Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to improve the measurement of postural dynamism in the sitting position using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. The primary objective was to describe pilot data for postural dynamism of the cervical and thoracic spines while working at a desktop computer. The secondary objective was to refine the process of posture measurement and analysis by decreasing data processing time. Certain factors in 3D motion analysis can lead to an increase in gaps in data collected during trial capture, which in turn will lead to a longer time of data processing. In the first phase of this study, a number of such factors were identified and altered. A series of pilot studies was performed to test the improvement of data processing time when altering these factors. In the first two pilot studies, camera and tripod positionings were explored and refined, workstation layout and anatomical landmark marker placement were investigated, and optimal capture frequency was established. In both these pilot studies, outcomes were established by means of trial and error by experimenting with a variety of different options for the different outcomes. In the third pilot study, computer software which provides computer tasks for the participant during primary trial capture was tested. Two independent computer users performed all the activities as per software, after which they were required to give oral feedback and suggestions on improvement in terms of user friendliness. The objective of the fourth and final pilot study was to include all of the outcomes from the preceeding pilot studies and attempt a trial run of the actual data collection process. A study participant with no affiliation to the research project was used and a complete trial run was performed after which the measurement process was deemed feasible. In the primary study, 18 student volunteers completed a sequence of computer tasks, including keyboard, mouse and reading activities. Prior to data capture, full range of motion of the thoracic and cervical spines were measured in three dimensions for every participant. Data capture took place for the full duration of performance of all computer activities. Outcome parameters for postural dynamism included true range of motion (degrees), proportional range of motion (percentage) and motion frequency (movement per minute) in all three planes of motion of the cervical and thoracic spines. Typing tasks were associated with biggest movement ranges and motion frequencies. Mouse activity was associated with the most stationary posture, exhibiting the least frequent movement as well as the smallest ranges of motion. The results from this study allow us to better understand the dynamic nature of posture, as well as postural dynamism associated with different computer tasks. This study provides a baseline for future research of 3D motion analysis of the sitting posture. It also marks the need for further research regarding ergonomics, use and potential alternatives in the computer workstation and input devices. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die meting van posturale dinamisme in die sitposisie te verbeter deur middel van „n drie-dimensionele (3D) bewegingsanalisesisteem. Die primêre doelwit was om loodsdata te beskryf vir posturale dinamisme van die servikale en torakale werwelkolomme terwyl op „n rekenaar gewerk word. Die sekondêre doelwit was om die proses van postuurmeting en analise te verfyn deur die dataprosesseringstyd te verminder. Sekere faktore van 3D bewegingsanalise kan „n vermeerdering van gapings in ingesamelde data tot gevolg hê, wat weer kan lei na „n verlengde tydperiode van dataprosessering. In die eerste fase van hierdie studie is sulke faktore identifiseer en aangepas. „n Reeks loodsstudies is uitgevoer om die verbetering van dataprosesseringstyd te toets namate aanpassings aan hierdie faktore gemaak is. Tydens die eerste twee loodsstudies is verskillende kamera en driepoot posisionering ondersoek en verfyn, werkstasie uitleg en anatomiese baken merker plasing is ondersoek en die optimale dataversamelingsfrekwensie is vasgestel. In beide hierdie loodsstudies is die uitkomste vasgestel op grond van toets- en fouteer deur te eksperimenteer met „n verskeidenheid opsies soos van toepassing op die betrokke uitkomste. Tydens die derde loodsstudie is rekenaarsagteware getoets wat die rekenaaraktiwiteit vir die studiedeelnemers verskaf het tydens primêre data-insameling. Twee onafhanklike persone het al die aktiwiteite volgens die sagteware voltooi en het verbale terugvoer en aanbevelings gegee oor hoe om die program te verbeter. Die vierdie en finale loodsstudie het gepoog om al die uitkomste van die eerste drie loodsstudies in te sluit en „n toetsmeting te doen van die ware dataversamelingsproses. „n Onafhanklike studiedeelnemer met geen affiliasie tot die navorsingsprojek nie het „n toetslopie van die hele versamelingsproses gedoen en die