Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Assessment of Parameters of Muscle Tone and Health Status among Office Workers

Our way of life has changed considerably because of increased computer usage. Usually people do not think about links between computer work, fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains, assess the musculoskeletal status and general health condition and to analyze associations between these indices. The methods of the study were based on a questionnaire, myometry and dynamometry. The most common musculoskeletal pains among office workers were neck pain (51.5%) and lower back pain (41.7%). Pains in the hands/wrists (34.5%), knees (29.9%) and elbows (14.6%) were less reported. The measurements of m. trapezius showed that the values of the tone were higher in the afternoon. Also, the most values of m. erector spinae were higher in the afternoon. The measurements of the grip strength showed a decrease in strength during the day. The study confirmed the results of many earlier studies that the most common pains among office workers are neck and lower back pains. Office work is a burden especially for the m. trapezius and also for the m. erector spinae.