Factors associated with reduced risk of musculoskeletal disorders among office workers: A

Putsa et al. BMC Public Health (2022) 22:1503

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13940-0

RESEARCH

Factors associated with reduced risk

of musculoskeletal disorders among ofce

workers: a cross-sectional study 2017 to 2020

Bukhari Putsa, Wattana Jalayondeja, Keerin Mekhora, Petcharatana Bhuanantanondh and

Chutima Jalayondeja*

Abstract

Background: Prolonged sitting at work should be avoided to reduce the risks of either noncommunicable diseases

(NCDs) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among ofce workers. A short duration of breaks in sitting every hour can

reduce cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to NCDs. However, the recommendation for a break from sitting at

work to reduce the risks of MSDs has not been identifed. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether breaking

by changing position at work, physical activity, physical ftness, stress and sleep were associated with MSDs among

ofce workers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2020. Participants aged 20–59 years and using a

computer at work≥4 days/week were recruited. Data were collected using an online self-reporting questionnaire for

computer users and 5 domains of physical ftness tests. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confdence interval (CI) and multi￾variate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Prevalence of MSDs was 37.9% (n=207/545) and the most area of complaint were the neck, shoulders

and back. A nonsignifcant association between physical ftness and MSDs among ofce workers was obtained.

After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidity, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity

(MVPA)≥150 min/week and sitting at work≥4 h/day were MSDs risk factors (OR=1.57, 95%CI=1.04–2.37). Fre￾quently changing positions from sitting to standing or walking at work every hour could reduce the risks of MSDs by

more than 30%. The risks of MSDs increased among ofce workers who commuted by staf shuttle bus and personal

car and had high to severe stress and slept<6 h/day (1.6 to 2.4 times).

Conclusion: Our fndings indicated MVPA and prolonged sitting were MSD risk factors. We recommend ofce work￾ers change position from sitting to standing or walking during work every hour and sleep≥6 h/day to reduce risks of

MSDs.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, Physical activity, Physical ftness, Sedentary behavior, Sitting, Stress, Ofce

workers

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Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common cause

of health problems and the top 4th cause of global dis￾ability among ofce workers worldwide [1]. Te Center

for Disease Control and Prevention defned MSDs as an

injury of muscles, nerves, tendons, joints and cartilage or

Open Access

*Correspondence: [email protected]; [email protected]

Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand