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PubMed1994

[Effects of goal setting and real-time feedback on performance and time estimation during VDT operation].

The problem of serious occupational fatigue of software operators has come up for discussion. Along with the outcome of a survey showing that their working hours are longer than those of other types of workers, with the former reporting for duty unconsciously early in the morning, it is pointed out that their time estimation and crookedness of time cognition are reduced. As a result of the survey, it was also found that in visual display terminal task, the work is carried on while receiving real-time feedback, and those engaged in development work, set their goal to complete a specific amount of work within a specific time-limit. Thus, in order to examine the effects of these two factors on these workers' performance and their subjective time estimation, 76 subjects (undergraduate students) were asked to engage in task of six terms. The results indicated that the group with its goal set and real-time feedback given had higher performance and motivation for task, and showed more time reduction than did other groups to a significant extent. It is noteworthy that it was proved that the subjects were not conscious of this time reduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Musculoskeletal disorders among visual display terminal workers: individual, ergonomic, and work organizational factors.

A number of individual, ergonomic, and organizational factors of presumed importance for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders were investigated in a group of 260 visual display terminal (VDT) workers. The cross-sectional study utilized medical and workplace investigations as well as questionnaires. The results were subjected to a multivariate analysis in order to find the major factors associated with various upper-body muscular problems. Several such factors were identified for each investigated type of musculoskeletal problem. Some were related to the individual: age, gender, woman with children at home, use of spectacles, smoking, stomach-related stress reactions, and negative affectivity. Organizational variables of importance were opportunities for flexible rest breaks, extreme peer contacts, task flexibility, and overtime. Identified ergonomic variables were static work posture, hand position, use of lower arm support, repeated work movements, and keyboard or VDT vertical position.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiological studies of work with video display terminals and adverse pregnancy outcomes (1984-1992).

Many epidemiological studies have investigated the claim that work with video display terminals (VDT) is a risk factor during pregnancy. Results have been inconsistent, although in the majority of cases the hypothesis was not supported. Exposure assessment has been very poor and the statistical power of the studies generally low. Overall, the studies indicate that VDT operators are not at greater risk than the general population, because very low frequency (VLF) magnetic fields do not appear to be a risk factor and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure is not significantly greater than that experienced in other occupational and residential environments. However, since some studies lend support to the hypothesis that ELF magnetic fields may be a risk factor for pregnancy outcome, studies of subjects exposed to higher than average ELF fields are justified.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1990

Spontaneous abortion among women using video display terminals.

This case-base study with a source population of 214 108 commercial and clerical workers investigated the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome among women working with a video display terminal (VDT) in Denmark. A subpopulation was obtained by register linkage between a trade union membership file, the Medical Birth Register, and the National Register of In-Patients. In two years 24,352 pregnancy outcomes were registered, 2248 spontaneous abortions were recorded, and a base sample of 2252 pregnancies was randomly selected. Data on VDT use, job stress, ergonomic factors, and life-style factors were collected with questionnaires sent to 6212 women and 426 employers. There was no increased risk of medically verified spontaneous abortion among women with VDT use. The relative risk for women exposed to any degree of use was 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.77-1.14). Ergonomic work load and job stress were not confounders.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mean-term variations of visual function of video display terminal operators: observations on 70 cases].

The aim of the study was to evaluate medium-term variations of visual functions in VDT operators and their possible relationship to VDT exposure. The clinical records of 70 VDT operators attending our outpatient service for periodical ergophthalmological evaluation were reviewed in order to evaluate the variation of some visual parameters after a two-years follow-up. These included refraction, phorias, fusional convergence and divergence, stereopsis. The group did not include subjects affected by hyperopia, large ametropias, or binocular vision disturbances and was divided into two subgroups: low exposure group (n = 20; < 4 hours/day) and high exposure group (n = 50; exposure > 4 hours/day). Asthenopia was frequent in both groups. Variation of refraction and binocular vision parameters were absent or rather limited in both exposure groups. This seems to indicate that in subjects without significant ophthalmological problems the risk of permanent functional damage is very low at medium-term.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A cross-sectional study of health complaints among 79 data entry operators using video display terminals.

This paper reports on the findings of a cross-sectional study of 79 data entry clerks employed by an Ontario-based organization in five separate offices. The study was conducted to identify factors associated with physical complaints experienced by these office workers. A large percentage of the data entry clerks reported chronic physical complaints (eyestrain, musculo-skeletal pains, headache) as well as emotional or mental stress which they felt were associated with their occupation. Poorly designed overhead lighting systems in all offices contributed to both eyestrain and headache. Duration of employment as a data entry operator within the organization was not associated with stress or physical health complaints. The presence of an adjustable workstation did not in itself guarantee any protection from these conditions. Highly significant associations between occupational stress levels and some physical complaints were observed. The presence of these associations indicated that the management of both physical and stress complaints within these office environments should be tackled simultaneously.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of long-term visual display terminal usage on visual functions.

