Long-term Effects of Forearm Support: Computer Users Working at Conventional Desks

摘要

Recent laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that forearm support might be preferable to working in the traditional "floating" posture. A previous 12 week field study which implemented forearm support in a call centre reported a significant decrease in discomfort. The aim of this study is to determine the long term effect (21 months post intervention) of forearm support on musculoskeletal discomfort in the previous sample of intensive computer users. Despite a significant reduction in discomfort for most body regions following the initial intervention, the only significant decrease in discomfort over 21 months was for the neck. Reported discomfort for all other body regions had decreased, apart from the shoulder in which there was a reported increase in discomfort. Treatment for discomfort had decreased since pre intervention, indicating a possible decrease in the severity of discomfort. The results of this follow up study indicate that forearm support has a positive effect on the reduction of neck discomfort, supporting the findings of previous studies. The increase in shoulder discomfort indicates that a concave desk may be preferable to the conventional desk if the forearm support posture is to be adopted.