Musculoskeletal Disorders Cases Research Articles

PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF WORK-RELATED DISORDER AMONG OIL AND GAS WORKERS IN KADUNA REFINERY, NIGERIA

This study examined the frequency and distribution of musculoskeletal problems among Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited (KRPC) engineers, desk workers, security. Data for the study were gathered using a modified online version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. The prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) were assessed and data from a survey given to KRPC employees was analyzed using SPSS. According to the survey, there were 62.4% of MSD cases among KRPC employees overall over 12 months. The prevalence of MSD was highest for lower back (%), followed by upper back (%) and the wrist (%). Years of experience and MSD were significantly associated (P >0.05). Employees with 16 to 25 years of work experience had a very high prevalence of MSD (84.9%). The power plant and quality control (PPQ and C) departments as well as the maintenance department had the highest rates of MSD. The findings can be used by KRPC management and any other refinery to address MSD problems among its employees and to close a gap in the body of knowledge regarding how MSD affects refinery workers in general.

Troubles musculo-squelettiques professionnels du coude en Tunisie: Epidémiologie et conséquences socio-professionnelles

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are as the primary occupational disease (OD) in Tunisia. They can touch the elbow and cause occupational disability. Describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of elbow MSDs recognized in Tunisia, identify the factors associated with these MSDs and assess their socio-professional impact. Retrospective descriptive study of elbow MSDs recognized as compensable OD by the Committees for the Recognition of Occupational Diseases of National Health Insurance Fund, in Tunisia, from 2012 to 2018. We collected 431 cases of elbow MSDs or 8.35% of all recognized MSDs and 11.8% of recognized MSDs during the same period. The average annual incidence was 4.3 cases. Patients had a mean age of 43.59 years and a clear female predominance (82.2%). The largest provider was the textile industry (60.6%). The average length of employment was 16.78 years. Biomechanical factors were repetitive movements (92.8%), forced movements (67.1%) and prolonged static posture (7.4%). These were lateral epicondylitis (79.1%), medial epicondylitis (14.2%) and ulnar nerve syndrome (10.7%). These pathologies were associated with other MSDs including carpal tunnel syndrome (25.8%). These MSDs were responsible for 15,342 days of lost work. The rate of permanent partial incapacity was 10.6% with a job loss in 15.63%. Elbow MSDs are responsible for heavy economic and socio-professional consequences justifying the implementation of a preventive strategy adapted within risk sectors.

Arduino-Based Development of Automatic Body Posture Measuring Device for Rapid Entire Body Assessment Method

Workers from various industries can be exposed to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) risks in the workplace. Most cases of MSDs happen because of the accumulation of repetitive bad postures. Postural analysis can be done to implement changes that minimize MSDs risks in the workplace. The rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method provides an easy and fast measurement to analyze various postures. The accuracy of REBA assessments from observations is not good enough due to the limitations of human vision. The input of photo-based postural analysis also has a lot of error potential and takes up even more time. Therefore, this study aims to design a tool to do body posture measurements accurately and quickly. The Arduino-based postural analysis tool measures the position of several body segments, which are then used as the input of REBA in real time. The acceleration of each body segment recorded by the MPU6050 will be processed as displacement data and used to analyze the posture. The posture measurements detected by the tool is then used as input for REBA assessment. The device's accuracy was tested by comparing the photo-based postural analysis result to the postural analysis result of the tool. The reliability of the device was tested by Cronbach's Alpha method. The Cronbach's Alpha value of normal standing posture is 0.692, and the extreme posture's Cronbach's alpha value is 0.537. Multiple postures can be recorded at once using the tool. The tool can capture and assess multiple postures in approximately 6 minutes.

Relationship between age, water consumption and working posture with complaints of musculoskeletal disorders in concrete production workers in PT Wijaya Karya Beton Tbk Pasuruan

The human body has been designed to be able to carry out daily activities and has a large muscle mass in weight exceeding half the body weight that makes humans able to move their bodies. Data from the Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat) report shows that MSDs cases are the most common cases of PAK found in workers in various fields of work, where MSDs cases account for 45% of the total PAK cases. This study included quantitative research with an analytical observational type of research. The research design used was cross sectional. The population of this study was all workers of line I production and repetition unit at PT Wijaya Karya Beton Tbk. Pasuruan with a total sample of 35 people. Respondents who had complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) at a mild level of 40% were as many as 14 workers. Then respondents who had complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) at a moderate level of 37.1%, namely as many as 13 workers. While respondents who had complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) at a high level of 22.9%, namely as many as 8 workers. There is a significant relationship between age and complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) with p-value of 0.000 with a value of r = 0.23 which shows a weak correlation. In addition, there is also a significant relationship between water consumption and complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) with a p-value of 0.000 with a value of r = -0.705 which shows a strong correlation. There is a relationship between the variables of age and water consumption with complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). While there was no relationship between work posture and complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

