We propose two main specific aims. For the Aim 1 (a) we will measure biomechanical exposures across different psychosocial work environments for 120 computer workers, (b) From these data we will determine differences in exposure across environments and in doing so develop an exposure determinants model for keyboard, mouse, and passive idle tasks, (c) Then we will estimate and evaluate the prediction of average and cumulative exposure based on the determinants model and data from computer usage monitors.
For Aim 2 we will test for associations between estimated biomechanical exposures and MSD health outcomes in an existing prospective cohort of 1821 (at baseline) computer workers. Specific psychosocial factors in the modern work environments including the office have been associated with higher prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). While several pathways may exist through which psychosocial factors impact the body and influence the onset and development of MSDs, one hypothesis, which is supported by numerous laboratory studies, suggests that increased stress originating from the psychosocial work environment increases one's exposure to biomechanical loads. Therefore, we propose to directly measure biomechanical exposure intensities (i.e. keyboard and mouse forces, hand, forearm, upper arm and shoulder postural dynamics and EMG of the trapezius and the wrist extensors) in 120 computer workers in the field spanning four different psychosocial environments. We will test for differences in biomechanical exposure intensities across these different psychosocial environments. In doing so we will develop a task-based (i.e. keyboard, mouse, and idle input device tasks) exposure determinants model. We will implement this model to estimate the average and cumulative biomechanical exposures for each participant of an existing two-year prospective cohort of 1821 at baseline (1582 at 1 year) office workers. The prediction will use task durations measured for each participant from computer usage monitor software programs. Public Health Relevance - This project will determine relationships between work environmental stressors including psychosocial and biomechanical factors, their interactions and the onset and development of musculoskeletal disorders for the modem office. The results will influence work place design and policies through the development of new evidence-based interventions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01OH008781-02
Application #
7680127
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZOH1-GGB (02))
Program Officer
Frederick, Linda J
Project Start
2008-09-01
Project End
2011-08-31
Budget Start
2009-09-01
Budget End
2010-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$398,884
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
149617367
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Huysmans, Maaike A; Eijckelhof, Belinda H W; Garza, Jennifer L Bruno et al. (2017) Predicting Forearm Physical Exposures During Computer Work Using Self-Reports, Software-Recorded Computer Usage Patterns, and Anthropometric and Workstation Measurements. Ann Work Expo Health 62:124-137
Garza, Jennifer L; Cavallari, Jennifer M; Eijckelhof, Belinda H W et al. (2015) Office workers with high effort-reward imbalance and overcommitment have greater decreases in heart rate variability over a 2-h working period. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 88:565-75
Eijckelhof, Belinda H W; Huysmans, Maaike A; Blatter, Birgitte M et al. (2014) Office workers' computer use patterns are associated with workplace stressors. Appl Ergon 45:1660-7
Eijckelhof, Belinda H W; Bruno Garza, Jennifer L; Huysmans, Maaike A et al. (2013) The effect of overcommitment and reward on muscle activity, posture, and forces in the arm-wrist-hand region--a field study among computer workers. Scand J Work Environ Health 39:379-89
Bruno Garza, Jennifer L; Eijckelhof, Belinda H W; Huysmans, Maaike A et al. (2013) The effect of over-commitment and reward on trapezius muscle activity and shoulder, head, neck, and torso postures during computer use in the field. Am J Ind Med 56:1190-200
Bruno Garza, J L; Eijckelhof, B H W; Johnson, P W et al. (2012) Developing a framework for assessing muscle effort and postures during computer work in the field: the effect of computer activities on neck/shoulder muscle effort and postures. Work 41 Suppl 1:2377-80
Bruno, Jennifer L; Li, Zhizhong; Trudeau, Matthieu et al. (2012) A single video camera postural assessment system to measure rotation of the shoulder during computer use. J Appl Biomech 28:343-8
Bruno Garza, J L; Eijckelhof, B H W; Johnson, P W et al. (2012) Observed differences in upper extremity forces, muscle efforts, postures, velocities and accelerations across computer activities in a field study of office workers. Ergonomics 55:670-81
Bruno Garza, Jennifer L; Catalano, Paul J; Katz, Jeffrey N et al. (2012) Developing a framework for predicting upper extremity muscle activities, postures, velocities, and accelerations during computer use: the effect of keyboard use, mouse use, and individual factors on physical exposures. J Occup Environ Hyg 9:691-8