Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Abstract

Background: Work related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEMSD’s) are common causes of pain and functional limitations of upper extremity and it can lead to significant distress and disability in women working in video display units (VDU’s).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Ergonomic Training (ET) or Active Exercises (AE) would be more effective in decreasing pain and improving disability in women with WUEMSD’s working in VDU’s.

Methodology:  40 women with WUEMSD’s were allocated into two groups. Ergonomic Training Group (ETG) received Ergonomic Training (n=20) and active exercise group (AEG) received Active Exercises Training (n=20) for 45 minutes on first contact session only. Ergonomic booklet was given to ETG and exercise booklet was given to AEG separately. They were advised to adhere to ergonomic advices and active exercises for 45 minutes/day for 4 months regularly based on booklet. Subjects were initially assessed prior to randomization, and at 2nd and 4th month follow-up. The following variables were evaluated: Pain and disability of upper extremity using NPRS and Quick DASH score respectively.

Results: Although both groups exhibited improvement in pain and disability at the 2nd and 4thmonth follow-up sessions (p<.05) compared with baseline measures, but there were significant differences between groups only on pain outcome in AEG, whereas no significant improvement noted between groups on disability (p>.05).

Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of this 4 month follow-up study allow us to conclude: Both groups improved on pain and disability at 2^nd and 4^th month follow-up assessments. These findings indicate that active exercises group is more effective in relieving UE pain, whereas no significant difference was found between the ergonomic training group and active exercises group in decreasing disability.