Frequency Of Musculoskeletal Complaints Research Articles

Musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among dentists and dental students in Finland.

Musculoskeletal disorders are leading causes for long sickness absences and early retirement. Dental work is physically strenuous, and many studies have shown a relation between work-related MSDs and dentistry. However, fewer studies have focused on how these conditions affect the work ability of dentists. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between MSD, work ability and sickness absences in Finnish dentists and dental students. A questionnaire was sent to 1200 dental workers and students. It inquired of age, gender, use of dental loupes, physical exercise, use of health care, and site, length and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints. Work ability was assessed with four parameters: work ability score (WAS), future work ability (FWA), self-estimation of MSD-related work disability, and sickness absence days. The questionnaire gained 255 responses (response rate 21%). The majority (90%) of the respondents had experienced MSD during the past year but only eleven percent of them had been on sick leave. MSDs correlated significantly with WAS, FWA and MSD-related work disability. Results remained significant even age adjusted. Age was a strong predictor of declined work ability, but gender, physical exercise or dental loupe use did not have a significant impact. Despite all the ergonomic advances in modern dentistry, the occurrence of MSD symptoms is still high. MSDs seem to affect dentists' work ability significantly, but amount of sickness absence is relatively low, which may indicate a high level of presenteeism.

Frequency of musculoskeletal complaints and their associated risk factors among computer workers.

Computer-related work has become a part of the daily routine of workers of many occupations which leads to pains of multiple parts of the musculoskeletal system. To examine the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal complaints of different regions of the body, and to examine the relationship between work-related risk factors with musculoskeletal complaints. Three hundred and twenty-six computer workers were selected by non-probability purposive sampling from three clusters of computer sectors. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Respondents were interviewed and their height and weight were measures. Confidentiality was assured. The most common musculoskeletal complaints were shoulder (45%), neck (43%), and upper-middle back (36%) pain. The complaints were related to the female gender, increase duration of computer and using a computer at home. Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial stresses were related to increasing the duration of computer work.

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nurses in Hospitals

Background Healthcare is a sector with a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The work of nurses in a hospital is associated with stress, prolonged work, uncomfortable working postures, bending and twisting of the body and etc.
 Aim: To identify the risk factors for the frequency and localization of musculoskeletal complaints and diagnosed diseases of the musculoskeletal system in nurses in hospitals.
 Methods: The study is cross-sectional and comprised 1412 nurses female nurses from 19 hospitals in Sofia having an average age of 50.3±9.9 years. An ergonomic analysis of workplaces in hospitals was made. A survey was conducted in relation to the workplace, the workload, the working posture and movements; Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms were used, BMI. Information on musculoskeletal diseases diagnosed by a doctor was collected with Work ability index (WAI). The statistical analyses were made using SPSS.
 Results: The frequency of musculoskeletal complaints is high, complaints in the lower back being in the lead with 74.2%, followed by the back, neck and shoulders. A musculoskeletal disorder, diagnosed by a doctor, occurs in 35.6% of the individuals. Widespread is the prolonged work in a standing position, awkward working postures, bending, twisting and stretching. The data from the regression analysis show that the work with bending, twisting and stretching, prolonged work in a standing position and BMI are predictors of musculoskeletal complaints.
 Conclusion: The results indicate lack of good workplace organisation and equipment. The activity involves prolonged work in a standing position, awkward working postures and work with bending and twisting of the body. High is the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and the undergone treatment related to them.
 Key words: musculoskeletal disorders, workplace, working postures, nurses, hospitals.

Physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain in physician mothers after childbirth

Objective: Musculoskeletal pain is a common health problem in women, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period, a possible reason for which is the lack of adequate physical activity. Nonetheless, very few studies have determined the relationship between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain in physician mothers within two years after childbirth. Material and Methods: This study was an online cross-sectional self-report survey. An online questionnaire was administered to physician mothers via the online "Physician Mothers" social group in Facebook, with 3,787 members. A total of 127 participants responded to the questionnaire, which consisted of three parts, namely, sociodemographic information, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Results: The average age of the participants was 32.5±3.5 years. The physical activity level turned out to be inactive in 91 participants (71%), moderate in 30 (24%), and vigorous in six (5%). The most frequent musculoskeletal complaint after childbirth was back pain (n=112, 88.2%), followed by lower back pain (n=109, 85.8%), neck pain (n=70, 55.1%), and hip pain (n=52, 40.9%). There was no significant relationship between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain in physician mothers (p=0.441). Conclusion: In this study, physician mothers were found to be mostly physically inactive, and their activity level was not observed to be related to their musculoskeletal pain.

