A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between Telecommuting Environments and Shoulder Pain Among Japanese Telecommuting Workers

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between telecommuting environments and shoulder pain in Japanese telecommuters.MethodsWe conducted an Internet-monitored, cross-sectional study and analyzed 2537 participants who mainly telecommuted at least 4 days per week. We assessed the presence of shoulder pain using a numerical rating scale and the characteristics of the telecommuting environment by asking eight questions. We used multilevel logistic regression analysis with the city of residence as a random effect.ResultsInadequate desk brightness (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.78), inadequate foot space (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02-1.58), and uncomfortable temperature and humidity (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16-1.72) were associated with shoulder pain in multilevel logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsInappropriate telecommuting environments were associated with an increase in the prevalence of shoulder pain in Japanese telecommuters.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the association between telecommuting environments and shoulder pain in Japanese telecommuters. An Internet-monitored, cross-sectional study was conducted with 2537 participants who mostly telecommuted at least 4 days per week. The presence of shoulder pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale, and the characteristics of the telecommuting environment were evaluated through eight questions. Multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed that inadequate desk brightness, inadequate foot space, and uncomfortable temperature and humidity were associated with shoulder pain.