Abstract
BackgroundRapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique is one of the tools developed for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders based on the effective risk factors. This method has several limitations. The present study was aimed to develop the Modified Rapid Entire Body Assessment (MOREBA) method to more accurately predict the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.MaterialsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 300 male workers of a steel factory with a variety of job tasks in Iran. Then, the information related to the various physical risk factors was extracted through observation of their duties and conversation with them. Also, the subjects were asked to complete the Persian version of Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaires (CMDQ). Then, a theoretical model was drawn in AMOS software. Computed coefficients were used to develop the MOREBA equation. In the end, the final scores were categorized by ROC curves, and the validation of the novel method was investigated using linear regression analysis.ResultsThe parameters evaluated in the MOREBA method included contact stress, rapid and sudden movement, throwing motion, hand-arm vibration, whole-body vibration, temperature, and work-rest cycle in addition to the parameters of the REBA method, including awkward posture, coupling, force, load, static activity, and repetitive activity. The results showed that the strain produced by the physical risk factors with the total effect coefficient of 0.783 could significantly affect the musculoskeletal symptoms. The computed coefficients of the risk factors were applied to develop a novel index. The final score of the MOREBA method was categorized into four levels by optimal cut-off points of 12.37, 16.51, and 24.35. Based on the results, the MOREBA and REBA methods could justify 67 and 55% of the variations of musculoskeletal symptoms, respectively.ConclusionsThe results revealed that modifications conducted in the REBA method were effective, and the MOREBA method can provide a more accurate prediction of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major problems in various workplaces, such as office and operational environments
The parameters evaluated in the Modified Rapid Entire Body Assessment (MOREBA) method included contact stress, rapid and sudden movement, throwing motion, hand-arm vibration, whole-body vibration, temperature, and work-rest cycle in addition to the parameters of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, including awkward posture, coupling, force, load, static activity, and repetitive activity
The results showed that the strain produced by the physical risk factors with the total effect coefficient of 0.783 could significantly affect the musculoskeletal symptoms
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major problems in various workplaces, such as office and operational environments. The results of a review and meta-analysis study in Iran showed that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the regions of neck, low back, upper back, shoulder, wrist, thigh, and knee were equal to 31.8%, 50%, 38.1%, 36.8%, 34.6%, 20.7%, and 42.1%, respectively [7]. These disorders are increasing in various countries. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique is one of the tools developed for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders based on the effective risk factors The final scores were categorized by ROC curves, and the validation of the novel method was investigated using linear regression analysis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call