The Prevalence, Causes and Prevention of Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are collectively referring to an array of conditions affecting the human locomotor system, such as muscles, nerves, joints, tendons and spinal discs. MSDs related to work are called occupational MSDs and are typically caused by physical factors consisting of repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, awkward positions, vibration due to use of vibrational tools and prolonged staying in the same positions. These physical factors are often complicated by psychosocial factors comprising job demand, job control, social support, job satisfaction, job security, work arrangement, etc. which can aggravate the biomechanical loading imposed by physical factors, thus resulting in more severe outcomes. Besides, individual factors such as health conditions, age, education level and medical history could lead to highly variable physiological responses and internal tolerances, hence outcomes. As the physical and psychosocial risk factors vary widely in different workplaces, the prevalence of MSDs tends to vary with sectors, occupations and even regions. Generally, healthcare sector has been reported to have relatively high occupational MSDs cases in multiple nations. To prevent occupational MSDs, priority should be given to elimination of the associated risks through job and workplace designs and management. Where elimination is not practical, the risks could be reduced through modification of workplace layout, work environment, work systems and tools as well as the use of mechanical aids. Provision of information, instruction and training, and other administrative controls such as job rotation which do not target at reducing the risks would have lower priority and should be used together with other control measures of higher priority.

Development of a predictive model for work-relatedness of MSDs among semiconductor back-end workers

Objective. Limited models are available to predict work-relatedness of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among semiconductor back-end workers. This study aims to develop a model to predict the MSDs development among back-end workers. Method. Potential MSD risk factors were extracted from 277 work compensation investigation reports conducted between 2011–2019. Binary logistic regression approach was used to determine significant predictors. Results. Significant predictors (p < 0.05) include poor posture (odds ratio [OR] = 1.822; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.261, 2.632]), forceful exertion (OR = 1.741; 95% CI [1.281, 2.367]), static posture (OR = 1.796; 95% CI [1.367, 2.378]), lifting and lowering (OR = 1.438; 95% CI [0.966, 1.880]), transferring (OR = 1.533; 95% CI [1.101, 2.136]), pushing and pulling (OR = 0.990; 95% CI [0.744, 1.317]), repairing machines (OR = 0.845; 95% CI 76 [0.616, 1.159]), preventive maintenance (OR = 1.061; 95% CI [0.765, 1.471]) and quality inspection (OR = 0.982; 95% CI [0.729, 1.322]). Confounding factors and employment duration played crucial roles in the model. Cross-validation of predictive model was 86.2%, while face validation among 30 experts was 7.9/10 (SD 1.9). Conclusion. The model allows practitioners to predict potential MSD cases among semiconductor back-end workers and proactively plan appropriate mitigation measures.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) PADA PEMANEN KELAPA SAWIT DI PT. JOHAN SENTOSA

The European Commission Supervisory Report calculates cases of MSDs causing 49.9% absence from work for more than three days and 60% permanent disability at work. While in Korea, MSD reduced a very high increase from 1,634 in 2001 to 5,502 in 2010. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are damage to muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage or spinal discs. The purpose of this study was to study the factors associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in oil palm harvesters at PT Johan Sentosa Bangkinang in 2019. This type of research is the type of this research is analytical research using cross sectional surveys. The population of this research was all 93 palm oil harvesters with 75 samples. The sampling technique uses simple random sampling. Data aids using a questionnaire. Data analysis in this study used univariate and bivariate analysis. The research results obtained from there is a significant relationship between Age and MSDs incidence p value 0,002 RP = 1,805 (95% CI: 1,224-2,661), there is a significant relationship between Work Periods and Event MSDs p value 0,001 Rp = 1,951 (CI: 95 %: 1,260-3,020), there is no relationship involving weight and height with the incidence of MSDs p value 0,314), there is a significant relationship between the Age of Oil Palm with the incidence of MSDs p value 0.001 RP = 1,944 (95% CI: 1,232-3,067 ) and there is a significant relationship between Land Contour and MSDs p value 0.003 RP = 1.738 (95% CI: 1.94-2.529). For PT. Johan Sentosa is expected to be able to provide knowledge about how to work really when harvesting so workers can avoid the MSD incident.

