Mismatch between furniture dimension and anthropometric measures and its relationship with musculoskeletal discomforts among office workers

GANDOH, MOHD HASIF (2020) Mismatch between furniture dimension and anthropometric measures and its relationship with musculoskeletal discomforts among office workers. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2020 36.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Ergonomics at office workstation is essential, as the office workers represent a large workforce in Malaysia. Prolonged sitting behaviour may lead to low back pain (LBP) and musculoskeletal discomforts (MSD). Their well-being and productivity can be increased by providing proper furniture that meets their body measurement. Objective: This study aims to determine the mismatch between the furniture and the anthropometric measures among office workers and its relationship with musculoskeletal discomforts. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study which involved 120 office workers in the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources at Putrajaya. The sample was selected by using purposive sampling with inclusive and exclusive criteria. Five anthropometric measurements (popliteal height, buttock popliteal height, hip breadth, shoulder height and elbow height), as well as five furniture dimensions (seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height and seat to desk height), were measured by Martyn type anthropometer, SECA body meter and SECA weighing scale. The measurement was taken among 21 office workers for anthropometric data. The mismatch calculation was made by referring the recommended range for furniture dimension among Malaysians. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to measure musculoskeletal discomforts. Results: This study represents 23% male and 78% female office workers where most of them were 68% in a range of (20-39 years old) and 32% in a range of (40-54 years old). There was a significant difference in anthropometry data for shoulder height among office worker. There was a mismatch of 100% for the seat to desk height among the 21 office workers. For seat height, seat depth, backrest height and seat width showed 95% and 100% matching. Conclusion: There was a presence of a mismatch between furniture dimension and anthropometric measures and also matching in other parameters of the furniture. The association between mismatch and prevalence of MSD couldn't be tested due to the very small sample size. Keywords: Mismatch, Anthropometric measures, Furniture dimension, Office worker, Musculoskeletal discomforts

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	12 Apr 2023 07:04
Last Modified:	12 Apr 2023 07:04
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/838

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