Musculoskeletal pain and risk factors in office workers versus teleworkers: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Musculoskeletal pain is common in office workers and teleworkers, but the causes remain not enough visible in society.

Objective

This systematic review examines main risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) in office workers versus teleworkers.

Methods

PubMed/ Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched using keywords based on the theme, CoCoPop was used to define the inclusion criteria, also used the PRISMA guidelines, the QuADs tools to evaluate the quality of the studies, risk of bias analyses was done with the Navigation Guide for Systematic Reviews in environment and occupational health.

Results

Of 468 studies identified, 17 were included in the final selection. Both office workers and teleworkers have working conditions at risk of developing or aggravating MSD, but results highlighted the poor teleworkers workplaces, ICT equipment's as laptops, psychosocial and organizational demands that increased the working time and family conflicts, and environmental risk factors associated to teleworkers increased WRMSD symptoms/pain.

Conclusions

This review underline the lack of appropriate working conditions at home and that is a contribute for increasing WRMSD pain in teleworkers. Employers should give more importance ensuring ergonomic workplace at teleworkers home, including also worker's organizational companies support.