Ergonomic and self-care strategies for musculoskeletal health in the work-from-home era: Trends in public interest across COVID-19

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated home and hybrid work, often without time to establish ergonomic workstations. Objective This study examined whether U.S. public interest in ergonomic products and self-care strategies increased during the pandemic and whether elevated interest persisted afterward. Methods Monthly U.S. Google Trends relative search volume (RSV) was analyzed for 23 ergonomics and recovery terms from March 2018 to March 2025. Periods were defined as pre-COVID (March 2018–February 2020), during COVID (March 2020–December 2021), and post-COVID (January 2022–March 2025). Mean RSV differences between periods were tested using autoregressive integrated moving average models, and Pearson correlations were used to explore co-movement and clustering between terms. Results Search interest rose for workstation-related items, including standing and adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, monitor arms, desk risers, and foot rests, while interest in exercise balls declined. Peripherals such as ergonomic mice and vertical mice also showed increasing trends. Recovery and symptomatic-relief terms diverged, with massage guns increasing, while TENS units remained flat. Correlation analyses suggested grouped search behavior, with workstation equipment clustering together and recovery products forming separate clusters. Conclusions Internet search volumes for ergonomic workstation design and recovery tools increased sharply during the pandemic and often remained elevated afterward. These findings suggest sustained public interest in both workstation-related ergonomic products and self-management approaches for musculoskeletal discomfort.