The effectiveness of a training method using self-modeling webcam photos for reducing musculoskeletal risk among office workers using computers

An intervention study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of an innovative self-modeling photo-training method for reducing musculoskeletal risk among office workers using computers. Sixty workers were randomly assigned to either: 1) a control group; 2) an office training group that received personal, ergonomic training and workstation adjustments or 3) a photo-training group that received both office training and an automatic frequent-feedback system that displayed on the computer screen a photo of the worker’s current sitting posture together with the correct posture photo taken earlier during office training. Musculoskeletal risk was evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method before, during and after the six weeks intervention. Both training methods provided effective short-term posture improvement; however, sustained improvement was only attained with the photo-training method. Both interventions had a greater effect on older workers and on workers suffering more musculoskeletal pain. The photo-training method had a greater positive effect on women than on men.

► We present a training method using web-cam photos for reducing musculoskeletal risk. We compared three groups: photo-training, office ergonomic training and control.
► Both training methods provided effective short-term posture improvement.
► Sustained improvement was only attained with the photo-training method.
► The photo-training method had a greater positive effect on women than on men.