metingsproses is haalbaar verklaar. Tydens die primêre studie het 18 student-vrywilligers „n reeks rekenaartake gedoen (insluitend sleutelbord en muisaktiwiteite sowel as „n leesopdrag). Voor die aanvang van dataversameling is die volle bewegingsomvange van die torakale en servikale werwelkolomme van elke deelnemer gemeet. Dataversameling is vir die volle durasie van die uitvoer van rekenaaraktiwiteite gedoen. Uitkomsparameters vir posturale dinamisme het die volgende ingesluit: Omvang van beweging (grade), proporsionele omvang van beweging (persentasie) en bewegingsfrekwensie (bewegings per minuut) in al drie bewegingsvlakke van die servikale en torakale werwelkolomme. Sleutelbord-aktiwiteite is geässosieer met die grootste bewegingsomvange en die meeste bewegingsfrekwensie. Muisaktiwiteit is geässosieer met die mees stasionêre postuur en het die heel minste gereelde beweging getoon in die algemeen. Die resultate van hierdie studie help om die dinamise natuur van postuur beter te verstaan, sowel as posturale dinamisme wat met verskillende rekenaartake verbind word. Die studie bied „n basislyn vir die toekomstige navorsings wat posturale dinamisme met verskillende rekenaartake meet. Dit merk ook die behoefte aan verdere navorsing aangaande ergonomika, gebruik en alternatiewe tot rekenaarwerkstasie en –toerusting.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1996. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [93]-100).

Seating is an integral part of work environment. When people are at work, they often sit in chairs for long periods of time without changing postures. This results in reduced blood circulation in the body, especially in the buttock-thigh area causing muscle fatigue, pain and discomfort. Ergonomically designed task chairs adopt a passive approach to guiding people into better postures by providing adjustability inside the chair. However most people do not adjust their chairs because they fail to sense the need for changing posture. They are left to sensing the need to change posture through guesswork or extreme discomfort. This thesis proposes a new system to address this problem by sensing static posture in a seated person with the use of electronic sensors embedded in the seat, and by providing interactive feedback to static posture via sound, light and tactile channels. The new technology is an sensing-feedback mechanism embedded in a chair, that allows people to receive postural information and make body adjustments periodically to avoid pain and discomfort caused by prolonged seating.The feedback mechanism was tested with four subjects to determine its efficacy in generating posture change through pressure relief and user feedback was gathered in order to design the final prototype.

Whilst literature exists describing prevalence and theories about mechanisms of development of deformity, there is a distinct lack of research that examines how deformity can be measured despite it being an area of identified need. This study established the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Goldsmith Index of Body Symmetry and examined the relevance of the information it provides within the context of a comprehensive postural assessment for individuals with cerebral palsy in conjunction with a commonly used clinical assessment ... Results demonstrated that high index levels were not exclusively associated with people with windswept deformity. Postural patterns of windsweeping, frog leg (abducting) and scissor (adducting) postures and hip extension were found to occur in all categories, suggesting that asymmetry is not confined to one particular postural pattern. Clinically observable changes were identified through comparison of the supine evaluation and index scores. The flexibility of postural components (or the ability to correct asymmetry) in a supine position for the SD categories demonstrated wide variation. However, subjects in the 3+SD groupings had fixed scoliosis and the majority (83%) also had fixed pelvic obliquity and rotation. All other subjects up to the 3SD category had flexible pelvic obliquity and rotation. No definitive differences in postural components between groups were identified in sitting positions, which was attributed to the influence of gravity on the body in an upright posture. Examination of sitting ability and index level did not demonstrate any relationship, suggesting that greater independence in sitting is not necessarily associated with a lower Goldsmith Index. The study highlighted that assessment of posture is complex, and that no single tool provides the answers required to manage a person’s posture. It demonstrates the need for clinicians to be aware that subjective clinical assessment may not be sufficient to adequately assess and detect changes in posture, and that the Goldsmith Index of Body Symmetry provides objective data that can be used as a powerful adjunct in interpreting clinical assessment and supporting the evaluation of clinical interventions.

