Ergonomic challenges and musculoskeletal pain during remote working : a study of academic staff at a selected university in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid shift to remote working, which affected ergonomic conditions and increased the risk of upper body musculoskeletal pain (MSP). This study assessed the prevalence and impact of upper body MSP (affecting the head, neck, shoulders, and back) among academic staff at a University of Technology during the pandemic. Data were collected from 110 participants through an online, descriptive, cross-sectional survey adapted from the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and the McCaffrey Initial Pain Assessment Tool. The survey examined demographics, ergonomic practices, MSP, and psychological well-being before and during the pandemic. The sample included 59.1% female participants, with most being middle-aged. Persistent MSP was common, with 54.5% reporting neck pain and 59.1% experiencing back pain during the pandemic, alongside a significant decline in wrists in neutral position ergonomics (<i>p</i> = 0.012). Psychological well-being also worsened, as participants reported lower levels of cheerfulness, calmness, and energy than before the pandemic. While 81.9% of 90.9% participants with pre-existing MSP continued to experience pain, a small (9%) but notable proportion saw a decline in MSP during this period. These findings highlight a strong relationship between remote working conditions and MSP, with poor ergonomics and psychological distress contributing significantly to persistent pain. The results emphasise the need for institutions to provide ergonomic support, such as appropriate equipment and workstation adjustments, alongside mental health resources to mitigate the long-term impacts of remote working on physical and mental health.