Ergonomic Intervention Program Research Articles

The relationship between the level of postural stress, Musculoskeletal Disorders, and chronic fatigue: A case study in the dairy industry.

Dairy industry workers face numerous ergonomic risk factors in their workplace, including improper posture, manual material handling, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Fewstudies have been conducted on the correlation of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue among workers in the dairy industry. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue in a dairy company. In this cross-sectional study, 260 male workers were included in the research based on specific inclusion criteria. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and a researcher-made demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. The posture of workers was evaluated using RULA and REBA software, and the evaluation of the manual lifting of loads was assessed using the WISHA lifting calculator. Finally, the collected data were entered into the SPSS software version 26.0 and analyzed. The findings revealed a significant statistical relationship between the level of postural stress and chronic fatigue and a significant positive correlation between MSDs and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between MSDs, chronic fatigue, and ergonomics training experience. The results obtained in this study support the notion that high levels of postural stress and MSDs can produce an increase in chronic fatigue among workers, and lack of ergonomics training for workers can increase both MSDs and chronic fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out intervention measures in the field of ergonomics management in similar industries through the implementation of ergonomic intervention programs with a focus on proactive and preventive measures and the use of participatory ergonomic programs and educational demands assessment.

The effect of the ergonomic intervention program on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare professionals

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the most common work-related disorders and describe a wide range of degenerative and inflammatory states that affect blood vessels, peripheral nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Healthcare as a special sector has almost the highest prevalence of WRMSDs in the world, far ahead of construction, mining, and manufacturing. Studies conducted in the EU and the USA indicate that health-care professionals most often have a problem with the lower back between 50% and 57% of cases, resulting in an average loss of more than 7 working days during 1 year. Methods: This study included 177 health professionals of both genders who are actively involved in the provision of health-care services. The study was conducted in the Public Health Center of Sarajevo Canton, which provides primary and specialist consultative healthcare services. The study was designed as a prospective, longitudinal, interventional, and descriptive-analytical that included all respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The instruments used in the study are the standardized Dutch Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, modified according to our study, the standardized work ability index, and the ergonomic intervention program (EIP). Results: The highest frequency of work-related MKDs in health-care professionals before and after implementation of the EIP was in the neck area (83.1% before, 64.9% after), in the upper back region (71.8% before, 56.5 % after) and in the lower back region (68.4% before, 55.9% after). The average score of the working ability index before the introduction of the EIP was 35.44 ± 8.59, while after the implementation of the EIP it increased statistically significantly and amounted to 38.40 ± 7.30. Conclusion: The EIP influenced the reduction of the MKDs frequency caused by work, and increased the working capacity of health-care professionals.

Ergonomic intervention program for office workers: a case study about its effect in computer vision syndrome and musculoskeletal discomfort

This study aims to develop and implement an ergonomic intervention program at the workplace of knowledge workers, and to evaluate its impact on the reduction of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and musculoskeletal symptoms. 84 workers were part of the study (mean age 43.2 ± 9.7 years). The intervention included training, delivery of a packaging of artificial tears, and adjustments in workstations. It was conducted intensively along 6 weeks. Data was collected on-site, with questionnaires administered pre-intervention, 2 months after, and 4 months after. Participants exhibited behavioural changes, especially in workplace adjustments and visual rest. By the intervention’s end, over 90% had correctly adjusted screens and adopted appropriate postures, while 42.7% adhered to the 20x20x20 rule. CVS severity and prevalence decreased, but not significantly across the three time points. Significant improvements were observed in upper back and neck musculoskeletal symptoms at the end of workdays. Findings suggest that an ergonomic intervention program can benefit employees by reducing visual and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Improvements in musculoskeletal symptoms, mental workload and mental fatigue: Effects of a multicomponent ergonomic intervention among call center workers

