study sample was very small and the types of outcomes
– i.e. typing speed and errors – were not relevant to all
seated workers. It is an assumption that ergonomic intervention
correlates with productivity [9,27]. However, this
review found no supporting evidence for positive gains in
productivity and this factor should be incorporated as an
outcome in future research. No studies reported on cost
aspects of the intervention.
Although all five studies conducted follow-up assessments
of the symptoms, the longest follow-up period
was only a year [4]. This indicates a gap in showing
whether the effectiveness of a chair intervention has
long-term benefits, particularly with respect to musculoskeletal
symptoms, as well as the recurrence of symptoms
and the consequent cost of care. Chronicity in
work-related musculoskeletal pain is multifactorial, with
risk profiles relating to psychosocial factors dominating
the literature [28]. We believe future studies, addressing
long-term effects, need to be designed to take these factors
into account.