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Open research questions in Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

175 gap statements mined from Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,095 papers on the topic — drawn mostly from each paper's own stated research gap, future-work, challenge and limitation notes, and its abstract. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one.

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What the literature leaves open

  • Further studies could investigate the application of LEA and Timer Pro in different work environments and tasks. Research could focus on the development of more advanced AI-based skeleton tracking algorithms for improved accuracy and robustness.

    Dynamic in Situ Assessment of Work Load: Multi-platform Integration in Digital Ergonomics · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for a more accurate and reliable method for assessing work load. The gap in current research is the lack of a multi-platform approach to real-time work-load assessment.

    Dynamic in Situ Assessment of Work Load: Multi-platform Integration in Digital Ergonomics · 2026 · DOI

  • The difficulty of designing adjustable desks and chairs that can accommodate different seating conditions. The need to balance the cost of adjustable desks and chairs with the potential benefits of improved student performance.

    The Impact of School Classroom Chair Depth and Height on Learning Tasks · 2024 · DOI

  • While clinical guidelines recommend the semicircular (SC) propulsion pattern to reduce joint stress, accessible automated feedback classification tools are lacking in both clinical and remote rehabilitation contexts.

    Computer Vision-Based Classification of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Patterns · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite these concerns, there is limited data on how widespread CVS is within this population, partly due to the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment instruments.

    Linguistic Validation and Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among University Lecturers in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria · 2026 · DOI

  • Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a growing occupational health concern linked to extensive digital device use, yet robust predictive models for risk identification remain scarce.

    Exploratory machine learning models for computer vision syndrome in occupational health · 2025 · 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.

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

  • There is a lack of research on the prevalence and risk factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among administrative staff and healthcare workers. There is a need to identify effective interventions to reduce the risk of CVS in healthcare settings.

    From care to screens: assessing computer vision syndrome among health workers in Mengwi II Community Health Center (2025) · 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

  • The lack of ergonomic design in furniture and equipment used in workplaces. The need to identify health problems experienced by users and provide solutions.

    Ergonomic Evaluation of Furniture and Equipment Elements Used in Offices: Kastamonu University Example · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of an objective method for monitoring orthosis compliance outside the laboratory. The need for a device that can accurately estimate wear time and provide insights into user activities.

    Practicality of Using Pressure Sensors and Accelerometers to Quantify Hand Orthosis Compliance at Home · 2026 · DOI

  • The physical burden of backpack carrying can lead to health problems in school-aged children. The design and use of backpacks can affect physiological responses and posture in schoolchildren. There is a need to develop guidelines for backpack design and use in primary school students.

    Evaluating physiological responses and forward head-neck posture in primary students in Thailand when carrying modified and traditional backpacks · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to investigate the effects of backpack design and carrying method on physiological responses and head-neck posture in primary school students. Previous studies have not fully addressed the impact of backpack design characteristics on physiological strain and postural deviations in schoolchildren.

    Evaluating physiological responses and forward head-neck posture in primary students in Thailand when carrying modified and traditional backpacks · 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 had a limited number of participants (25). The study did not verify the results with human subjects over an extended period.

    Assessment of N95 Strap Placement Across Multiple Uses · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies should investigate the effect of strap placement on the fit factor of other N95 FFR models. Studies should verify the results with human subjects over an extended period.

    Assessment of N95 Strap Placement Across Multiple Uses · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of how different reading media influence accommodation. There is a need to investigate the effects of device type and screen size on accommodation response.

    Device-dependent variations in accommodation response during printed and digital reading · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of office-based exercise programs in reducing sitting time and improving health outcomes. There is a need for studies to evaluate the use of break reminder software in promoting regular breaks and exercise.

    Effects of Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting with an Office-Based Exercise Program on Sitting Time, Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Discomfort, and Stress in Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial · 2026 · DOI

  • Prolonged screen use is a common challenge among university students. Limited knowledge and awareness of CVS are challenges that need to be addressed.

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

  • There is a lack of knowledge about the prevalence and awareness of CVS among university students in low-middle-income contexts. There is a need for targeted education and ergonomic interventions to mitigate the burden of CVS.

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

  • While ergonomic interventions such as education and microbreaks have reduced MSDs in surgical settings, few studies have focused specifically on endoscopic assistants.

    The One‐Minute Triple Stretch Reduces Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Endoscopic Assistants: A Crossover Trial With Motion Analysis · 2025 · DOI

  • 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.

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

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

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

  • Schools often use unadjustable desks and chairs because of the cost, - Remaining seated or stationary for a long time can cause fatigue and lower back pain, which prevent students from concentrating…

    The Impact of School Classroom Chair Depth and Height on Learning Tasks · 2024 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Most recent work

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Open questions raised by papers listed on this page include: (1) Further studies could investigate the application of LEA and Timer Pro in different work environments and tasks (“Dynamic in Situ Assessment of Work Load: Multi-platform Integration in Digital…”, 2026); (2) While clinical guidelines recommend the semicircular (SC) propulsion pattern to reduce joint stress, accessible automated feedback classification tools are lacking in both clinical and remote rehabilitation contexts (“Computer Vision-Based Classification of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Patterns”, 2026); (3) Despite these concerns, there is limited data on how widespread CVS is within this population, partly due to the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment instruments (“Linguistic Validation and Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among…”, 2026); (4) There is a lack of research on the prevalence and risk factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among administrative staff and healthcare workers (“From care to screens: assessing computer vision syndrome among health workers…”, 2026); (5) The lack of ergonomic design in furniture and equipment used in workplaces (“Ergonomic Evaluation of Furniture and Equipment Elements Used in Offices:…”, 2026). 175 gap statements have been mined from Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,095 papers on the topic; the gaps come from whichever of those papers state one. They are mostly the research gaps the authors state and the papers' abstracts, plus future-work, limitations and challenges passages. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one, so you can read the original claim in context.

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