Call center workers are highly susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) as well as mental stress. Nonetheless, there has been a surprising paucity in the body of the research regarding interventions among call center workers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program on mental workload, mental fatigue and WRMSDs of call center employees. A non-randomized interventional study with a single group pretest-posttest design was conducted among 84 call center workers of a private telecommunication company in the city of Tehran, Iran. At the baseline, data regarding WRMSDs prevalence, mental workload and mental fatigue were collected by means of standard Nordic, NASA-TLX and SOFI questionnaires, respectively. Then, subjects participated in a multifaceted intervention program including comprehensive office ergonomic training, work layout improvement, supervised on-site face to face visits, and provision of quality break time encompassing regular exercise program. Follow-up assessment was carried out after 6 months. After the intervention, prevalence of WMSDs in the neck (10%, P = 0.022), lower back (8.4%, P = 0.04), and knees (9.5%, P = 0.02) decreased significantly, while improvements in other body areas remained insignificant. Results also showed a significant decrease in overall score of mental demand (P = 0.000) as well as three of its subscales including performance (P = 0.02), effort (P = 0.001), and frustration (P = 0.025). Additionally, positive effect of the intervention was also observable on overall mental fatigue of call center workers (P = 0.016). As for its subscales, Lack of energy was reported to decrease meaningfully (P = 0.007) while lack of motivation did not change significantly (P = 0.240). Although the primary focus of many ergonomic interventions has remained to measure physical outcomes of the work place, our findings show that multicomponent interventions are indeed capable of boosting cognitive aspects of the work as well. The future studies should consider investigating such outcomes.

Effects of an ergonomic intervention program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for reducing work-related health problems and exposure risks among emergency medical dispatchers.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in terms of improving exposure risks and work-related health problems in emergency medical dispatchers. This quasi-experimental study used an interrupted time series design. Participants were 55 employees working in an Emergency Medical Communications Center in Iran. The intervention program was based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and included five face-to-face training sessions and installing auxiliary equipment according to best ergonomic principles. Direct observations of the emergency medical dispatchers' working postures using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment and a survey which included a modified Nordic Questionnaire, Work Ability Score, Visual Fatigue Questionnaire, and a Behavioral Factors Questionnaire were used at three time points: baseline, 1 month post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention. The modified Nordic Questionnaire showed significant reductions in pain intensity scores for neck, lower back, knee and ankle after the ergonomic intervention program. In addition, there were considerable post-training improvements in behavioral factors (knowledge and enabling factors) and working postures. No significant changes were observed in Work Ability Scores, or visual symptoms. An ergonomic intervention program based on a systematic framework such as the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and on-site interventions can be effective in improving and enhancing the working conditions of emergency medical dispatchers. Therefore, it is suggested that ergonomic interventions be implemented based on standard and valid behavioral change models such as PRECEDE-PROCEED model in other work environments in which musculoskeletal pain and digital eye strain are common.

Ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders in bank staff: an interventional follow-up study in Iran

BackgroundLong-term use of computer in a static mode may cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in bank staff. Considering the high number of bank employees in different countries, such as Iran, the risk factors of these disorders should be investigated in order to implement interventions required to reduce the risk factors. This study aimed to examine the risk factors of MSDs using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method and to perform an ergonomic intervention program with banking staff in Iran.MethodsThis interventional study was conducted on 277 bank employees in Iran. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups, including a control group (without any intervention), an educational intervention (EI) group, and a group receiving both educational and physical intervention (EPI). Before and after the intervention, the ROSA method and Nordic questionnaire were used to assess the risk factors of MSDs in office jobs and to investigate the prevalence of MSDs. Data were collected 2 weeks before and 9 months following the intervention.ResultsBefore the intervention, the mean score of ROSA at workstations of all groups was above five with high risk. Nine months after the start of the intervention, there was a significant decrease in the mean ROSA score and its components in the two groups that received the intervention, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The results of the study of the prevalence of MSDs in the employees—before the intervention—indicate that the highest prevalence of MSDs in the control group was in areas of the neck (67.1%), back (64.4%), and lower back (63%). In the EI group, the highest prevalence of MSDs was in the neck (65.2%), lower back (61.6%), and back (60.7%) areas. In the EPI group, the discomfort areas were the neck (68.5%), shoulders (66.3%), and lower back (60.9%). Nine months after the intervention, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of MSDs in the neck, shoulders, and lumbar regions of staff who received the intervention (P < 0.05).ConclusionNine months after performing the interventions, there was a relative improvement in workstations and prevalence of MSDs in various areas within the bodies of the bank staff. This study showed that using the ROSA method is appropriate for assessing the risk factors of office work and that it can identify deficiencies in workstations. These defects can be addressed by designing and implementing an EI program together with physical interventions according to the components of the ROSA method.

Assessing the effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention program with a participatory approach: ergonomics settlement in an Iranian steel industry.

PurposeWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common occupational problems affecting the health and productivity of workers worldwide. Ergonomic intervention programs (EIPs) can play an effective role in preventing these disorders in the workplace. Assessing the effectiveness of an EIP is a challenge faced by both industries and researchers. This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an EIP on human resources productivity (HRP), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), general health and occupational fatigue in a steel industry.MethodsThis study was conducted in a steel industry in Isfahan, Iran, between 2018 and 2021. To assess the effectiveness of the EIP with a participatory approach, training and redesign of workstations, the criteria of HRP, MSDs, general health and occupational fatigue were investigated before and after the intervention, using HRP Questionnaire, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), 28-item General Health Questionnaire (28-GHQ), Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI-20) and Occupational Fatigue/Exhaustion Recovery (OFER-15) Questionnaire, as data collection tools, respectively.ResultsThe implementation of EIP in the studied industry significantly led to an increase in HRP (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MSDs decreased significantly in most regions of the body after the interventions (p < 0.001). In addition, the program significantly improved general health (p < 0.001) and reduced occupational fatigue among employees (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe implementation of EIP was significantly effective in working conditions improvement. Therefore, implementing EIP with participatory approach, workforce training, as well as redesigning of workstations are recommended in industries.

A multilayered ergonomic intervention program on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in an industrial complex: A dynamic participatory approach

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are closely identified with common complaints in different workplaces. This study aimed to implement an intervention program through which ergonomic measures were dynamically localized in industry. An interventional study, including three basic layers, namely, training workshops, participatory ergonomics (PE), and workstation redesign was fulfilled in an Iranian steel manufacturing complex from 2017 to 2020. A steering committee (SC) was formed following several meetings held for clarification of the project to the management team. The SC members then attended four organized workshops managed by an ergonomics specialist. Afterwards, the basics of ergonomics were transferred to action groups. After developing ergonomic assessment tools, the ergonomic problems were prioritized and numerous positive changes were made by the action groups. The findings of the tailored checklists revealed a load of WMSDs risk factors. All the three layers of the program were implemented as initiated. Ergonomics training workshops were then held and significant differences were observed between the participants' pre/posttest mean scores in all workshops (p < 0.001). Moreover, PE measures were exercised at all levels of the organization inducing enthusiastic motivation of the workforce to consider ergonomic requirements in the workplace. Consequently, the workers' innovative ideas and the managerial support yielded diverse workstation redesigns due to a growth in either the workers' ergonomics awareness or participatory culture grounding. A multilayered ergonomic intervention was implemented in this study. In conclusion, a multifaceted long-term follow-up intervention program could be applied to enhance workers’ health status and to raise system productivity.

Methodology of a home-based motor control exercise and ergonomic intervention programme for community-dwelling older people: The McHeELP study.

The aim of this research (Motor control Home ergonomics Elderlies’ Prevention of falls; McHeELP study) was to develop a novel intervention combining motor control home-based exercises and a home ergonomic safety-improvement strategy in order to reduce falls in frail ambulatory older adults. A randomized controlled trial of a novel intervention is proposed including motor control exercises and home ergonomic assessment and modification in older adults who have at least one fall experience. Participants are randomized to control or intervention group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will be assessed three times: at baseline, at 3rd month (end of intervention period) and again at 6th month (follow-up measurement). The primary outcome is of the effect on functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go test. Secondary outcomes include assessments of functionality, fear of falling and quality of life. This will be the first study to develop an exercise intervention approach that combines home-based motor control exercise intervention with home assessment and modification. This study is expected to explore a low-cost, easy-to-popularize, and effective exercise intervention approach for improving functional mobility and prevent falls among older adults.

Ergonomic Intervention on Physical Therapy Programs Decrease Pain and Disability Level on Subject with Myogenic Low Back Pain: A Case Report