SAST &amp; AHP METHOD IN DETERMINING THE BEST STRATEGY OF OFFICE ERGONOMICS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT TO PREVENT RISK OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AT XYZ COMPANY QATAR

Ergonomics Program has been recommended by many studies as one of the main guidelines in equipping employees at work to prevent injuries and health problems. One of the main benefits gained from implementing the Ergonomics Program is that it reduces the risk of injury by adapting work that suit to human, not forcing human to adapt to work. Offices that are designed using ergonomic principles can improve performance and reduce workplace injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).&#x0D; This study aims to obtain strategies of Office Ergonomics Program Improvement to prevent risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cases in XYZ Company Qatar. The research approach was conducted through qualitative descriptive using expert based approach (System of System Methodology - SoSM). The study began by analyzing data on MSDs cases and sick leave related to MSDs. The results of analysis are taken into consideration when collecting assumptions for office ergonomics program improvement and its level of importance and certainty. The method used is Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing (SAST). Prioritizing of strategic assumptions are determined using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The data obtained were analyzed using Software Expert Choice 11. The results of analysis showed that Policy and procedure had the greatest value with 0.256, while the work station was 0.219, health check-up 0.059, awareness program 0.087, regular exercise 0.202, training 0.088 and supervision / monitoring 0.089.

COMPARISONS BETWEEN BACKS QUESTIONNAIRE AND OTHER EXISTING QUESTIONNAIRES AGAINST STANDARDS SET BY A SOCIAL SECURITY ORGANIZATION BASED IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

In a country that struggles on safety standards and relying heavily on manual labour, Malaysia over the decade had to be very objective in defining work- relatedness among musculoskeletal disorder cases especially chronic low back pain. The BACKS questionnaire was a proposed Back Apparatus; a Collaboration between National University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) with Malaysian Social Security Organization (SOCSO) to assist in determining occupational chronic back pain. In the questionnaire, chronic back pain was defined as minimal cumulative back pain for more than 2 weeks in the past year, Pain Visual Analog Score above 2 cm and Oswestry Disability Index of above 20%. Based on the SOCSO registry from 2008 to 2010, 428 (56.3%) workers of 760 workers with back pain agreed and met the requirements of our study. According to the standards of the Medical Board, the BACKS Tool reported a sensitivity of 62.7%, specificity of 94.5%, positive- predictive value (PPV) of 92.9% and negative- predictive value (NPV) of 69.0% with moderate agreement as Kappa value was 0.56. The BACKS Tool served as a complementary assessment along with visits to the workplace that has its advantages when one would to conduct a self- administered assessment of their workplace by safety and health officers, organizations with limited funding.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Musculoskeletal Disorder Injuries from Malaysian Industries Employers’ Perspective

This study aims to assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) on Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from employers’ perspectives in Malaysia industries. A newly developed KAP questionnaire was distributed and answered by 45 employers. Most employers showed good scores in the majority of items in Knowledge, Attitude and Practices sections. Pearson correlation was used in order to test the relationship between KAP scores and demographic profile and also KAP variables. It was found that knowledge has strong correlation r=0.291, p&gt;0.05 with gender. The attitude component has a strong correlation (r=0.344, p&gt;0.05) with age group. Whereas the practices component has good correlation with education level (r=0.249, p&gt;0.05). However, the KAP variables show only knowledge and practices have a strong correlation (r=0.271, p&gt;0.05). MSDs cases are increasing hence understanding the underlying KAP factors are crucial in order to tackle the problem.

Editorial and News

Editorial and News

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Plastic Surgeons: A Systematic Review.

To date, no review has been conducted on the growing body of literature describing various work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), ergonomic hazards, and potential interventions relevant to plastic surgeons. This systematic review sought to (1) define the scope of coverage of this important issue in the peer-reviewed literature; (2) critically assess the evidence; and (3) provide recommendations for future directions. We conducted a literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed from the inception of each database until 2016. All articles reporting on work-related MSDs or ergonomics among plastic surgeons were reviewed, summarized, and assessed for trends. Sixteen articles met our inclusion criteria including five expert opinions, four cross-sectional studies and case reports/series, one review, and six experimental studies. Four articles presented evidence on disease burden. The most commonly described work-related MSD was cervical spine disease, for which one study reported a career prevalence of 24.7% (point prevalence in the general population: 0.1-0.4%); three studies reported 64 cases of surgeon work-related MSD resulting in surgical intervention, decreased productivity, or involuntary early retirement. Eight studies described interventions, most of which aimed to improve the ergonomics of microsurgery. This review found low-level evidence of plastic surgeons' vulnerability to a work-related MSD at times severe enough to end careers. Further investigation is needed to clearly define this important problem in plastic surgery. Specifically, future directions should include more methodologically rigorous epidemiologic studies evaluating disease burden.

