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Open research questions in Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

26 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 585 Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Abstract Background There is limited evidence, especially from the post‑pandemic period, on how remote workdays differ from office workdays in 24‑h movement behaviors, that is, sleep, sedentary behavior (SED), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and how time is reallocated when work shifts from the office to remote environment.

    How composition of device-measured 24-h movement behaviors differs between office and remote workdays among hybrid workers? · 2026 · DOI

  • The presence of limited knowledge and common modifiable risk factors among these students underscores the importance of targeted education and ergonomic interventions, in addition to routine vision screening within university settings, to mitigate the burden of CVS.

    Prevalence, knowledge and awareness of computer vision syndrome among students in a tertiary academic institution · 2026 · DOI

  • This finding has important public health implications, suggesting that population-level preventive strategies — including ergonomic education, structured hand exercise programmes, and institutional screen-time guidelines — are warranted alongside targeted clinical management for symptomatic individuals.

    Smartphone Usage and Its Functional Consequences: A Study of Hand Grip Strength and Wrist Flexibility in University Students Aged 18–25 Years · 2026 · DOI

  • The study was limited by a relatively small sample size (n = 50) and the use of convenience sampling, which may restrict generalisability to the wider Generation Z population. The cross-sectional design prevents causal interpretation. A formal paired comparison of right- versus left-side dyskinesia prevalence (e.g., McNemar's test) was not performed and is recommended for future work. Advanced biomechanical assessment techniques such as electromyography and three-dimensional motion analysis were not utilised, and inter-rater reliability of visual assessment was not formally evaluated. Future studies should employ larger, randomly selected samples, longitudinal designs, and advanced biomechanical techniques to better understand the natural progression and clinical implications of asymptomatic scapular dyskinesia in Generation Z. 5. CONCLUSION Scapular dyskinesia was prevalent in 78.0% of apparently healthy Generation Z individuals, confirming that it commonly exists as a subclinical movement dysfunction in the absence of pain or functional limitation. The SDT identified a higher number of cases of dyskinesia than the LSST, underscoring the importance of dynamic over static assessment. Right- and left-side LSST measurements differed significantly (p < 0.001), and males showed significantly greater asymmetry than females at 90° IJFMR260381771 Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026 7 International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR) E-ISSN: 2582-2160 ● Website: www.ijfmr.com ● Email: [email protected] abduction (p = 0.002), while overall prevalence did not differ by gender (p = 1.000). These findings support the integration of movement-based screening tools into preventive physiotherapy practice for young non-clinical populations.

    Prevalence of Scapular Dyskinesia in Generation Z A Cross-sectional Observational Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Background A growing body of evidence suggests that a combination of physical, psychological, and environmental factors increases the likelihood of experiencing complaints related to the arm, neck, and/or shoulder (CANS), although the precise nature of these relationships and their potential long-term effects remain uncertain.

    Computer use duration and body mass index as risk factors for arm, neck, and shoulder complaints among regular computer-using workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • M. Math Mahantesh1 · K. V. S. Rajeswara Rao2 · A. C. Prapul Chandra1 · M. N. Vijayakumar2 · B. Nandini2 · C. Durga Prasad3 · Hitesh Vasudev4 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature 2026 Retraction to: International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM) (2023) 18:5875-5891. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-023-01383-9. The Publisher has retracted this article in agreement with the Editor-in-Chief. The article was submitted to be part of a guest-edited issue. An investigation by the publisher found a number of articles, including this one, with a number of concerns, including but not limited to compromised editorial handling and peer review process, inappropriate or irrelevant references or not being in scope of the journal or guest-edited issue. Based on the investigation’s findings the publisher, in consultation with the Editor-in-Chief therefore no longer has confidence in the results and conclusions of this article. B Nandidi, Durga Prasad C, M N Vijayakumar and Prapul Chandra A C did not state whether they agree or disagree with the retraction. Hitesh Vasudev, Mahantesh Math and Rajeswara Rao K V S disagree with this retraction. Publisher’s Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s1 2008-023-01383-9. B C.

