THE INFLUENCE OF VDT WORK ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Relationships between visual display terminal (VDT) use and musculoske letal problems were examined in a group of 353 office workers, using d ata from medical and workplace investigations as well as questionnaire s. There were no general differences between VDT and non-VDT users as to the occurrence of muscle problems. Combinations of specific VDT wor k situations such as data entry work or work with a VDT for more than 20 h/week and the presence of some other factors were, however, associ ated with excess risks of certain muscle problems. The extraneous fact ors involved in the definitions of such risk groups were: use of bifoc al or progressive glasses at a VDT; stomach-related stress reactions; limited rest break opportunity; repetitive movements; non-use of lower arm support; and possibly the vertical position of the keyboard; and presence of specular glare.