Work from Home-related Musculoskeletal Pain During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review

Overview

Journal Int J Osteopath Med

Publisher Elsevier

Date 2022 Dec 14

PMID 36514321

Authors

Ivan Neil Gomez

Consuelo G Suarez

Ken Erbvin Sosa

Maria Lourdes Tapang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: This rapid review explores the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms associated with work from home conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We conducted a rapid review across three databases (i.e., PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL) for observational studies that report on the musculoskeletal functions among individuals placed in a work from home setup due to the COVID-19 pandemic, published between December 2019-August 2021. Two independent review authors searched, appraised, and extracted data from the articles included in the final review. A descriptive approach was used to synthesize the narrative evidence.

Results: Forty-four articles were initially identified. A total of six (n = 6) studies met the full inclusion criteria and were included. Among them, there were five cross-sectional studies and one case-control study. The highest prevalence reported were neck pain (20.3-76.9%), low back pain (19.5-74.1%), and shoulder pain (3.0-72.9%). The most common instrument used was the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. One of the common professions that report musculoskeletal pain symptoms associated with work from home conditions were individuals working in the academic sector.

Conclusion: The increased prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms associated with work from home conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is a concern that should be addressed to prevent negative neuromusculoskeletal outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration: This review is in the Open Science Framework registry (osf.io/vxs4w) and the PROSPERO database (CRD42021266097).

Implications For Practice: •A system in the workplace should be developed for the early detection of musculoskeletal pain.•Apart from standard occupational safety and proper ergonomic, sustainable policies and programs that address the mental health issues of employees should also be addressed.•Programs addressing musculoskeletal pain should be available online for employees to address accessibility and ubiquity.

Citing Articles

Ergonomic Challenges and Musculoskeletal Pain During Remote Working: A Study of Academic Staff at a Selected University in South Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Narainsamy N, Akpa-Inyang F, Onwubu S, Govender N, Pillay J Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025; 22(1).

PMID: 39857531 PMC: 11764627. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22010079.

Prevalence, incidence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in faculty members: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Jalali M, Farhadi S, Esmaeili R, Aghaei H, Rahimimoghadam S, Niroumand M BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024; 25(1):692.

PMID: 39223549 PMC: 11367850. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07820-4.

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