    Retraction Note: Design and modeling using finite element analysis for the sitting posture of computer users based on ergonomic perspective · 2026 · DOI

  • Sequel to the perceptual and biomechanical findings, ergonomic improvements should prioritise biomechanical optimisation rather than cushioning alone. Although structural comfort ratings were high, discomfort remained evident in load bearing regions, particularly the buttocks and lower back. First, adjustable seat height is essential. Despite high reported compatibility with table height (92.6%), most participants preferred a lower seat (65.5%), suggesting anthropometric mismatch independent of workstation alignment. Independent seat height adjustment is therefore necessary to improve foot floor contact, knee angle, and pelvic orientation for different users. Second, seat pan design should emphasise effective pressure redistribution. The high prevalence of buttocks discomfort (58.6%) indicates localised loading beneath the ischial region. Improvements such as contoured seat geometry, medium density cushioning, reduced compression at the seat edge and optional forward seat tilt may enhance load distribution and pelvic stability. Third, lumbar support should better preserve natural spinal curvature. The prevalence of lower back discomfort (44.8%) suggests that the existing design may not sufficiently maintain lumbar alignment during prolonged sitting. Adjustable and responsive lumbar support systems may help reduce sustained spinal loading. Fourth, seating should allow greater posture variability. In line with Mandal’s Homo Sedens concept, static sitting should be avoided where possible. Features that encourage small movements, such as flexible backrests or pivot mechanisms, may reduce cumulative biomechanical strain. Finally, seating should be evaluated within the context of the entire workstation system, including desk height, visual requirements, and task orientation. Future research should incorporate objective biomechanical measurements such as pressure mapping, electromyography and motion capture to support perceptual findings. Longitudinal studies would help assess how symptoms develop over time and how ergonomic interventions influence outcomes. Larger and more diverse samples would also improve the generalisability of results. Experimental comparisons between static and dynamic seating systems may further clarify optimal design parameters. Together, these strategies support a transition towards anthropometrically adaptable and movement oriented seating design in both educational and occupational environments.

    Biomechanical and perceptual evaluation of a design studio chair: Implications for dynamic seating, musculoskeletal health and ergonomic redesign · 2026 · DOI

  • For Physical Therapists and Clinicians, it is recommended that they include CCEP in standard treatment plans for posture-related musculoskeletal disorders, especially for the slouches of society, such as e-gamers, and to assess postural measures and symptom prevalence. The recommendations may still require further editing for clarity and alignment with the study findings. The investigators thought it would be worthwhile to intervene for longer than 4 weeks to see whether the benefit would persist. Assessing the Sorsogon Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 5(1): 26-39 ©2026 Sorsogon State University 37 Oconer et.

    Utilization of Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program for Improving Posture in Monitor-Based e-Gamers: A Quasi-Experimental Study · 2026 · DOI