The main theme of my work is finding the locomotive load in selected professions and build a compensation program for professionals with a sedentary job. When selecting this topic for me was the decisive topicality of the selected topic, I see especially in the ever-growing problems with musculoskeletal system of persons employed in sedentary occupations, which are one of the consequences of their employment. The first theoretical part of the thesis includes a detailed analysis of the issues examined based on theories that describe the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system. I characterize also the sedentary lifestyle and sedentary employment in general and describe workplace ergonomics professionals selected for the needs of my thesis. In theory there need explaining motion compensation modes based on medical aspects of the workforce in selected professions sedentary jobs. The practical part of the thesis was to determine the quantitative research on a sample of probands peace musculoskeletal load in connection with the exercise of their profession. Results of the research were my starting point to build a compensation programs that would positively affect the quality of life of current probands. To meet the targets I have been primarily assisting methods of quantitative research using questionnaires. The reason for choosing this method is smooth and straightforward data collection enabling the rapid analysis and processing. The research group of people that was chosen includes professions that are characterized by their sedentary job: professional driver, an office worker and painter Christmas decorations. I observed the objectivity of the research questions musculoskeletal load in selected professions, I firmly establish the criteria on the basis of purposive sampling was assembled group of three professionals with a sedentary job. During the research, I pay attention to individual cases, carried out their detailed descriptions and subsequently proposed compensatory exercises by the parties for some time applied. After this time was collected by new data and a qualitative comparison with the data starting. I am convinced that the results of my research work can help all persons working in occupations with a sedentary job, provided the inclusion of adequate compensatory exercises in his career, but also leisure life.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / Includes bibliography / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The increased prevalence of adolescent upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain (UQMP) is becoming a great concern to health professionals. The risk factors associated with adolescent UQMP are complex and multifactorial, including, among others sitting as a physical risk factor. However, no evidence exists to support sitting postural angles as a potential predictive factor for adolescent UQMP in computing high school students. Thus, the current project aimed to describe the three-dimensional (3D) sitting postural angles of computing South African high school students in a real-life setting, using a well-tested and documented posture measurement instrument. Methodology: This research project is comprised of seven related studies. Part I of the dissertation presents a systematic review describing the reliability and validity testing of posture measurement instruments. This is followed by three primary correlation and repeated measures observational studies aimed at ascertaining the reliability and validity of a newly developed 3D Posture Analysis Tool (3D-PAT) in the measurement of nine sitting postural angles of computing high school students. Part II of the dissertation presents a systematic review, that evaluates the latest published research evidence of whether sitting is related to UQMP, and, if so, to identify the elements of sitting that significantly contribute to UQMP. This review is followed by a description of a cohort study, with a prospective period of one year. The 3D-PAT was implemented in a clinical research setting in order to measure the 3D sitting posture of a cohort of asymptomatic computing high school students and in order to assess the outcome, seated-related UQMP, prospectively. The prospective study design enabled the research project to contribute to an understanding of any causative relationship between the exposure (sitting postural angles) and the outcome (seated-related UQMP) in a