Association Between Office Ergonomics, Work Organization, and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Medical Secretaries

Work-related musculoskeletal system disorders are a significant occupational health concern, especially among healthcare professionals performing prolonged sedentary tasks. Medical secretaries are particularly at risk because they spend long hours sitting at a desk, using computers, and performing repetitive upper extremity movements. These conditions may cause pain, postural deviation, and physical or functional limitations that impair quality of life and work efficiency.

This observational, cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between office ergonomics, work organization, and musculoskeletal system complaints among medical secretaries. The study will assess how posture, pain, physical activity, stress, and disability scores interact and contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Participants will include volunteer medical secretaries working in hospital administrative departments. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic and occupational characteristics, ergonomic and organizational factors (e.g., workstation setup, desk and chair suitability, monitor height, working hours, and break frequency), and validated assessment tools.

Postural alignment will be evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), which rates 13 body segments and provides a total score ranging from 13 to 65 points. Pain intensity will be measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The physical activity level will be assessed using a standardized scale, while stress levels will be measured using a perceived stress questionnaire. Additionally, disability scores will be recorded to evaluate the functional impact of musculoskeletal pain on daily activities and occupational performance.

Statistical analyses will examine correlations between ergonomic conditions, posture, pain, stress, physical activity, and disability scores. Subgroup analyses will explore associations based on age, gender, and years of professional experience.

By identifying key ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors, this study aims to contribute to preventive strategies that improve workplace ergonomics, reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhance the well-being and productivity of medical secretaries in hospital environments.

Inclusion criteria

• Medical secretaries currently working in a hospital setting
• Aged 18 years or older
• Employed in a desk-based/office position involving computer use
• Working in the current position for at least 6 months
• Presence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal pain/complaints in at least one body region (e.g., neck, shoulder, upper back, low back, upper extremity) within the last 3 months, assessed by questionnaire
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Able to complete self-reported questionnaires

Exclusion criteria

• Known spinal deformity or specific spinal disorder (e.g., symptomatic disc herniation/radiculopathy, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis) that could significantly affect musculoskeletal symptoms
• Neurological deficit or neurological disease affecting the musculoskeletal system (e.g., muscle weakness, sensory loss, peripheral neuropathy)
• Diagnosed inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, psoriatic arthritis)
• Major trauma to the neck/upper extremity/spine or orthopedic surgery within the past 6 months
• History of spine surgery (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar)
• Receipt of intensive physical therapy/rehabilitation program or invasive pain procedure (e.g., injection, nerve block) targeting the spine or upper extremity within the past 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Severe cognitive impairment or severe psychiatric disorder that would prevent completion of questionnaires or reliable participation