Abstract
ObjectivesNurses are extremely exposed to musculoskeletal overloads. Prolonged standing postural balance distributions, functional deficits and pain may affect the symmetry of the load on the feet. The study aimed to assess the distribution of foot load during gait among nurses.MethodsThe sample of this prospective and observational study consisted of 37 female nurses with mean age of 39 years. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal disturbances and baropodometric gait analysis (BGA) was performed to register distribution of foot load during gait.ResultsWe showed that 68% of nurses declare that they know the principles of workplace ergonomics, but only 14% comply with them. NMQ results indicate that as many as 73% of the respondents feel ailments in the "lower back" area. An asymmetry was observed in the load of IV‐V of the metatarsal head between the left and right foot (P = .000) and in the load of the left and right lateral part of the heel (P = .028) in the BGA test. Correlations between ailments occurring in the neck area and loading of the lateral arch of the right foot (P = .032) were found. Moreover, the load in this area correlated positively with the occurrence of "lower back" pain (P = .045).ConclusionsNurses have asymmetric distribution of foot load during gait, which results in a discrepancy between the loads on the three main support points of the foot and which may affect nurses’ work productivity.
Highlights
Healthcare workers often declare poor knowledge and non-application of ergonomic principles.[1]
An interview was conducted to obtain information on age, seniority, knowledge, and use of ergonomics at work, working time per week, working time spent standing during the day, the type of footwear used in the course of work and how to deal with pain
Structural changes in the spine may be the cause of asymmetry of foot loads, weakening of their muscle, ankle stabilization and gait asymmetry.[31]
Summary
Healthcare workers often declare poor knowledge and non-application of ergonomic principles.[1]. Nurses often work with lifting and carrying loads that exceed the body's adaptability.[2] It is likely that choosing more precise content related to traffic ergonomics and safe behavior during the Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Training,. | 2 of 10 or increasing the training offer in this area, could raise workers' awareness of occupational safety.[3,4] The most common mistakes are incorrect body position during professional activities, bad movement habits, non-use of auxiliary equipment and manual lifting and improper handling of too much weight.[5]. Bend work is a very stressful position for the lumbar region of the spine If in this position, heavy objects are lifted or carried, the overloads within the structures of the lumbar region of the spine are close to the maximum threshold of tissue strength.[7]
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