Introduction: Myogenic Low Back Pain is an uncomfortable pain on the lower back, often caused by musculoskeletal disorders resulting in pain and disability. This case report aims to review ergonomic intervention on physical therapy program on myogenic low back pain.&#x0D; Case description: A 45-years-old man working as a roof tile craftsman complained of pain in the lower back area and already felt it for 1 month ago. The pain did not radiate to the leg. The patient has no neurological signs and symptoms. Patient-reported that he had experienced the same incident about 9 times in the last 3 years ago. The patient always performed bending motion and lifting the roof tile every day. The patient has been visited physical therapy and received ergonomic intervention and physical therapy programs such as core stability exercise, soft tissue mobilization and modalities for seven weeks. Following the ergonomic intervention and therapeutic exercise application, the Visual Analogue Scale score decreased from 6 to 0. The Modified Oswestry Disability Index score gradually decreased from 60% disability to 0% disability. The patient no longer complained of MLBP and was able to lift the roof tile well.&#x0D; Conclusion: After a seven-weeks physical therapy treatment session, the patient did not feel pain and can perform forward bending. Modified Oswestry Disability Index score improved and demonstrated improved lifting the roof tile without any complaints. We concluded that the ergonomic intervention combined with physical therapy programs effectively decreased pain and disability level on a subject with MLBP

Assessment of key barriers for incorporating ergonomics inventions and suppress work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) are increasing exponentially in the past few years in manufacturing industries. It has detrimental effects on overall working of organization; results in health related issues and absenteeism. So, it is imperative to organize ergonomics intervention programs on periodical basis to suppress the problems encountered. In this paper, barriers affecting smooth conduction and implementation of such type of programs have been listed out through extensive literature review available till date. Fuzzy-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) has been applied to categorize the barriers in to cause and effect categories.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Electrical, Telecommunication and Instrument Mechanics of Armed forces

Background: Modern defence system has a significant role of electrical, electronic and instrument technicians in armed forces. Despite their intensive role, little is known about work-related musculoskeletal disorder in these technicians.&#x0D; Objective: To investigate the prevalence of the work-related musculoskeletal disorder in defence personnel involved in electrical and electronic maintenance and repairs.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for 3 years, in Electrical, telecom and instrument defence technicians (N = 164). Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Effect of age, working hours, work experience, Basal metabolic index and type of job on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was investigated using logistic regression analysis.&#x0D; Results: A total of 119 (72.56%) respondents reported work-related musculoskeletal disorder with 53.04% multiples &amp; 19.51% single work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Simultaneous presence of neck, shoulder and upper back work-related musculoskeletal disorder were observed. Highest rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was in neck (44.44%), followed by shoulder (27.16%), ankle/ foot (14.81%), elbow/ forearm (12.96%), low back (11.72%) and wrist/ finger (9.87%). Neck (44%) related work-related musculoskeletal disorder were highest across all job crafts. Work experience (p = 0.012; OR = 0.87; 95% CI – 0.78- 0.97), working hours (p = 0.031; OR= 1.73, 95% CI – 0.58-5.12) smoking (p = 0.00 ; OR = 5.3, 95 % CI = 4.3 – 8.48) and job crafts like electrician (p = 0.434; OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.08-3.31) and telecom mechanics (p = 0.026; OR = 1.26, 95% CI =0.74 – 2.15) were significantly associated as risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorder.&#x0D; Conclusion: High prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was observed in electrical, telecommunication &amp; instrument mechanics, with higher multiple work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Working hours, work experience, job craft and smoking were highly associated with a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. We suggest suitable ergonomic intervention and awareness program along with smoking control drive to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

Work-related injuries, postural stress, and musculoskeletal disorders among the railway track maintainers in India.

The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate work-related injuries (WRI) and the self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 742 railway track maintainers. The second aim of this study was to investigate the potential factors related to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in track maintainers. This study also tried to do planning and implementing ergonomic intervention programs to improve track maintainer's health. Modified Nordic questionnaires were administered to assess the prevalence of MSDs. Detailed posture analysis by rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method was performed to assess the risk level of concerned postures. The injury data for 12 months were collected by conducting a survey and personal interviews with the affected railway track maintainers. To assess the prevalence of MSDs, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were computed along with critical χ 2 values. Analysis of variance was performed to determine significant differences between the MSD present and absent among the track maintainers of the Indian railway. The result of this study showed that neglect of safety precautions is the main reason for injury, followed by slipping and falling and lack of awareness. Sprain injury is one of the main injuries, followed by cut, snakebite, abrasion, and fracture. Low educational levels of workers are also reasons for WRI. In conclusion, the prevalence and severity of MSD, particularly in the low back, knees, wrist, and shoulder and WRI were found to be very high among the track maintainers. The recommendations of this research are ergonomic interventions, such as track maintainers proper training, following the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health -recommended weight limit for manual material handling, modification in hand tools, job rotation, performing stretching exercise, and avoiding awkward and static posture are needed.

