The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms : a systematic review
Date
2012-08
Authors
Van Niekerk, Sjan-Mari
Louw, Quinette Abigail
Hillier, Susan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background: Prolonged sitting has been associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction. For desk workers,
workstation modifications frequently address the work surface and chair. Chairs which can prevent abnormal strain
of the neuromuscular system may aid in preventing musculo-skeletal pain and discomfort. Anecdotally, adjustability
of the seat height and the seat pan depth to match the anthropometrics of the user is the most commonly
recommended intervention. Within the constraints of the current economic climate, employers demand evidence
for the benefits attributed to an investment in altering workstations, however this evidence-base is currently unclear
both in terms of the strength of the evidence and the nature of the chair features. The purpose of this study was to
evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of chair interventions in reducing workplace musculoskeletal symptoms.
Methods: Pubmed, Cinahl, Pedro, ProQuest, SCOPUS and PhysioFocus were searched. ‘Ergonomic intervention’,
‘chair’, ‘musculoskeletal symptoms’, ‘ergonomics’, ‘seated work’ were used in all the databases. Articles were
included if they investigated the influence of chair modifications as an intervention; participants were in
predominantly seated occupations; employed a pre/post design (with or without control or randomising) and if the
outcome measure included neuro-musculoskeletal comfort and/or postural alignment. The risk of bias was assessed
using a tool based on The Cochrane Handbook.
Results: Five studies were included in the review. The number of participants varied from 4 to 293 participants.
Three of the five studies were Randomised Controlled Trials, one pre and post-test study was conducted and one
single case, multiple baselines (ABAB) study was done. Three studies were conducted in a garment factory, one in
an office environment and one with university students. All five studies found a reduction in self-reported
musculoskeletal pain immediately after the intervention. Bias was introduced due to poor randomization procedures
and lack of concealed allocation. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the data
(differing population, intervention and outcomes across studies).
Conclusion: The findings of this review indicate a consistent trend that supports the role of a chair intervention to
reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among workers who are required to sit for prolonged periods. However the
amount, level and quality of the evidence are only moderate therefore we cannot make strong recommendations
until further trials are conducted. The review also highlights gaps: for example in showing whether the effectiveness
of a chair intervention has long-term impact, particularly with respect to musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as the
recurrence of symptoms and the consequent cost of care.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/13/145
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Keywords
Chair design -- Health aspects, Musculoskeletal system -- Wounds and injuries -- Prevention, Sitting position -- Health aspects, Posture -- Health aspects
Citation
Van Niekerk, S., Louw, Q.A. & Hillier, S. 2012. The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. A systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13(1),145:1-7, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-13-145. .