IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ERGONOMIC INTERVENTIONS ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDS) IN SEDENTARY WORKERS IN PORT HARCOURT

Macdonald Onyekwere; Ejikeme Ugwoha; A. M. Awanye

Authors

Macdonald Onyekwere Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), Institute of Petroleum Studies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Ejikeme Ugwoha Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), Institute of Petroleum Studies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
A. M. Awanye Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), Institute of Petroleum Studies, Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Ergonomic interventions, Sedentary workers, Posture assessment, RULA, Work productivity, Port Harcourt.

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of ergonomic interventions on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among sedentary workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It determined the prevalence and distribution of MSDs, assessed ergonomic risk factors, and measured the effectiveness of multi-component ergonomic interventions in improving health, posture, and productivity. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. A total of 270 participants were selected through stratified random sampling from five occupational sectors: public, financial, retail, education, and ICT/services. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), RAND SF-36 Health Survey, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI), and an ergonomic checklist. The 12-week intervention comprised four components: physical workstation modification, ergonomics education, behavioural training, and technological posture monitoring. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27, with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses at p < 0.05. Findings revealed a high baseline MSD prevalence (78.5%), with the lower back (71.5%), neck (59.6%), and upper back (52.2%) most affected. Baseline RULA results showed 63% of participants were in high-risk categories. Post-intervention, MSD symptoms significantly reduced in the intervention group— lower back (−34.1%), neck (−25.9%), and shoulder (−19.2%) pain (p < 0.05). Mean RULA scores improved from 5.8 to 3.2 (45% reduction), SF-36 health scores rose by 25–27%, and WPAI productivity increased by 46%. The study concluded that multi-component ergonomic interventions effectively reduce MSDs, enhance worker health, and improve productivity. It recommends institutionalizing ergonomic policies, periodic workplace assessments, and digital posture monitoring to promote occupational well-being in Nigeria’s sedentary workforce.