Comparing the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints among remote workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

By Leticia Profeta, Physiotherapist

In today's interconnected world, musculoskeletal disorders have become a significant concern, stemming from various sources such as poor posture, repetitive or incorrect movements, ergonomic issues, stress, and tension (Siqueira L. et al, 2020). Understanding anatomy and biomechanics is crucial to identify the root causes of these disorders, often related to posture, repetitive movements, and excessive physical demands (ILO, 2020).

The shift towards remote work began in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced many workers to adapt to this new model. The sudden transition to working from home raised concerns about the potential for increased musculoskeletal issues among remote workers (Fadel M. et al, 2023).

This study aimed to investigate and compare the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal complaints among remote workers before and during the pandemic. The results revealed a complex picture, with multiple factors potentially contributing to the musculoskeletal complaints experienced by the participants.

Examining this issue is essential to better understand the working conditions of remote workers and develop strategies to raise their awareness of ergonomic principles. By adapting their movements and workstations, workers can improve their overall well-being, enhance productivity, and reduce the risk of injuries and future complications such as sick leave.

A total of 24 remote workers (mostly based in Ireland) participated in this study via an online questionnaire. The group was diverse in terms of nationality, age, living arrangements, and work environment. The survey included questions about demographics, health status, physical activity, workstation ergonomics, and pain history.

Before delving into ergonomic factors, it is crucial to examine how home responsibilities, especially for participants with children or caregiving roles, affect their physical well-being.

Regarding living arrangements, 41.7% of participants lived alone, 25% lived with a partner, and 29.2% lived with partner and children. About 50% of participants were married, and 37.5% had children. Moreover, 16.7% had children with health conditions or special needs requiring physical support or assistance. These details provide essential context for interpreting health complaints in relation to individual home demands.

By analyzing these factors, the study aims to shed light on the relationship between ergonomic factors, work conditions, and reported musculoskeletal complaints, offering valuable insights that can inform supportive interventions for remote workers.

Physical Activity, Health Status, and Pain History: Most participants reported light to moderate physical activity levels. Interestingly, those with physically demanding care for children with special needs showed similar levels of physical activity to sedentary individuals, suggesting that they may be neglecting their personal physical health.

Over the past five years, 50% of participants started medication, 45.8% experienced health problems, and 79.2% received professional support for physical or mental health concerns.

Half of the participants reported current pain, with 25% experiencing pain in the last 1-2 years starting after the transition to remote work, and 12.5% always having had pain. It is notable that 50% mentioned that the lockdown did not affect their symptoms.

The most affected body regions for pain were the neck, lower back, and upper limbs, with pain most frequently reported in the morning. Resting, stretching, good posture, massage, and gentle exercises effectively improved pain.

Specific movements were reported as the primary factor worsening pain, emphasizing the importance of proper ergonomics to prevent muscle pain. Muscle tension affected 70.8% of participants, primarily in the shoulders, neck, lower back, and upper back. Stretching, movement and massage improved muscle tension, while prolonged sitting, poor posture, stress, and repetitive movements worsened it. It seems that regular physical activity is essential for preventing pain and muscle tension associated with long periods of sitting and repetitive movements for this remote workers group.

Work Hours, Breaks, and Ergonomic Support: Most participants work between 5 to 8 hours per day, with breaks ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. Additionally, 83.3% take short breaks throughout the day. The majority considered their workstations comfortable and ergonomically adequate.

41.7% received company support for setting up an ergonomic workstation, and 75% prioritize purchasing ergonomic equipment or accessories, demonstrating awareness of the importance of ergonomics. Most participants made changes to improve their workstations' ergonomics post-lockdown. The majority considered their workstations comfortable and ergonomically adequate.

Discomfort during work hours was reported by 66.7% of participants, with 54.2% attributing it to the musculoskeletal system and 12.5% unable to describe the discomfort. The neck, shoulders, and lower back were the most common body areas experiencing discomfort.

Impact of Lockdown on Discomfort and Changing Workstations: 25% of participants reported that their discomfort remained the same after the lockdown, while 20.8% noted a significant worsening. The most common body areas affected by discomfort when changing workstations were the shoulders and neck.

41.7% of participants alternate between different work locations, such as a sofa, bed, or cafes. 29.2% experience discomfort during work hours when changing workstations, with 33.3% attributing this discomfort to the musculoskeletal system. Notably, the use of alternative workstations like co-working spaces and cafes increased post-lockdown.

Conclusion

Despite its limited sample size, this study offers valuable insights into remote workers' musculoskeletal health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The complex factors contributing to pain and tension highlight the importance of considering individual health conditions, ergonomics, and personal habits when addressing musculoskeletal issues.

To support remote workers, employers should prioritize ergonomic workstations and promote healthy work practices. By fostering a culture of physical activity, self-care, and ergonomic awareness, employers can significantly improve the well-being and productivity of their remote workforce. However, it's essential to note that additional studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to gain further clarity on the subject.

This research was conducted under the worker health research line as a requirement for diploma registration at CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council) in Ireland, October 2024.

Written by Letícia Sá Teles, CORU-Registered Physiotherapist

Want support with home ergonomics or posture training for your team?

📩 Connect: leticiaprofeta@gmail.com

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