Effect of Ergonomic Intervention on Cognitive Function of Office Workers

Background: Different domains of cognitive function are important in some jobs, such as office work. Ergonomic risk factors may affect cognitive function. Aim: This study was designed to assess the effect of an ergonomic training intervention on the cognitive function of office workers. Materials and Methods: This was a before-after study performed in 2020 in Yazd, Iran on female office workers. Cognitive function (working memory, attention, and response time) was assessed by Wechsler working memory and Stroop tests before and after the intervention. Ergonomic intervention consisted of an ergonomic modification of the workstation and a training program about ergonomic principles of office work. Data were analyzed by SPSS (ver. 24) using paired t-test and the multiple regression linear model. Results: Mean age and work experience of the participants were 35.38 ± 1.60 and 8.54 ± 1.24 yr., respectively. Forward visual memory, response time, and interference time were significantly changed after the intervention, but the change in other aspects of cognitive function (i.e., memory span, backward visual memory, and interference score) was not statistically significant. Marital status, age, and working hours significantly affected working memory, test duration and response time, and number of errors, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that ergonomic intervention (modification of workstation and training) may significantly affect some aspects of cognitive function in office workers. Keywords: Attention, cognitive function, ergonomic intervention, office worker, working memory