The Effects of Multifaceted Ergonomic Interventions on Musculoskeletal Complaints in Intensive Care Units.

Working at intensive care units (ICUs) is considered a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal complaints (MSC). This study was conducted between January 2017 and June 2019 in two ICUs of a university hospital. It was designed as a pre- and post-assessment of the intervention group (IG) (N = 27) compared with a control group (CG) (N = 23) to determine the effects of a multifaceted ergonomics intervention program in reducing MSC. The IG (N: 35) received a multifaceted ergonomic intervention program, which was implemented by an ERGO team over an 18 month period. Four ergonomic interventions were planned as follows: individual level interventions such as training; stretching exercises and motivation meetings; administrative intervention such as a daily 10 min stretching exercises break; engineering interventions such as lifting and usage of auxiliary devices. The CG (N:29) did not receive any intervention. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to assess MSC in both groups. At the start of the intervention, both groups were similar concerning the number of visits to doctors due to MSC, the number of sick leave days, and total CMDQ scores (p > 0.05 for all). Two factor repeated ANOVA measures were performed for between-groups and within-group analyses. The mean of the initial CMSDQ total scores in both groups increased significantly in the 18th month (p < 0.001). However, the interaction effect of group and time (between and within factors) was not significant (p = 0.992). Work-related MSC is a common occupational health problem among nurses. This study showed that individual-level interventions are not likely to succeed in eliminating manual patient lifting by nurses. Our results suggested that interventions without administrative measures might have limited success

The MSD Risk Assessment Among Forklift Operators as a Source of Data for Ergonomic Intervention—Comparison of Two Tools

Two different methods: REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and the revised Quick Exposure Check (QEC) were applied for the assessment of three jobs involving forklift truck driving. The application of MSD risk assessment tools was followed by ergonomic checklists analysis. The results were used for ergonomic intervention program. Although both methods shown their usefulness in the MSD risk assessment, QEC results were more specific, gave more detailed information about possible ways of ergonomic intervention and better showed the decrease of MSD risk as an effect of changes applied.

Ergonomic intervention to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among flour factory workers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational health hazards. In the flour production industry, the fast pace of work, high frequency of repetitive movements, manual handling of loads, and awkward postures put a lot of pressure on the worker's body. Given the high exposure of the workers of the flour production industry to ergonomic risk factors, this study aimed to reduce the rate of musculoskeletal disorders among a group of flour factory workers through ergonomic interventions. This interventional study was performed using the census method on the eligible workers of a flour factory. An ergonomic intervention program was planned and implemented with the goal of reducing musculoskeletal disorders. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by measuring the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders before and six months after the interventions. Before the intervention, musculoskeletal disorders were most prevalent in the lower back, arms, shoulders, legs, thighs, knees, neck and wrists, respectively. Evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders after the intervention showed the positive effect of the ergonomic intervention program on musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, lower back, thighs, knees, and legs (P < 0.05). Engineering and management interventions implemented in this study led to a significant reduction in the level of ergonomic risk factors and a reduced rate of musculoskeletal disorders among workers of different units in the flour factory.

Effectiveness of a multifactorial ergonomic intervention and exercise conditioning kinesiology program for subsequent work related musculoskeletal disorder prevention

Health care workers are known to be at high risk for occupational musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Many different intervention strategies have been implemented in order to reduce the risk of injury to health care workers, however not many have been proven to be effective. A continuing care establishment in Ottawa, Canada, implemented a multidimensional kinesiology intervention program for injured employees. To evaluate the effectiveness of the kinesiology intervention program on reducing subsequent rates for the nursing personnel and analyze the impact of age, position (RN, RPN, PCA) and sex on subsequent injuries. The number of recorded work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) for each patient care worker was counted from 2007-2011. The control group included injured employees that were not referred to the kinesiologists, or who chose not to participate in the program. The intervention group included injured employees that were referred to the kinesiology service and followed their treatment program. The intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction of subsequent acute cases when compared to the control group. Nevertheless there was no significant impact regarding age, position or sex on subsequent acute cases. The kinesiology intervention program within the health care facility was effective at reducing subsequent WRMSD rates within the nursing personnel.

