The impact of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on the musculoskeletal system

Abstract

Author: Giselle Uwingabire Title: The Impact of Remote Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Musculoskeletal System Type of paper: Scientific Thesis Study programme: Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University Supervisor: Sabīne Grīnberga, MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors, M.Env.Sc., Lecturer Annotation: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid global shift to remote and hybrid work models, raising concerns about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) related to poor ergonomics, prolonged sitting, and psychosocial strain. This scientific thesis presents a narrative literature review of quantitative studies published between January 2020 and May 2025, examining the prevalence, severity, and determinants of MSDs among remote workers. A total of 24 eligible studies were included from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Findings indicate that MSD prevalence among remote workers ranged from 26% to over 70%, with the neck, shoulders, and lower back being the most frequently affected regions. Poor workstation ergonomics, increased sedentary time, reduced physical activity, and psychosocial stressors were consistently associated with elevated symptom rates. The review highlights significant methodological heterogeneity and reliance on self-reported measures. The study concludes that remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased musculoskeletal symptoms, underscoring the need for ergonomic interventions and standardized longitudinal research to mitigate future occupational health risks. Volume of the Paper: 32 pages, 1 table, 32 references