Supplementary file 1_Musculoskeletal symptoms among teleworkers assessed using validated tools: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.docx

Most studies were rated as moderate quality based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence analysis (5 studies, n = 2,215 teleworkers) showed the highest prevalence for neck symptoms (54.9%; 95%CI 20.8–85.0%), followed by shoulder symptoms (52.8%; 95%CI 34.1–70.7%) and low back symptoms (49.0%; 95%CI 25.4–73.1%), with substantial between-study heterogeneity. Pooled ROSA total scores (6 studies, n = 1,086 teleworkers) indicated moderate-to-high ergonomic risk (mean score, 4.27; PI 2.58–5.95).

Regarding ROSA components (5 studies, A–C), section A (chair) yielded the highest mean score (4.07; 95% CI 2.98–5.16), followed by section C (monitor and telephone: 3.04; 95% CI 2.69–3.40) and section B (keyboard and mouse: 2.18; 95% CI 1.80–2.56).</p>Conclusion<p>Very low-certainty evidence suggests that neck, shoulder, and low back symptoms are prevalent among teleworkers. Pooled ROSA estimates indicated moderate ergonomic risk, supporting the need for preventive ergonomic strategies and standardized assessment methods in teleworking populations.</p>Systematic review registration<p>doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EMVYG</p>