Effects of an ergonomic program on the quality of life and work performance of university staff with physical disabilities: A clinical trial with three-month follow-up

BackgroundProblems related to physical disability may have an extremely negative impact in the work environment, reducing productivity and contributing to health problems and a worsening quality of life. ObjectiveTo assess the effects of an ergonomic intervention program on the quality of life and the work performance of people with physical disabilities working in a university environment. MethodsA pilot clinical trial with three-month follow-up was conducted at the Physiotherapy Clinic of the Federal University of Paraíba (Brazil). Eight workers at the university took part in an ergonomic adjustment (using ErgoDis/IBV software) and physiotherapy program at their workplace for twelve weeks, in two 60-min sessions per week. The measuring instruments used were the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire for quality of life and the Work Ability Index for work ability. A repeated-measures ANOVA analysis and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were also performed. ResultsSignificant intra-group changes were observed in the QoL subscales for the physical dimension (F = 5.487, p = 0.017) and the environment dimension (F = 7.510, p = 0.006). The post-treatment analysis revealed significant changes for both the physical dimension (Z = −2.552, p = 0.011) and the environment dimension (Z = −2.201, p = 0.028). After the three-month follow-up period, only the environment dimension recorded a significant change (Z = −1.965, p = 0.049). The effect sizes were large. Regarding work ability, the repeated-measures ANOVA analysis showed a significant time effect (F = 5.067, p = 0.022), with large pre-post treatment improvement (Z = −2.555, p = 0.011, d = 0.914). ConclusionsThe program based on ergonomic and physiotherapy program greatly enhanced the subjects’ quality of life and work ability.

Ergonomic behaviour of learners in a digitally driven school environment: Modification using an ergonomic intervention programme

BackgroundComputer use is increasing amongst adolescents and so is the potential for related musculoskeletal pain and postural changes. The cumulative effect of this technology-induced, sedentary lifestyle leads to poor posture, pain, repetitive strain injury and dysfunctional movement patterns.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to establish the effect of a computer-related ergonomic intervention for adolescents in a school environment on posture and ergonomic behaviour.MethodsAll Grade 8 learners at two randomly selected private schools in Johannesburg were invited to participate in the study (n = 127). A controlled trial compared an intervention group with a control group. The computer usage questionnaire and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. The intervention consisted of a participatory educational programme. An intention-to-treat analysis was undertaken. Alpha level was set at p = 0.05. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and between-group analysis of variance, determined differences in the number of participants in the RULA action levels between groups after the intervention and the comparison of positions and type of computer.ResultsAt 6 months post-intervention, there were no participants in action level (AL) 4 and the number of participants in AL 3 had reduced from 26.2% at baseline to 14.8% in the intervention group (p < 0.001). The control group RULA scores worsened over the period of 6 months. Although the learners were still not in an ’acceptable’ range of postural positions, there was a significant improvement between the pre-intervention and post-intervention stage (p < 0.001).ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the effect of an ergonomic intervention and its sustainability over 6 months.Clinical implicationsThe clinical contribution of this study to our healthcare system is that through the early identification and intervention of the poor ergonomics in a school environment, a positive impact on reducing poor postural behaviour amongst learners can be achieved.

Prevalence and associated factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among commercial milling machine operators in South-Eastern Nigerian markets.

Milling machine operators perform physically demanding tasks that can lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), but literature on WRMSDs among milling machine operators is scarce. Knowledge of prevalence and risk factors of WRMSDs can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing ergonomics intervention programs in the workplace. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and associated factors of WRMSDs among commercial milling machine operators in Enugu, Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey involved 148 commercial milling machine operators (74 hand-operated milling machine operators (HOMMO) and 74 electrically-operated milling machine operators (EOMMO)), within the age range of 18-65 years, who were conveniently selected from four markets in Enugu, Nigeria. A standard Nordic questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of WRMSDs among the participants. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. There was a significant difference (p = 0.001) related to prevalence of WRMSDs between HOMMOs (77%) and EOMMOs (50%). All body parts were affected in both groups and shoulders (85.1%) and lower back (46%) had the highest percentage of prevalence. Working in awkward and same postures, working with injury, poor workplace design, repetition of tasks, vibratory working equipments, reduced rest, high job demand and heavy lifting were significantly associated with the prevalence of WRMSDs. WRMSDs are prevalent among commercial milling machine operators with higher occurrence in HOMMOs. Ergonomic interventions, including the re-design of milling machines and appropriate work posture education of machine operators are recommended in the milling industry.