Self-screening test for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in computer users

Background: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are common among computer users. Prevention is necessary in the process of minimizing the occurrence of these disorders. Apart from ergonomic workstation modification, exercise to maintain a fitness level sufficient to cope with a specific workload is the responsibility of each individual. Before performing an exercise, one must know whether one is capable of that exercise or needs other types of management. Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument for screening upper extremity WMSDs in computer users to ensure they use exercise as a prevention method. The agreement will be measured between the results of a self-screening questionnaire and a clinical examination. Materials and Methods: Several methods were used to develop the self-screening questionnaire. First, available screening algorithms were reviewed, and ideas were shared between groups of experienced physical therapists to plan the scope of the algorithm. The algorithm was designed and pretested. After that, the algorithm was sent to 107 experienced office computer users, aged 23 to 60 years. Additionally, the subjects were all physically examined by experienced physical therapists. The results from the algorithm were compared with the collaborative suggestions of the group of physical therapists. Results: A descriptive analysis shows that the agreement between the opinions of physical therapists and the self-screening test scores was 89.72%. Analysis of agreement using the Kappa coefficient showed that the scores from the screening tool agree with the clinical examination at a level of 0.768. The total set of scores was in substantial agreement. Conclusion: These measures indicated that this self-screening algorithm is an instrument exhibiting substantial agreement in terms of scoring between therapists and individual computer users with a questionnaire across time. The algorithm can be used to screen cases who can perform exercise by themselves or need further investigation or treatment.