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The use of biomechanical biofeedback to retrain posture and reduce symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in computer users
Conference presentation

The use of biomechanical biofeedback to retrain posture and reduce symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in computer users

Lorraine Josey
USC Research Conference, 2013 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 01-Jul-2013–05-Jul-2013)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2013
url
https://www.usc.edu.au/View
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Abstract

Clinical Sciences biomechanical feedback musculoskeletal disorder computer users
The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders such as neck and shoulder pain is 44% in the general population and up to 79% in computer users. Although much attention is given to reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) through ergonomic programs, our efforts have met with inconsistent success. Posture is widely acknowledged to be a contributor to MSD yet few interventions have attempted to retrain posture of the individual. Rather, focus has been on modifying environments to potentially bring about a change in posture and reduce MSD, albe to with mixed success. Biomechanical biofeedback has demonstrated capacity to retrain posture in clinical settings and within daily activities. However biomechanical biofeedback has not been trialled as an intervention for MSD in the workplace. The aim of this research project is to determine whether biomechanical biofeedback (BackTone) is more effective than traditional education in changing posture and reducing the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, we seek to determine whether a) participants believe their discomfort is related to posture, b) participants have self-efficacy regarding their ability to change their posture, and c) participant' self-rating of posture correlates with observed posture. Fifty computer users aged 18-60 years with neck, shoulder or arm pain will be recruited. They will be assessed, allocated to matched pairs and divided randomly between Biofeedback and Postural Education groups. The Biofeedback group will be fitted with a BackTone, trained in its use and monitored over three weeks. The Postural Education group will receive education and instruction with the same number of contacts as the biofeedback group, over a three week period. Symptoms of MSD, posture and beliefs will be measured at beginning, end of program and at six weeks follow-up using questionnaires, semi-structured interview and on-site video camera. The results of the research will inform interventions to reduce the burden of MSD.

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