Incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in covid-19 lockdown- cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction World is witnessing the impact of COVID-19 on all facets of life, in all countries and all industries. During the lockdown, Indian industries made employees 'Work from Home' and also schools and colleges practiced 'Online' mode of education as per Government mandate. Since people are using more of laptops and computers during COVID outbreak for a period of time, it may result in deliberating injuries and high prevalence of computer related musculoskeletal disorders [1]. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder reported in many countries increased steadily within the past decade [2] most injuries were due to typing or key entry, repetitive tool use, repetitive grasping, pushing or moving objects other than tools. According, to a conservative estimate by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), work related musculoskeletal disorder [3] cost the United States Industry more than $13 billion per year. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) refer to injuries affecting the soft tissues of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, back, hip, knee, ankle [4]. These also include the nerves (e.g.-carpal tunnel syndrome etc.), tendons (tenosynovitis, epicondylitis etc.) and muscles (e.g.-tension neck syndrome and many more) [5] Jobs that involve repetitive or static awkward deviations (i.e. wrist flexion, wrist extension, ulnar or radial deviations) have demonstrated greater likelihood [6] for MSD's. The rise in computer use have resulted in soft tissue injuries [7]. The risk factors associated with computer work include the integration of biomechanical factors such as static muscular overload [8], repetitive motions and conditions related to work environment. The most common musculoskeletal complaints are pain and stiffness in various regions of body including neck, back, shoulders [9], wrists, etc. These problems are commonly associated with old age but due to many factors such as poor component design, proximity of the user to the screen and an excess of consecutive working hours [10] means that these problems can feature both in young and old computer users. During the pandemic outbreak, people have adapted themselves for long hour's usage of computers and laptops such as, working studying and also entertaining at home. Since more students use computers during outbreak of COVID-19 for online classes, completing assignments, internet use, playing games and for entertainment purposes; they reported similar symptoms as reported by occupational computer users [11] which accumulate over a period of time resulting in debilitating injuries. The high prevalence of computer related MSD's by students suggest a public health need to identify interventions that will reduce symptom severity and prevent impairment. Abstract Background: World is witnessing the impact of COVID-19 on all facets of life, in all countries and all industries. During the lockdown, Indian industries made employees 'Work from Home' and also schools and colleges practiced 'Online' mode of education as per Government mandate. Since people are using more of laptops and computers during COVID outbreak for a period of time, it may result in deliberating injuries. The high prevalence of computer related musculoskeletal disorders are reported. There is a need to identify interventions that will reduce the severity and prevent impairment.