Zeitschrift für Ergonomie
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Posture Wellness Solutions in the Workplace: A Current Review

Alexa Schneck, Seiya Liu, Alexander Lee

Increasing prevalence of mobile technology and declining mobility often lead to poor posture and increased healthcare costs, all of which require better ergonomic interventions. Musculoskeletal disorders are often caused by progressive compromised posture and diminished physical recovery. They are commonly seen in the workplace which not only negatively impact productivity and increase absentees but incur significant health costs. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the existing research regarding the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions designed to improve musculoskeletal wellness in the workplace, and present newly wellness technology for potential ergonomic improvement. Twenty-one studies sourced from Google Scholar and PubMed were reviewed. The programs evaluated in these studies include sit-stand desks; intermittent standing bouts; ergonomic interventions or education; exercise programs; and posture wear. The results were mostly positive in preventing and alleviating musculoskeletal symptoms but failed to decrease health care costs. More research and innovations should be focus on more cost-effective interventions to improve posture in the workplace, especially on workplace posture correcting cost effective solutions.