Peer-reviewed research

Ergonomic interventions for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck among office workers

Vincent C.W. Hoe et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub3

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: A Cochrane systematic review of randomised trials of physical, organisational, training and multifaceted ergonomic interventions for upper limb and neck disorders in office workers, searched to October 2018.
How much weight it carries: Cochrane reviews are the strongest evidence type for interventions. The included trials are few and small, and many outcomes are rated very low or low quality, so most conclusions are that the evidence is uncertain.

Facts taken from this source

The 2018 Cochrane review found inconsistent evidence for arm supports and alternative computer mouse designs.
“There is inconsistent evidence for arm supports and alternative computer mouse designs.” (Authors' conclusions)
The 2018 Cochrane review found very low-quality evidence that supplementary breaks reduce upper limb discomfort in office workers.
“For organisational interventions, in the form of supplementary breaks, there is very low-quality evidence of an effect on upper limb discomfort.” (Authors' conclusions)
In the 2018 Cochrane review, workstation adjustment and sit-stand desks each had no measured effect on upper limb pain or discomfort compared with no intervention.
“Workstation adjustment (one study) and sit-stand desks (one study) did not have an effect on upper limb pain or discomfort, compared to no intervention.” (Results, physical ergonomic interventions)

Peer-reviewed research

Vincent C.W. Hoe et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub3

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: A Cochrane systematic review of randomised trials of physical, organisational, training and multifaceted ergonomic interventions for upper limb and neck disorders in office workers, searched to October 2018.
How much weight it carries: Cochrane reviews are the strongest evidence type for interventions. The included trials are few and small, and many outcomes are rated very low or low quality, so most conclusions are that the evidence is uncertain.

The 2018 Cochrane review found inconsistent evidence for arm supports and alternative computer mouse designs.
“There is inconsistent evidence for arm supports and alternative computer mouse designs.” (Authors' conclusions)
The 2018 Cochrane review found very low-quality evidence that supplementary breaks reduce upper limb discomfort in office workers.
“For organisational interventions, in the form of supplementary breaks, there is very low-quality evidence of an effect on upper limb discomfort.” (Authors' conclusions)
In the 2018 Cochrane review, workstation adjustment and sit-stand desks each had no measured effect on upper limb pain or discomfort compared with no intervention.
“Workstation adjustment (one study) and sit-stand desks (one study) did not have an effect on upper limb pain or discomfort, compared to no intervention.” (Results, physical ergonomic interventions)