Office work may not seem very physically demanding, but all the while, the body is working to maintain posture while performing repetitive movements typically with insufficient rest breaks. Typing and mousing, are seemingly innocuous but can expose muscles and connective tissues to thousands of low-force movements each day breaking them down to the point of injury. Over time, these exposures might lead to repetitive motion diseases which are uncomfortable and affect the neck, shoulders, back, wrists, and hands. The science of body mechanics and office ergonomics helps explain why this is.
Body mechanics refers to how the body moves and positions itself while performing physical activities. In an office environment, body mechanics are factors such as posture, joint position, muscle activation, movement patterns, force, repetition, and duration. Research indicates that musculoskeletal disorders are common among computer users, and these factors are influenced by the equipment and how it is adjusted. Prolonged computer use, repetitive movements, and awkward postures have been identified as all being risk factors. These factors together all contribute to the epidemiology of ergonomic disorders and diseases.
Every keystroke and mouse movement requires muscular activity that is repeated for hours bringing tissues to their limits and a lot of times not provided enough opportunities to recover.
For example, positioning a mouse far from the body can increase the amount of shoulder movement required throughout the day. A keyboard positioned too far forward may encourage prolonged shoulder protraction and flexion. Research examining computer work and musculoskeletal disorders has found limited evidence connecting certain aspects of computer work with specific clinical disorders, reinforcing the importance of looking beyond a single workstation factor when evaluating risk.
Posture is important, as well. A posture that feels comfortable for 10 minutes may become physically demanding when maintained for several hours. Likewise, a low-force activity may become problematic when repeated thousands of times without adequate recovery.
Research supports a comprehensive approach to ergonomic injury reduction. One controlled study found that combining a highly adjustable task chair along with office ergonomics training reduced the musculoskeletal. At Ergobility, we approach office ergonomics with effectiveness in mind. We combine training with economical and effective equipment recommendations.
When organizations understand body mechanics and address the factors that influence repetitive exposure, they can foster a work environment with comfortable and healthy employees. If your organization is experiencing increasing ergonomic concerns, employee discomfort, or repetitive motion complaints, a professional ergonomic assessment with Ergobility can help identify practical opportunities for improvement.
