Time to re-think our strategy with musculoskeletal disorders and workstation ergonomics.

The sample was a convenience sample from three companies, so it may not represent all South African computer users. The participants came from varied professions and occupations, which limits generalisability. The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot show whether over-commitment or workstation factors caused musculoskeletal pain. People with recent musculoskeletal surgery or current mental health treatment were excluded, so the findings may not apply to those patients. The mean age was in the early thirties, so older workers may have different risk patterns. MSD status relied on self-report and whether the participant could recall a non-work cause. The authors note ROSA limitations, including that one high sub-score can drive the final score and that low telephone scores can lower a section score. Participants may have adjusted their workstations during the assessment, which could affect the ergonomic scores.

Do not conclude that workstation ergonomics are irrelevant to musculoskeletal pain. The study found no difference in ROSA scores between groups, but it was a convenience sample, the authors describe ROSA limitations, and a score below five still may leave room for adjustment.