subgroup of adolescents (computer users). Results: After the first phase of psychometric testing of the 3D-PAT using high school students, the findings indicated that the instrument required modifications prior to further psychometric testing. The second phase of testing revealed that the 3D-PAT compared very well with the reference standard for measurement of the X-, Y- and Z-coordinates of the reflective markers on a mannequin. The findings from the phase three study, again using high school students, indicated that the 3D-PAT compared very well with the reference standard and justified its use for the measurement of six sitting postural angles of the upper quadrant in computing high school students. For the cohort study, a 60% response rate for participation was achieved at baseline, with 98% of the students participating at six-month and 80% at one-year follow up. Of the students, 33.5% complained of seated-related UQMP during the follow-up period. Exposure to increased head flexion (>80°) (ρ=0.0001) and the combination of increased head flexion and decreased cranio-cervical angles (ρ=0.007) were significant predictors of seated-related UQMP for those computing high school students complaining of pain greater than the 90th percentile for such. Conclusion: The project described in the current dissertation is the first research project to assess sitting postural angles in asymptomatic high school students, while they worked on desktop computers in a school computer classroom and to assess UQMP prospectively. The research project reports a causal relationship between increased head flexion and seated-related UQMP as increased head flexion was found to be a predictor of seated-related UQMP developing within six to 12 months for computing high school students with a pain score equal or greater than the 90th percentile for pain. The research project emphasises that further research is warranted to investigate the causal pathway between sitting posture and adolescents’ UQMP. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Die stygende voorkoms van boonste-kwadrant muskuloskeletale-pyn (BKMP) onder adolessente is besig om ’n groot bron van kommer vir professionele gesondheidswerkers te word. Die risiko-faktore waarmee adolessente BKMP gepaard gaan, is kompleks en multifaktories. Dit sluit onder andere sit as ’n fisiese risiko-faktor in. Daar is egter nog geen bewyse om sittende posturale hoeke as potensiële voorspeller van adolessente BKMP te ondersteun nie. Dus beoog hierdie projek om die drie-dimensionele (3D) sittende posturale hoeke van Suid-Afrikaanse hoërskoolleerders wat ook rekenaargebruikers is, in ’n werklike omgewing te beskryf, deur gebruik te maak van ’n instrument wat postuur meet en wat goed getoets en gedokumenteerd is. Metodiek: Hierdie navorsingsprojek is saamgestel uit sewe studies. Gedeelte I van die proefskrif bied ’n sistematiese oorsig van betroubaarheids- en geldigheidstoetsing van instrumente wat postuur meet. Dit word gevolg deur drie primêre korrelasie studies en studies vir die waarneming van herhaalde meting wat die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van n nuut-ontwikkelde 3D instrument vir posturale analise (3D-PAT) bepaal, wanneer nege sittende posturale hoeke van hoërskoolleerders wat rekenaars gebruik, gemeet word. Gedeelte II van die proefskrif bied ’n sistematiese oorsig van die jongste gepubliseerde navorsing om te evalueer of daar bewyse is dat sit verband hou met BKMP, en, indien wel, om die elemente van sit wat betekenisvol bydra tot BKMP, te identifiseer. Die sistematiese oorsig word deur ’n beskrywing van ‘n jaarlange kohortstudie gevolg. Die 3D-PAT is gebruik in ’n kliniese-navorsingsraamwerk om die 3D-sitpostuur van ’n kohort simptoomvrye hoërskoolleerders wat rekenaargebruikers is, te meet en sitverwante BKMP as uitkoms in die vooruitsig te stel. Die studie ontwerp het dit vir die navorsingsprojek moontlik gemaak om ’n insiggewende bydrae te lewer tot begrip vir enige oorsaaklikheidsverwantskap tussen die blootstelling (sittende posturale hoeke) en die uitkoms (sitverwante BKMP) in ’n subgroup van adolessente (rekenaargebruikers). Resultate: Na afloop van die eerste psigometriese toesting van die 3D-PAT, waarin hoërskoolleerders gebruik is, het bevindings daarop gedui dat die instrument verander moet word voordat toetsing kan voortgaan. Die tweede fase van toetsing het getoon dat die 3D-PAT baie goed vergelyk met die verwysingstandaard