  • This paper proposes a design scheme for a rural age-friendly smart seat based on the Arduino Uno R3 platform and systematically analyzes its technical feasibility from a theoretical perspective. Based on the analysis of the usage needs of the rural elderly population, it clarifies that an age-friendly seat should have basic functions such as sitting detection, prolonged sitting reminders, environmental monitoring, and sit-to-stand assistance. The system architecture of the smart seat with Arduino Uno R3 as the core is designed, including hardware selection (FSR402 pressure sensor, DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor, OLED display, etc.), software logic (non-blocking timing, threshold judgment, etc.), and human-computer interaction interface. The feasibility of each core function is demonstrated theoretically: a single FSR pressure sensor can effectively distinguish between “sitting” and “leaving” states; the millis() non-blocking timing can achieve accurate prolonged sitting reminders; the DHT11 sensor accuracy meets environmental monitoring requirements; and the large-font OLED display conforms to the visual characteristics of the elderly. Compared with existing complex smart seat systems, this design has obvious advantages in reducing system cost and improving maintainability, making it suitable for promotion and application in rural public spaces and home-based elderly care Published by SCHOLINK INC. 161 www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/assc Advances in Social Science and Culture Vol. 8 No. 2, 2026 scenarios. In this study, a servo is currently used to simulate and verify the sit-to-stand assistance control logic, but due to the limited torque of the servo, it cannot yet achieve true physical sit-to-stand assistance. In future work, a DC push rod motor (thrust 100–150 N) with an L298N motor driver board will be used to replace the existing servo, combined with limit switches and current detection circuits, to achieve safe and stable electric sit-to-stand assistance, meeting the actual needs of the elderly for standing assistance. In addition, wireless communication technology can be further integrated to realize remote health management functions, providing technical support for actively responding to population aging. Specifically, the future work plan includes, Replacing the SG90 servo with a 12V linear actuator (stroke 80 mm, speed 5 mm/s, thrust 150 N) driven by an L298N H-bridge. Limit switches will be placed at the top and bottom of the actuator travel to prevent overextension. A current sensor (ACS712) will monitor the motor current to detect obstruction (e.g., a foot caught under the seat). Adding an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module to transmit sitting duration and environmental data to a village health station via MQTT. A simple web dashboard can be created using Blynk or ThingSpeak.

    Design of Rural Age-Friendly Smart Seat Based on Arduino · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should investigate to what extent peripheral vision can be occluded without increasing SS and without sacrificing realism and presence.

    Characteristics of Head-Mounted Displays and Their Effects on Simulator Sickness · 2011 · DOI

  • The incidence of impairments was increased when the distance from the surface of the keyboards to the desk surface was large; the height of the keyboard from the floor was low; there was insufficient space to rest the forearms and hands; the lateral deviation of the hands operating keyboards was great; and there Was a pronounced inclination or turning of the head.

    Postural and visual loads at VDT workplaces I. Constrained postures · 1981 · DOI

  • spond to stimuli from remote objects, but the interest of ani- mals is limited to the proximate. In upright posture, the ear is no longer limited to the perception of noises--rustling, crackling, hiss- ing, bellowing, roaring--as indicators of actual events, like warn- ings, ~hreats, lures. The final section of this path- way has not yet been fully established. While considerable knowledge has been ac- cumulated relative to the co-operating parts, the organization of the whole is still inadequately understood.

    The upright posture · 1952 · DOI

  • No consensus on causality of spine postures or physical exposure and low back Health Sciences 2019; 2(1): 1–16.

    Posture, pain, and physical inactivity among workers in a rural factory setting in Türkiye · 2026 · DOI

  • Although there is ample evidence among IT professionals and students, data on administrative staff in public healthcare is scarce.

    Computer Vision Syndrome and Ergonomic Risk Factors among Administrative Workers in Public Healthcare Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Occupational Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Behavior cards are an evaluated tool for the representation of such movement strategies; however, a standardized determination of behavior cards is lacking so far.

    Towards user-product interaction prediction with musculoskeletal human models: a methodological comparison for posture prediction · 2026 · DOI

  • Evaluations of normative models of vibration and shock (ISO 2631), and perceived motion intensity provide mixed results.

    Standards for passenger comfort in automated vehicles: Acceleration and jerk · 2022 · DOI

  • Predictive compensation has been shown to mitigate the magnitude of latency, but little is known about the extent of its effect on simulator sickness.

    The Effect of Apparent Latency on Simulator Sickness While Using a See-Through Helmet-Mounted Display · 2012 · DOI

  • NEED GRADUATE RESEARCHERS These are but a few of the areas that still need to be explored if we are to discover more facts about pos ture.

    <i>What we Don't Know about</i> Posture; Many Areas Still Need to Be Explored · 1958 · DOI

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26 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 585 Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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