Musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among office workers in an activity-based work environment

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated factors among office workers working in the activity-based workplace (ABW). Methods. Forty-two office workers with an ABW and 68 office workers as controls participated. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, the Baecke physical activity questionnaire, the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire III and the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire were used and the pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured. Results. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of MSDs in most body areas between the ABW and control groups. The ABW group experienced significantly (p < 0.05) more right wrist, hand and finger (WHF) pain in the past 6 months when compared with the control group. The ABW group demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) more work-related physical activity and daily time spent standing. There were no significant differences in other pain-related factors measured. Conclusions. Office workers with an ABW had a similar prevalence of MSDs to office workers with a designated workplace and no differences in associated factors.