Reduction of Musculoskeletal Pain in First Postgraduate Year (PGY1) Medicine Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Improving Work Life with Laptop Ergonomics

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a widely recognized problem among healthcare professionals. First postgraduate year (PGY1) students are particularly at risk of developing WRMSDs due to the demanding nature of their work. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention in reducing musculoskeletal pain among PGY1 and improving their work life.

Methods: This randomized control trial included participants from incoming first-year residents for the academic year 2022-2023. Exclusion criteria included daily medications for headaches, having a history of neck/spine pain injections, history of chronic pain, or already using laptop stands. Data collection utilized a Google Survey form incorporating pain scales at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Results: Out of 57 potential candidates, 41 residents were eligible. Four subjects were lost due to dropout, transfer, or leaving the residency program, leaving 37 residents by the end. Significant differences (p<0.05) among control and intervention are shown in shoulder pain, lower back pain, taller subjects with wrist/hand pain, and males with upper back pain. Trends (p<0.10) existed with heavier subjects, males with upper back and wrist pain and taller subjects with headaches. The other differences in average pain scoring among different treatments, genders, weights, and heights was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the intervention was effective in reducing shoulder, wrist, and lower back pain among residents. However, further research is needed to explore these outcomes.