vir die meet van die X-, Y- en Z-koördinate van die reflektiewe merkers op ’n mannekyn. Die bevindings van die derde fase van die studie, waartydens hoërskoolleerders weer gebruik is, het aangedui dat die 3D-PAT baie goed vergelyk met die verwysingstandaard. Dit het die gebruik van die instrument om ses sittende posturale hoeke van die boonste kwadrant van hoërskoolleerders wat rekenaars gebruik te meet, bevestig. Die kohortstudie het ’n 60%-reaksiesyfer vir deelname behaal tydens die basislynmetings, waarvan 98% leerders deelgeneem het aan die sesmaande-opvolgmetings en 80% aan die eenjaaropvolgmetings. ’n Totaal van 33.5% van die leerders het gekla van sitverwante BKMP gedurende die eenjaar opvolgperiode. Blootstelling aan ’n vergrootte kopfleksie-hoek (>80°) (ρ = 0.0001) en die kombinasie van ’n vergrootte kopfleksie- en verminderde kranio-servikale hoek (ρ = 0.007) was betekenisvolle voorspellers van sitverwante BKMP vir die hoërskoolleerders wat rekenaars gebruik en kla van groter pyn as die 90ste persentiel daarvan. Gevolgtrekking: Hierdie projek is die eerste navorsing wat sittende posturale hoeke van simptoomvrye hoërskoolleerders wat op tafelrekenaars in die skool se rekenaarklaskamer werk, meet en BKMP voorspel. Die navorsingsprojek rapporteer ‘n oorsaaklikheidsverwantskap tussen ‘n vergrootte kopfleksie-hoek en sitverwante BKMP omdat vergrootte kopfleksie ‘n voorspeller is van sitverwante BKMP wat binne ses tot 12 maande by hoërskoolleerders wat rekenaars gebruik, met ‘n pyntelling gelyk of groter as die 90ste persentiel van pyn, ontwikkel. Die navorsingsprojek beklemtoon dat verdere navorsing om die oorsaaklikheidsroete tussen sitpostuur en adolessente BKMP te ondersoek, geregverdig is. / Medical Research Council of South Africa / National Research Fund / Division of Research Development and Support of Stellenbosch University

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Aims: To assess the effect of a vertical height adjustment of the chair and visual display unit (VDU) on work related upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain (WRUQMP) and sitting comfort in computer users. The upper quadrant refers to the occiput, cervical and upper thoracic spine including the clavicles and scapulae. Methods: An N=1 study was conducted using the ABC design whereby an ergonomic workstation adjustment, of VDU and chair height, was compared to the subject’s usual workstation settings. Pain and sitting comfort were measured using visual analogue scales (VAS). The subject was assessed over the four week phases as she performed her typical VDU work. The results were compiled and tabulated. Results: Both the mean and variance in pain intensity decreased after the workstation intervention. A deterioration was noted in sitting comfort. Conclusion: The vertical height adjustment of the chair and VDU may have contributed to a decrease in WRUQMP in this subject. This safe, economical workstation intervention may be a practical management option for the computer user suffering from WRUQMP. Further research into the measurement of comfort whilst sitting at a computer workstation, is recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doelwitte: Om die effek te bepaal van n vertikale aanpassing van die stoel en beeldskerm van rekenaargebruikers op werksverwandte boonste kwadrant muskuloskeletale pyn en sitgemak. Die boonste kwadrant verwys na die oksiput, servikale en boonste torakale werwelkolom en sluit ook die klavikel en skapula in. Methode: Die N=1 studie is onderneem met gebruik van die ABC ontwerp in terme waarvan n ergonomiese aanpassing van stoel en beeldskerm vergelyk is met die normale gebruik van die deelnemer. Pyn en sitgemak is gemeet deur die gebruik van die Visueel analoogskaal. Die interwensies is ge-evalueer oor vierweekfases tydens normale rekenaar gebruik van die deelnemer. Die resultate is saamgestel en getabuleer. Uitkoms: Beide die gemiddelde en veranderlike pynintensiteit het verminder nadat die werkstasie aangepas is. Geen verbetering in sitgemak is opgemerk nie. Gevolgtrekking: Die vertikale hoogte-aanpassing van die stoel en beeldskerm het moontlik bygedra tot die verminderde pynvlakke in hierdie deelnemer. Hierdie veilige, ekonomiese verstelling is moontlik n praktiese beheeropsie vir rekenaargebruikers wat werksverwandte boonste kwadrant muskuloskeletale pyn verduur. Verder studie in die meet en waarneming van sitgemak tydens rekenaarwerk is nodig.