Back and neck pain disability and upper limb symptoms of home healthcare workers: A case-control study from Northern Italy.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are quite frequent in healthcare workers (HCWs), but data about MSD in home-based healthcare workers (HHWs) are lacking. In this study we describe the prevalence of MSD among Italian HHWs. A case-control study was carried out among 300 random-selected female HCWs, the sample comprising 100 HHWs, 100 HCWs with a low exposure to patient handling (MAPO - Movimentazione e Assistenza Pazienti Ospedalizzati - Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patients index 0-5) and 100 HCWs with high exposure to patient handling (MAPO index ≥ 5.01). As a negative control group, 200 visual display unit workers were also randomly selected. Musculoskeletal disorder cases were collected using a standardized case definition. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed comparing the MSD prevalence in the 4 groups. The overall prevalence of MSD was 17% in the reference group and 28.3% for HCWs. HHWs and HCWs with MAPO index ≥ 5.01 had similar prevalence of neck pain (9% and 11%, respectively), whereas lumbosacral pain prevalence was higher in the HHWs group (31%), with similar results in residential HCWs groups (21% in MAPO index 0-5 group and 25% in MAPO index ≥ 5.01 group). HCWs of group MAPO index ≥ 5.01 and HHWs showed the higher prevalence of upper limb complaints, with a prevalence of 20% and 10%, respectively. In multivariate regression analysis, prevalence of MSD complaints was quite similar in HHWs (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) = 2.335, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.318-4.138) and in HCWs of the group MAPO ≥ 5.01 (ORadj = 2.729, 95% CI: 1.552-4.797). The prevalence of MSD in the examined HCWs was relatively high, with HHWs appearing as a particularly high-risk group for lumbosacral back pain. In higher exposed HCWs, upper-limb symptoms were particularly frequent, probably reflecting the different tasks required to manage residential and homebased patients. In conclusion, this study reaffirms the high prevalence of MSD in HHWs, seemly similar to high-risk residential groups. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(2):291-304.

Impact of Loading and Rest Intervals on Muscle Inflammation

The efficacy of many existing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) treatment and preventive approaches remains unclear in current literature. Instead of applying additional measures that generate additional costs, redesigning the job in a MSD preventive way in the first place could be a cost effective and health promoting alternative. Manipulating rest intervals and load-repetition combinations within the work time and workload capacity constraints could qualify one of the beneficial alternatives. The purpose of this study is to determine whether different load-repetition combinations and rest intervals with different frequencies and durations would have an impact on the inflammatory response of the muscle and the development of MSDs within certain constraints – predetermined total work time, total rest time and total work volume. In this study, a total of 24 healthy college men with homogenous anthropometry measures will be randomly assigned to a 19-minute bicep eccentric exercise task including a total of 4-minute rest time. The total workload for all eccentric exercise treatment combinations is 27 times the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MIVC). Within the shift, the subjects will be randomly assigned to 90% MIVC or 30% MIVC workloads; each subject will also be assigned with 2 minutes or 0.5 minute rest intervals. This pilot study uses the recoverable short-term delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) analogous to the long-term MSDs to imitate muscle inflammation and healing processes in MSD cases. Three physical responses: serum CK level (a quantitative marker for skeletal muscle microtrauma), MIVC (a good measure of the degree of muscle recovery), and muscle soreness are measured before exercise and at days 1, 2, 4, 8 post-exercise of the human elbow flexor muscles. A two-factor (loading and rest interval) factorial regression model will be established for muscle inflammatory response. The findings of the study would assist in understanding the effect of loading and rest on muscle inflammatory response and healing process as well as designing jobs with suitable rest intervals and load-repetition balance to prevent MSDs at manufacturing settings. The statistical regression model could provide guidance to implement ergonomic assessment tools.

86 Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental personnel in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

ObjectiveThis cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among government dental personnels in Khon Kaen Province of Thailand.MethodsThere were 282 dental personnels enrolled into...

141 Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental personnel in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

ObjectiveThis cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among government dental personnels in Khon Kaen Province of Thailand.MethodsThere were 282 dental personnels enrolled into...

