Ergonomic risk factors related to office workstations: systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36097/rsan.v1i65.3881Keywords:
Ergonomics, Office work, Occupational risks, Occupational health, Musculoskeletal disordersAbstract
The objective of this study was to identify the main ergonomic risks affecting administrative personnel, their consequences on occupational health, and the preventive measures adopted. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed, and the PICO framework was applied to structure the research questions. A total of 33 studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, SciELO), meeting specific inclusion criteria. The narrative synthesis grouped the results into four categories: physical, organizational, technological/environmental, and psychosocial risks. The findings revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), visual fatigue, and mental workload, associated with factors such as prolonged postures, non-adjustable furniture, continuous screen exposure, and inadequate working conditions, particularly in telework contexts. The most effective interventions included adjustable workstations, active breaks, and participatory ergonomics strategies. However, the implementation of such interventions remains limited in Latin America, where research is predominantly descriptive. Regional, methodological, and practical application gaps were identified, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen public policies, institutional programs, and regulatory frameworks in occupational health.
Downloads
References
Ávila, A. E., Peppla, M. J., & Rivera, T. J. (2023). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders associated with the work of administrative positions: a cross-cutting study. Revista Investigación y Negocios, 16(28), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.38147/invneg.v16i28.230
Blehm, C., Vishnu, S., Khattak, A., Mitra, S., & Yee, R. W. (2005). Computer Vision Syndrome: A Review. Survey of Ophthalmology, 50(3), 253-262. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2005.02.008
Boyce, P., Veitch, J., & Hunter, C. (2006). Lighting quality and office work: two field simulation experiments. Lighting Research & Technology, 38(3), 191-223. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1191/1365782806lrt16
Calapaqui-Chicaiza, J., & Campos-Murillo, N. (2025). Impacto de la sobrecarga laboral en la salud física y psicológica del personal sanitario: una revisión sistemática. MQRInvestigar, 9(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.56048/MQR20225.9.1.2025.e331
Cercado, B. M., Chinga, C. P., Soledispa, & Xavier, R. (2021). Riesgos ergonómicos asociados al puesto de trabajo del personal administrativo. Revista Publicando, 8(32), 69 - 81. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.51528/rp.vol8.id2268
Clark, P., Contreras, D., Ríos, B. M., Steinmetz, J., Ong, L., Culbreth, G., Lenox, H., Mendoza, C., & Razo, C. (2024). Analysis of musculoskeletal disorders-associated disability in Mexico from 1990 to 2021. Gaceta médica de México, 159(6), 517-526. https://doi.org/10.24875/gmm.23000394
Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe & Organización Panamericana de la Salud. (2024). La urgencia de invertir en los sistemas de salud en América Latina y el Caribe para reducir la desigualdad y alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. CEPAL; OPS. https://www.paho.org/es/documentos/urgencia-invertir-sistemas-salud-america-latina-caribe-para-reducir-desigualdad-alcanzar
Cook, C., Burgess-Limerick, R., & Chang, S. (2000). The prevalence of neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms in computer mouse users. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 26(3), 347-356. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-8141(00)00010-X
Cruz, C. N., & Herrera, S. F. (2021). Prevalencia y factores relacionados con desordenes musculoesqueleticos en personas que realizan teletrabajo, una revisión de alcance 2010 - 2021. [Tesis de maestría, Universidad del Rosario]. Repositorio Urosario. https://doi.org/10.48713/10336_32569
Dávila Morán, R. C. (2023). Influence of Remote Work on the Work Stress of Workers in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Sustainability , 15(16). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612489
Demissie, B., Tegegne, B. E., & Alemu, D. A. (2024). A systematic review of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among computer users. Heliyon, 10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25075
Dul, J., Bruder, R., Buckle, P., Carayon, P., Falzon, P., Marras, W., Wilson, J., & Doelen, B. v. (2012). A strategy for human factors/ergonomics: developing the discipline and profession. Ergonomics, 55(4), 377-395. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2012.661087
Goggins, R. W., Spielholz, P., & Nothstein, G. L. (2008). Estimating the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions through case studies: Implications for predictive cost-benefit analysis. Journal of Safety Research, 39(3), 339-344. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2007.12.006
Govaerts, R. T. (2021). Prevalence and incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in secondary industries of 21st century Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22(751). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04615-9
Hales, T. R., Sauter, S. L., Peterson, M. R., Putz-Anderson, V., Scheifer, L. R., & Bernad, B. P. (2007). Musculoskeletal disorders among visual display terminal users in a telecommunications company. Ergonomics, 37(10), 1603-1621. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139408964940