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Aims: To assess the effect of a chair and computer screen height adjustment on the neck and upper back musculoskeletal symptoms in an office worker. Methods: An N=1 study was conducted using the ABC design. Ethics approval was obtained for the study and the participant provided informed written consent. The participant was assessed over three four week phases as she performed her habitual computer work. The outcome measures assessed during the three phases were the pain intensity and perceived sitting comfort. The three phases were named the baseline, intervention and wash-out phases. During the baseline phase, the outcome measures were obtained at the participant‟s habitual work station. The intervention phase involved a vertical adjustment of the chair and computer screen height. The wash-out phase allowed the participant to adjust the chair and computer screen height to their choice. A follow-up interview was conducted with the participant three months after completion of the study. The mean values and the ranges of the pain intensity and perceived comfort were obtained and compared. The data collected was captured on a Microsoft Excel 2010 spread sheet, where after the data was tabulated and presented graphically. Results: The mean pain intensity of the participant increased slightly during the intervention phase in comparison to the baseline phase, but remained stable during the wash-out phase. The mean perceived sitting comfort deteriorated initially during the intervention phase, but improved later during the intervention phase and showed greater improvement during the wash out phase. The perceived sitting comfort showed more improvement than the pain intensity during the washout phase. Both the pain intensity and perceived sitting comfort showed improvement at the three months follow up assessment, post completion of the study. Conclusion: The vertical height adjustment of the chair and the VDT did not improve the participant‟s pain intensity and perceived sitting comfort when compared to the participant‟s habitual workstation parameters. The findings do not favour the horizontal viewing angle. The findings of this study however support the use of „slightly below horizontal‟ viewing angle as being conducive to reduce the pain intensity and improve the sitting comfort of an office worker. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doelstelling: Om die effek te bepaal van die hoogte aanpassing van die stoel en rekenaarskerm op die nek en bo-rug muskuloskeletale simptome van 'n kantoorwerker. Metodes: „n N=1 studie was uitgevoer deur gebruik te maak van die ABC ontwerp. Etiese goedkeuring was verkry vir die studie en die deelnemer het ingeligte skriftelike toestemming verleen. Die deelnemer was ge-evalueer oor drie vier week-lange fases terwyl sy haar gewone rekenaarwerk verrig het. Die uitkomsmetings ge-evalueer tydens die drie fases was pyn intensiteit en waargenome sitgemak. Die drie fases was genoem die basislyn, intervensie en uitwas fases. Gedurende die basislyn fase was die uitkomsmetings by die deelnemer se gewone werkstasie ingevorder. Die intervensie fase het 'n vertikale aanpassing van die stoel en rekenaarskerm behels. Die uitwas fase het die deelnemer toegelaat om haar stoel en rekenaarskerm se hoogte aan te pas volgens haar keuse. 'n Opvolg onderhoud was gevoer met die deelnemer drie maande na die voltooiing van die studie. Die resultate was vasgelê op 'n Microsoft Excel 2010 data bladsy, waarna die data getabuleer en grafies uitgebeeld is. Resultate: Die gemiddelde pyn intensiteit van die deelnermer het effens toegeneem tydens die intervensie fase in vergelyking met die basislyn fase, maar het stabiel gebly tydens die uitwas fase. Die gemiddelde waargenome sitgemak het aanvanklik verswak tydens die intervensie fase, maar het later verbeter tydens die intervensie fase en het aangehou verbeter tydens die uitwas fase. Die waargenome sitgemak het groter verbetering getoon as die pyn intensiteit tydens die uitwas fase. Beide pyn intensiteit en waargenome sitgemak het verbetering getoon by die drie maande opvolg evaluasie, na voltooiing van die studie. Gevolgtrekking. Die vertikale hoogte aanpassing van die stoel en rekenaarskerm het nie die deelnemer se pyn intensiteit en waargenome sitgemak in vergelyking met die deelnemer se gewone werkstasie parameters verbeter nie. Hierdie bevindinge is nie ten voordeel van die horisontale kykhoek nie. Nietemin, ondersteun die bevindinge van hierdie studie die gebruik van die "effens onder die horisontale" kykhoek as bevorderend om die pyn intensiteit te verminder en die sitgemak van 'n kantoorwerker te verbeter.

