to pain, function, recovery or sick leave compared with no treatment.


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