Evaluation of the Effects of a Training Program for Computer Users A: Evaluation of the Effects of the Training Program on the Prevalence of RSI and Visual Disorders among Users of Computer Monitors - Phase I
A training program was designed to help support staff using computers recognize postural and visual constraints and take action to reduce them. This research project evaluated the effects of the training program in terms of the actions taken by trainees and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal and visual symptoms. The project used a pretest/post-test design with a control group of 627 individuals. Observations concerning workstation layout and work postures were made before and six months after training, and data on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms were collected by means of a questionnaire and physical examination. The results indicate that half of all participants worked in awkward positions prior to training. Over the next six months, 61.5% of trainees took various actions that allowed them to eliminate at least one of the three postural constraints analyzed. Among trainees under 40 years old, the proportion of participants suffering musculoskeletal pain decreased by half, from 20.4% to 9.3%; similar results were observed with regard to visual symptoms. These results demonstrate the significant preventive effect of the training program.
