Influence of Ergonomic Preventive Resources in Development of Sequels Due to Non-Traumatic Diseases of the Shoulder

Abstract

To describe the sequelae referred to the cases attended by non-traumatic diseases of the shoulder. To know how sociodemographic characteristics, preventive knowledge about the workplace and ergonomic requirements are associated with the presence of sequelae. Cross-sectional observational study in a population of 345 patients attended for a year in the consultations of a primary health care center in Alicante. Through the Chi-square test, the associations between the sequels and the rest of the variables were studied. 53.9% (n=186) of the participants reported having sequelae derived, especially occasional pain associated or not with limitation of joint mobility. They are risk factors: a low level of studies, cleaning activities and industrial sector, raising the arm over the shoulder and the monotony in the workplace. However, they are protective factors: male sex, having information on occupational risks, Personal Protective Equipment, the existence of a Labor Risk Prevention Service, Risk Assessment, Prevention Plan and periodic medical examinations. Knowing the risks of the position was shown as an independent protection factor against the development of secondary sequelae in the shoulder (ORa=0,2; IC95%=0,1-0,4). However, to raise the arm above the shoulder, behaving as an independent risk factor for the development of sequelae due to shoulder pathology (ORa=2,1; IC95%=1,0-4,3). The combination of ergonomic and training strategies seems useful in the prevention of the development of shoulder-level sequelae.