Since their rapid introduction into the workplace visual display terminals (VDT's) have been the source of a number of studies aimed at detecting effects on office workers. The published studies have been either short-term or cross-sectional, with one exception. The results have shown varying degrees of relation but by not having a comparable control group all have been limited in their value. We set out to monitor at regular intervals over a 2-year period specific visual functions that have been reported to be affected by VDT usage, and to compare VDT and non-VDT users in the same office environment. By assessing the VDT operators from the time the systems were introduced we have an accurate baseline to work from when assessing change due to the introduction of the VDT.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed1994

Work environment and health in VDT use. An ergonomic approach.

Work-related health complaints were analysed in 90 operators of visual display terminals (VDT) and in 130 control office workers in regard to their assessment of environmental factors and work organization. The most common work-environment-related complaints concerned dry or stuffy or smoky air, poor ventilation, passive smoking and high temperature (14-71%). Fatigue (78%), headache (53%) and eye disturbances (48%) were more pronounced in VDT operators than in the other workers. Among the complaints relating to work organization the most important were lack of autonomy for both groups (26-34%) and the pressure to be productive for VDT operators. Physical factors accounted for 11.5-41% of the variation in the work-related health problems; VDT use accounted for only 1.9-7.5%. The high rate of work-related complaints and health symptoms seemed to be related more to personal, environmental and organizational characteristics than to VDT use.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The influence of VDT work on musculoskeletal disorders.

Relationships between visual display terminal (VDT) use and musculoskeletal problems were examined in a group of 353 office workers, using data from medical and workplace investigations as well as questionnaires. There were no general differences between VDT and non-VDT users as to the occurrence of muscle problems. Combinations of specific VDT work situations such as data entry work or work with a VDT for more than 20 h/week and the presence of some other factors were, however, associated with excess risks of certain muscle problems. The extraneous factors involved in the definitions of such risk groups were: use of bifocal or progressive glasses at a VDT; stomach-related stress reactions; limited rest break opportunity; repetitive movements; non-use of lower arm support; and possibly the vertical position of the keyboard; and presence of specular glare.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1994

Skin symptoms and disease during work with visual display terminals.

A cross-sectional study on 353 routine office workers was performed in order to investigate relationships between skin diseases, signs or reported symptoms and work at visual display terminals. Skin diseases and signs were ascertained by dermatological examination. Skin symptoms as well as details of VDT work and other work conditions were obtained from a questionnaire. Measurements of the physical environment were made at each work place. The results were subjected to a multivariate analysis. There was a tendency for increased occurrence of seborrhoeic eczema, nonspecific erythema and symptoms among VDT compared to non-VDT users. Organizational conditions during VDT work, such as a perceived high work pace or work load, and inability to take rest breaks, were found to be associated with reported skin symptoms and nonspecific erythema. A low relative humidity was associated with a diagnosis of seborrhoeic eczema. No associations were found in this study between current field levels of electric or magnetic fields and skin diseases, signs or reported symptoms.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1994

Job task and psychosocial risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper employees.

OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors among employees using video display terminals at a large metropolitan newspaper. METHODS: The study included 1050 randomly selected workers from four departments. The workers were asked to complete questionnaires on symptoms, job tasks, and psychosocial and work organization conditions. Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities were defined by frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms not attributable to acute injury. Data were analyzed with the use of logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 973 workers completed the survey. The one-year period prevalence rate for any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper extremities was 41%. Neck symptoms (26%) were the most frequently reported, followed by hand or wrist (22%), shoulder (17%), and elbow (10%) symptoms. Greater time working at the video display station was associated with increased hand or wrist symptoms in a dose-response relationship. In addition, variables corresponding to increased work-load demands (eg, increased time working under deadline and increased job pressure) were associated with increased neck, shoulder, and hand or wrist disorders. Women were more likely to report symptoms in several areas, but this finding may reflect the concentration of women in jobs involving more risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities among newspaper employees, and they provide additional evidence that increased work load, time pressure, and greater hours of computer use are related to the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among these workers, particularly for disorders in the hand or wrist area.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Fetal growth, preterm birth and infant mortality in relation to work with video display terminals during pregnancy.

Through register linkage between a trade union file and public health registers 24,352 pregnancy outcomes were selected from a source population of 214,108 commercial and clerical employees. In a case-base study including all recorded cases and a randomly selected base sample, the potential effect of video display terminal (VDT) use in pregnancy on the risk of low birthweight, preterm birth, light weight for delivery date, stillborn, perinatal death, and infant death was investigated. Data on VDT use and potential confounders were collected from postal questionnaires sent to 6312 women and 426 employers. The rate ratio for women exposed to any degree of use was 0.88 for low birthweight [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.67-1.16], 1.11 for preterm birth (95% CI 0.87-1.47), 0.99 for light weight for delivery date (95% CI 0.80-1.21), 0.73 for stillborn (95% CI 0.36-1.48), 1.10 for perinatal death (95% CI 0.62-1.94), and 0.20 for infant death (95% CI 0.04-1.03). In conclusion, this investigation did not show an increased risk of the studied adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with VDT use.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and pregnancy outcome: a review of the literature with particular attention to exposure to video terminals].

Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) is very common and concern about its harmful effects has been raised. Video display terminals (VDT) in the office are among the most important sources of exposure. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on reproduction, but the role of EMF in human reproduction is not clear. Twelve papers considering the effects of VDT and other EMF exposure on pregnancy outcome are reviewed. Concerning VDT exposure, the pooled OR for spontaneous abortion was 1.0 (95% Confidence Interval, CI, 0.9-1.0). There was no significative trend in risk with exposure intensity. No significative risk emerged for low birth weight nor for congenital malformations. Regarding other sources of EMF (electric blankets, heated waterbeds, ceiling cable electric heat and power lines), some studies have suggested that spontaneous abortion, growth retardation and congenital defects are more frequent during the coldest month of the year (when the exposure to these EMF would have been higher). However, data on the issue are scanty.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Skin changes in patients claiming to suffer from "screen dermatitis": a two-case open-field provocation study.

An open-field provocation, in front of an ordinary TV set, of 2 patients regarding themselves as suffering from skin problems due to work at video display terminals (VDTs) is presented. Using immunohistochemistry, in combination with a wide range of antisera directed towards cellular and neurochemical markers, we were able to show a high-to-very high number of somatostatin-immunoreactive dendritic cells as well as histamine-positive mast cells in skin biopsies from the anterior neck taken before the start of the provocation. At the end of the provocation the number of mast cells was unchanged; however, the somatostatin-positive cells had seemingly disappeared. The reason for this latter findings is discussed in terms of loss of immunoreactivity, increase of breakdown, etc. The high number of mast cells present may explain the clinical symptoms of itch, pain, edema and erythema. Naturally, in view of the present public debate, the observed results are highly provocative and, we believe, have to be taken seriously.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Fecundity and the use of video display terminals.

The association between prolonged waiting time to pregnancy and the use of a video display terminal (VDT) was investigated among commercial and clerical employees in Denmark. Information on 24,352 pregnancies was obtained through register linkage with two national registers. A random sample of 2252 pregnancies was drawn, and the women were asked for information on waiting time to pregnancy, occupational exposures, and life-style factors. The overall exposure to a VDT indicated a slightly increased association with prolonged waiting time to pregnancy. The relative risks for waiting more than one year were 1.23, 0.77, and 1.61 for the women who worked with a VDT for 1-10, 11-20, and > or = 21 h per week, respectively. Only the last relative risk was statistically significant. The results could be explained by methodological shortcomings such as recall bias or confounding by alternative factors that might affect time to pregnancy, or simply by the lack of statistical power.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Quantitative analysis of eye movement during VDT work].

The point of fixation during visual display terminal (VDT) work was analyzed by using Eye Mark Recorder-NAC with their corneal reflexes. The subjects were categorized into 2 groups, expert VDT worker and non-expert with VDT work. As for the VDT task, Japanese sentences were loaded. On the other hand, ordinary desk work copying was loaded using the same Japanese sentences. The following results were obtained. VDT work needed more complex eye movements in both vertical and horizontal directions compared with desk work. The point of fixation was mainly located on the surface of the oscilloscope in the expert subjects, whereas, it was mainly located on the keyboard in non-expert subjects. In analyzing the velocity of eye movements during VDT work, the expert moved the eyes more slowly than the non-expert. These results suggested that the VDT experts can move their eyes more effectively and slowly.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Visual discomfort and astigmatic refractive errors in VDT use.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of small amounts of uncorrected astigmatism on the visual comfort of video display terminal (VDT) users. We hypothesized that these small errors produce visual discomfort in the use of these devices even though visual acuity is relatively unaffected. Eight subjects (ages 23-35 years) with corrected visual acuities of 20/20 participated. Our double-masked cross-over experiment included two 25-minute periods during which the subject read from a VDT. The subjects were randomly assigned to wear either the test lens pair (+0.50 D x 090) or a control lens pair (+0.12 DS) over their best correction during the first period and the alternative pair during the second period. A questionnaire was used to obtain ratings of visual discomfort. Our analysis of the data indicated greater reported eyestrain for the test lens pair (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.01). These results suggest careful consideration be given to the correction of small amounts of astigmatic errors for VDT users.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Musculoskeletal disorders among operators of visual display terminals.

Using a visual display terminal (VDT) is today a common occupational task with both benefits and hazards. One of the hazards is the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. This paper examines the possible causes of such disorders and suggests some preventive strategies. The debate on the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and VDT usage usually centers around occupational factors (eg, constrained posture, poor ergonomic design of the workplace, equipment design), work-related psychological factors (eg, perceived high job demands, mundane, boring and repetitive job activity, little control, poor support from colleagues and superiors), and psychosocial factors (eg, biodemographic characteristics such as age, previous musculoskeletal injuries, emotional stress, family burden, environmental factors). Improving the ergonomic design of VDT workstations, changing occupational legislation, and improving occupational health services have been suggested as means to decrease the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among VDT workers. Much research with a multidisciplinary approach is still needed.

Computer Terminals↗