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi estimar a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares (SO) e identificar os fatores associados em profissionais de setores administrativos que trabalham predominantemente na postura sentada. Foi realizado um estudo analítico observacional transversal em uma instituição pública federal na região sul do país. Utilizou-se o questionário nórdico para estimar a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares, sendo considerado variável dependente para a análise de associação o número de relatos. Após validação por juízes, selecionou-se para investigação 19 variáveis independentes, sendo três sociodemográficas, quatro comportamentais, seis ocupacionais e seis variáveis de saúde. Foi realizada a análise univariada e na sequência regressão múltipla de Poisson com variância robusta. As variáveis independentes foram inseridas por blocos em modelo hierárquico com critério backward stepwise, considerando p<0,20. As medidas de efeito foram expressas em Aumento Relativo (AR) na média, tendo os dados analisados para um nível de significância de 5% e intervalos com 95% de confiança. Participaram da pesquisa 451 trabalhadores, com média de idade de 44,4 anos, a maioria do sexo feminino (54,5%), com ensino superior ou pós-graduação (81,2%), não tabagista (84,2%) e praticante de atividade física (53,9%). O tempo médio sentado por dia no trabalho foi de 6,51 horas, em casa ou outros locais 3,12 horas e o tempo em ocupações na postura sentada de 20,29 anos. A prevalência de SO nos últimos 12 meses foi de 90% IC95% [87% ; 93%], sendo os locais mais afetados a coluna lombar com 61%, seguido de pescoço 49,7% e ombros 49,4%. As condições ergonômicas foram consideradas boas e 81,1% dos trabalhadores apresentaram índice de capacidade para o trabalho (ICT) bom ou ótimo. Quanto à saúde, 55,2% estavam com a circunferência da cintura acima do desejável, 54,1% fizeram uso de medicamentos nos últimos doze meses, 61,7% e 44,8% apresentaram baixa flexibilidade e resistência muscular, respectivamente. No modelo final da análise de regressão, as variáveis sexo feminino (AR=14,75%), ICT baixo (AR=100,02%) e moderado (AR=64,06%), uso de medicamentos (AR=48,06%) e circunferência da cintura em risco (AR=15,59%), tiveram associação significativa com o aumento da média de SO, já a escolaridade com ensino técnico, atuou como fator de proteção reduzindo a média em 36,46%. Ciente nesse contexto, podem-se propor medidas para melhoria, como por exemplo, realizar adaptações no ambiente laboral e mudanças da organização do trabalho objetivando mais atividade física e redução do tempo sentado por dia. Além de outros benefícios, essas ações contribuem diretamente na redução da pressão na coluna lombar e aumento do gasto energético, podendo contribuir na redução da obesidade abdominal e indiretamente melhorar a capacidade para o trabalho. Outra medida substancial é o tratamento à elevada presença de sintomas, pois toda dor, formigamento ou dormência necessitam de cuidados imediatos, evitando-se possíveis lesões incapacitantes no futuro. Portanto, a saúde desses trabalhadores requer cuidados específicos e maior atenção, com visão ampliada a fim de promover bem-estar e qualidade de vida sustentável no trabalho / The purpose of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) and identify the related factors in professionals of administrative sectors who work predominantly seated. An analytical observational cross-sectional study was carried out in a federal public institution in the country\'s southern region. The Nordic questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, being considered dependent variable for the association analysis of the number of reports. After validation by judges, 19 independent variables were selected for study, being three sociodemographic, four behavioral, six occupational, and six health variables. A univariate analysis was performed and then multiple regression of Poisson with robust variance. The independent variables were inserted by blocks in hierarchical model with backward stepwise criterion, considering p<0.20. The effect measures were expressed in average Relative Increase (RI), having data analyzed for a significance level of 5% and confidence intervals in 95%. 451 workers took part of the survey, with mean age of 44.4 years, the most part females (54.5%), with higher education or graduate studies (81.2%), non-smokers (84.2%), and practicing physical activities (53.9%). The mean time seated per day at work was 6.5 hours, at home or other places 3.1 hours, and the time in sitting-posture occupations was 20.3 years. The prevalence of MS in the last 12 months was 90% CI95% [87% - 93%], being the most affected areas: lumbar spine with 61%, followed by neck with 49.7%, and shoulders 49.4%. The ergonomic conditions were considered to be good and 81.1% of the workers presented good or great work capability index (WCI). Regarding health, 55.2% were with waist circumference above recommended level, 54.1% used drug products in the last twelve months, and 61.7% and 44.8% presented low flexibility and muscular resistance, respectively. In the final model of regression analysis, the female variables (RI=14.75%), low WCI (RI=100.02%), and mild WCI (RI=64.06%), use of drug products (RI=48.06%), and waist circumference at risk (RI=15.59%), had significant association with the increase of MS average. The education with technical instruction acted as a protection factor by reducing the average by 36.46%. Aware of this context, improvement measures can be proposed, e.g., perform adaptations in the work environment and changes in the work organization, aiming more physical activities and reduction of time seated per day. In addition to other benefits, these actions contribute directly in reducing the lumbar spine pressure and increasing the consumption of energy, what may contribute in reducing abdominal obesity, and indirectly in improving the capability for work. Another substantial measure is the treatment to the high presence of symptoms, because every pain, tingling or numbness needs immediate care, avoiding potential disabling injuries in the future. Therefore, the health of these workers needs specific care and greater attention, with expanded view in order to promote welfare and sustainable quality of life at work