Musculoskeletal system disorders in computer users: Effectiveness of training and exercise programs

Various musculoskeletal system disorders occur as a result of the use of computers, which have become an integral part of modern life. The most important among such disorders is known as cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). In this study, we attempt to investigate CTD's effects on daily life and the effectiveness of training and exercise programs in the management of this disorder at a state department where computers are widely used. Fifty patients with CTD between the ages 25 and 50 were recruited for the study and were randomized into two groups. The complaints of patients with CTD had appeared after they had started working in this job and they reported that their complaints were related to their occupation. The patients complained of head, neck, shoulder, back and wrist pains and most of them were diagnosed as Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The first group was given mobilization, stretching, strengthening and relaxation exercises five days a week for a period of two months following a training course. The second group was given a training course only. Both groups were assessed in terms of the following outcome criteria before and after the treatment: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Pain Disability Index for pain; Tiredness Scale for tiredness; and Beck Depression Scale for depression. At 2 months, the treatment group was observed to have experienced statistically significant improvements in NRS (p < 0.001), pain disability index (p < 0.05) and Beck depression scale (p < 0.05) values as compared to the control group. Mobilization, stretching, strengthening and relaxation exercises reduce pain and depression levels of CTD patients in the short term. We propose that studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the above results