F3-3　Physical activity, sitting time and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in computer workers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine PA, sitting time at work and WMSDs in computer workers. We conducted a preliminary cross-sectional study in twenty-one computer workers. Participants age were between 22 to 45 years and were also excluded if they could not stand at work. The online Self-Report Questionnaire on Computer Work-related Expose (OSCWE) was used to assess symptoms of WMSDs during the last 12 months and sitting time at work. Thai Physical Activity Guideline (TPAG) questionnaire was also used to determine physical activity levels and calculate energy expenditure. Twenty-one participants completed the questionnaires. Twenty-eight percent of participants had neck and shoulder WMSDs. Twenty-three percent of participants had PA in level 1 and level 3 defined by TPAG. Energy expenditure of PA and sitting time at work for participants without WMSDs were 1431.48±1721.17 kcal/week and 5.94±1.91 hr/day, respectively. While the above parameters in the WMSDs group were 1324.52±1125.64 kcal/week and 6.83±2.05 hr/day, respectively. Participants without WMSDs had more PA and less sitting time at work than ones who had WMSDs. Although, participants had less PA and more sitting time at work also tended to have WMSDs. Future study should increase the number of subjects to explore the relationship between PA, sitting time at work and WMSDs. Decreasing sitting time at work can also prevent WMSDs in computer workers. Therefore, PA and sitting time at work should be concerned in workplaces.