The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy

The Korean Society of Physical Therapy (대한물리치료학회)
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Physical Therapy and Ergonomic Interventions in Patients with VDT Syndrome: 4 Cases Study

VDT 증후군 환자에 물리치료와 인간공학적 개입: 사례 연구

  • Lee, In-Hee (Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Keimyeung University) ;
  • Park, Sang-Young (Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Daegu University)
  • 이인희 (계명대학교 의과대학 의료정보학교실) ;
  • 박상영 (대구대학교 대학원 재활과학과)
  • Received : 2010.02.09
  • Accepted : 2010.06.03
  • Published : 2010.08.25
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Abstract

Purpose: Among computer users, the awkward posture and workstation setups of workers contribute to work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a traditional physical therapy and ergonomic intervention by physical therapists in 4 computer users. Methods: After checking Visual Analogue Scores (VAS), four subjects who were treated by physical therapy for neck and shoulder problems related to VDT syndrome were enrolled in the study. All subjects spent at least 40 hours per week at a computer workstation. All subjects had pain and ergonomic states evaluated using methods such as VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Workstyle short form, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and OSHA VDT checklist (Occupational Safety and Health Administration video display terminal) before a physical therapy + ergonomic intervention. Participants were re-evaluated 1 month later. Results: Participants showed more improvement of their neck pain after being treated with a physical therapy plus ergonomic intervention than when treatment consisted only of physical therapy. Improvements in RULA, Workstyle short form, and OSHA VDT checklist also were achieved. Conclusion: This case study suggests the importance of examining the work habits and work-related postures of subjects who complain of neck and shoulder pain that is exacerbated by computer use. Personalized ergonomic interventions and physical therapy can lead to improvement of patients with VDT syndrome.

Keywords

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