Musculoskeletal disorders among clerical workers in Los Angeles: A labor management approach

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) persist among clerical workers despite ergonomic advances. A cross-sectional survey among 2,310 clerical workers investigated MSD cases, defined as musculoskeletal discomfort and seeking treatment for that discomfort in the past 12 months. A modified Poisson regression model was adopted to assess the association between work and individual factors and the risk of MSDs. Over half of respondents reported musculoskeletal discomfort. The prevalence of MSD cases was: 37.2% neck/shoulders, 21.7% upper extremities, 18% lower extremities, and 34.3% back region. Elevated risk of MSDs was associated with less workstation adjustability; work schedule, gender, age, and BMI were also significant. Positive trends were observed between computer use and MSDs for the neck/shoulder region and the effect was amplified among those reporting insufficient workstation adjustability and lacking computer ergonomics training. Results demonstrate the need to limit continuous computer use and to improve the human-machine interface through adjustable workstations and worker training to enhance use of adjustable features.

Relationships of Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Perceived Workload among Hospital Workers

Objective: This study aims to survey the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders(MSD) among Korean hospital workers and to analyze the relationship of MSD symptoms and workload perceived by workers. Background: Despite of high exposure to the MSD risk factors and high MSD symptom prevalence among health care workers, there were not enough studies of MSD prevalence among the hospital workers. Method: This study designed a survey based on Nordic questionnaire to obtain MSD symptoms and the degree of four perceived workloads: work repetition, urgency, physical exertion and satisfaction. In this survey, 1,846 workers in a hospital participated. The prevalence of MSD was analyzed for each body part, and MSD cases, which were predetermined in this study, were identified. The relationship between the MSD cases and each perceived workload was analyzed using chi-square test. Results: The pain in the shoulder was the most prevalent among the workers as 52%, and the low back(37%) and leg discomfort(36%) followed. The MSD cases, in which degree of pain was more than severe, were also the most prevalent in the shoulder(13%). Female workers had higher rate of MSD cases than the males. Among the four workload variables, the physical exertion was the statistically related to MSD cases for all the body parts. In addition, the others also had significant relation to MSD cases except one or two body parts. Conclusion: This study found that Korean hospital workers had MSD symptoms mainly in the shoulder, low back and legs in order, and the perceived workload surveyed in this study was highly correlated with MSD symptoms. Application: This study provides another evidence that subjective physical exertion perceived by workers is an important factor to explain MSD cases as same as the objective one.

Neck–Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers in the Telecommunications Company at Mansoura City

Objectives. This study was to determine the prevalence and work-related risk factors of neck-upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among video display terminal (VDT) users. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted; there were 60 VDT users and 35 controls. The participants filled in a structured questionnaire, had electrophysiological tests and an X-ray of the neck. Results. The prevalence of MSDs was higher (28.3%) among VDTs users compared to controls (14.3%) with no statistically significant difference. The prevalence of cervical disorders with or without radiculopathy ( 18.3%) was the most common disorder followed by carpal tunnel syndrome (6.6%). The mean (SD) age of MSD cases (51 ± 7.2 years) was statistically significantly higher than of the controls (42.8 ± 9). Physical exposure to prolonged static posture (OR: 6.9; 95% CI: 0.83–57.9), awkward posture (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 0.6–46.4) and repetitive movements (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 0.65–46.4) increased risk of MSDs with a statistically significant difference for static posture only (p < .05). VDT users experienced more job dissatisfaction, work-overload and limited social support from supervisors and colleagues. Conclusion. VDT use did not increase the risk of neck–upper extremity MSDs. The risk increased with older age and static posture.

산업재해 중 근골격계질환 요인 특성 분석

This study was aimed to analyze of characteristics of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) based on the industrial accident statistics which were extracted from the Ministry of Labor. In this study all MSDs cases in 2007, 7,723 cases, were investigated. First of all, for the analysis of a wide view point concerning the characteristics of MSDs, We have inspected characteristics of the user population (i.e. age, gender, employed periods, etc.). Secondly, work-related risk factors such as repetitive motions, awkward postures, manual material handling were analyzed in terms of disease code, injured part of body, types of business, etc. Next, characteristics of handling of heavy materials were analyzed according to weight, types of handling, agency of cause, etc. Finally, we have compared and analyzed the features between the period of hospitalization and other variables. In addition to that we also conducted statistics analysis. The study results showed that there were significant characteristics of MSDs that could be used as basis data for the MSDs prevention policy.