Hedge, A., James, T., & Pavlovic-Veselinovic, S. (2011). Ergonomics concerns and the impact of healthcare information technology. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 41(4), 345-351. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2011.02.002
Henning, G, R., Jacques, P., Kissel, G. V., Sullivan, A. B., & Alteras-Webb, S. M. (2010). Frequent short rest breaks from computer work: effects on productivity and well-being at two field sites. Ergonomics, 40, 78-91. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/001401397188396
Hignett, S., Wilson, J. R., & Morris, W. (2005). Finding ergonomic solutions—participatory approaches. Occupational Medicine, 55(3), 200–207. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqi084
Janwantanakul, P., Pensri, P., Jiamjarasrangsri, V., & Sinsongsook, T. (2008). Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers . Occupational Medicine, 58(6), 436–438. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqn072
Lee, W., Yragui, N. L., Anderson, N. J., Howard, N., Lin, J. H., & Bao, S. S. (2022). The job demand-control-support model and work-related musculoskeletal complaints in daytime and nighttime janitors: The mediating effect of burnout. Applied Ergonomics, 105. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103836
Naciones Unidas. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Resolution A/RES/70/1). Naciones Unidas. https://sdgs.un.org/publications/transforming-our-world-2030-agenda-sustainable-development-17981
Noblet, A., & D. LaMontagne, A. (2006). The role of workplace health promotion in addressing job stress. Health Promotion International, 21(4), 346–353. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dal029
Oakman, J., Kinsman, N., Rwth, S., Graham, M., & Weale, V. (2020). A rapid review of mental and physical health effects of working at home: how do we optimise health? BMC Public Health, 20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09875-z
Omokhodion, F. (2003). Risk factors for low back pain among office workers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria . Occupational Medicine, 53(4), 287–289. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqg063
Organización Internacional del Trabajo. (2020). El teletrabajo durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y después. Oficina Internacional del Trabajo. https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_protect/@protrav/@travail/documents/publication/wcms_758007.pdf
Organización Mundial de la Salud. (2022). Salud musculoesquelética. Organización Mundial de la Salud. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions
Page, M., McKenzie, J., Bossuyt, P., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T., D Mulrow, C., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaf, J., Akl, E., Brennan, S., r Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J., Hróbjartsson, A., & Lalu. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ(71), 372. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Palacios, M. E., Ardila, G. M., & Guerrero, R. C. (Mayo de 2024). Fatiga ocular en médicos radiólogos por uso constante de pantallas en malas condiciones. Medellín, Colombia: Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia UNAD.
Robertson, M. M., Ciriello, V. M., & Garabet, A. M. (2013). Office ergonomics training and a sit-stand workstation: Effects on musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and performance of office workers. Applied Ergonomics, 44(1), 73-85. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2012.05.001
Rudakewych, M., Valent-Weitz, L., & Hedge, A. (2001). Effects of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal discomfort among office workers. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 45(10), 791-795. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/154193120104501002
Safari, M. N. (2025). Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in assessing ergonomic risk factors in the workplace: A systematic review. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/10519815251349793
Thorp, A. A., Owen, N., Neuhaus, M., & Dunstan, D. W. (2011). Sedentary Behaviors and Subsequent Health Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies, 1996–2011. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 41(2), 207-215. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2011.05.004
Tomasina, F., & Pisani, A. (2022). Pros y contras del teletrabajo en la salud física y mental de la población general trabajadora: una revisión narrativa exploratoria. Archivos de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales, 25(2). https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.12961/aprl.2022.25.02.07
Veitch, J. A., & Newsham, G. R. (2013). Lighting Quality and Energy-Efficiency Effects on Task Performance, Mood, Health, Satisfaction, and Comfort. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, 27(1), 107-129. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/00994480.1998.10748216
Vink, P., Koningsveld, E. A., & Molenbroek, J. F. (2006). Positive outcomes of participatory ergonomics in terms of greater comfort and higher productivity. Applied Ergonomics, 37(4), 537-546. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2006.04.012
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Lester Willian Loor Vinces, Jacqueline Macias Mendoza, Patricia Priscila Pinargote Pincay.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.