Using of the ROSA method to assess the musculoskeletal load on computer workstations

The aim of the study was to compare the musculoskeletal system load assessed using the rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) methods in computer operators, and to determine the correlation of the obtained results with the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in these individuals. In a group of 72 persons (38 women and 34 men) working with a computer for > 4 h/day, the ROSA and RULA methods were used to assess the load, while a questionnaire modeled on the Standardized Nordic Questionnary was used to assess the frequency and severity of MSCs. Musculoskeletal complaints occurred in about 66% of the investigated women and 62% of the investigated men within the previous year. The results of the ROSA and RULA methods were not convergent. The final result of the ROSA method (scale 1-10 pts) was 2-6 pts (M = 3.51±1.09), while the final result of the RULA method (scale 1-7 pts) ranged 2-4 pts (3.00±0.17). The values of partial and final scores in the ROSA method were correlated with the number of concurrent ailments and intensity of complaints in various regions of the musculoskeletal system. The assessment of the position of particular parts of the body during work, performed using the RULA method, in people with or without MSCs was almost identical. The use of the ROSA method has shown that it is a useful and easy-to-use tool for assessing computer workstations and can be successfully disseminated. Med Pr. 2019;70(6):675-99.

Incidence of shoulder pain in 40 years old and over and associated factors: A systematic review.

Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints, and its prevalence and consequences increase with age. However, little is known about the incidence of shoulder pain among aging adults. We conducted this review to estimate the incidence of shoulder pain in ageing adults and its associated factors. We conducted a systematic review of cohort studies in which the incidence of shoulder pain and associated factors were explored in adults aged 40 years and over. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were consulted. We retrieved 3332 studies and included six, of which five were prospective cohort studies and one was retrospective. For adults aged 45-64 years, the annual cumulative incidence was 2.4%. The incidence density was estimated at 17.3 per 1,000 person-years for adults in the 45-64 years age group, at 12.8 per 1000 person-years for those in the 65-74 years group and at 6.7 per 1000 person-years among those aged 75 years and over. Occupational factors, notably physical demands of work, were associated with the incidence of shoulder pain. Non-occupational factors were also linked to the occurrence of shoulder pain. Few studies have estimated the incidence of shoulder pain and associated factors among ageing adults. From this systematic review, we conclude that studies on the incidence of shoulder pain are scarce, and that both occupational and non-occupational factors could be associated with the onset of shoulder pain among adults 40 years and over. This very limited evidence calls for more studies on this topic. Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints, and its prevalence and consequences increase with age. However, since the prevalence of a recurring condition is determined by its incidence and the number and duration of episodes, it is important to have valid incidence estimates and to conduct aetiological studies on incidence measures to untangle risk factors of the occurrence of shoulder pain from those affecting the duration and number of episodes . In this systematic review, we sought to estimate the incidence of shoulder pain in ageing adults along with its associated factors. This work could lead to better interventions to prevent shoulder pain in older individuals.

Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study.

Background:Pregnancy-induced hormonal and physiologic changes increase the risk of musculoskeletal problems in pregnancy. The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive look at the musculoskeletal pain and symptoms experienced during pregnancy.Methods:A total of 184 women (mean age 30.9 ± 5.0 years) who gave birth in the obstetrics clinic of a tertiary hospital were included in the study. The participants who had given birth at 37–42 weeks of pregnancy (term pregnancy) and aged over 18 years were selected for participation. Basic demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants including age, body mass index, weight gained during pregnancy, education level, occupation, parity, sex of baby, and exercise habits were collected from the medical chart and face-to-face interviews. Musculoskeletal pain sites were defined as hand–wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, back, low back, hip, knee, and ankle–foot in a diagram of the human body. The interviews with participants were performed to assess their musculoskeletal pain separately at each trimester follow-up visit.Results:The most frequent musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy were low back pain (n = 130, 70.7%), back pain (n = 80, 43.5%), hand–wrist (n = 61, 33.2%) and hip pain (n = 59, 32.1%). The participants experienced musculoskeletal pain most in the third trimester except for elbow, shoulder and neck pain compared with the first and second trimesters (p < 0.05).Conclusions:The results of the study suggest that numerous musculoskeletal problems may complicate pregnancy especially in the third trimester.

Sociodemographic and organizational factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among intensive care unit professionals.

The heavy and complex work routine in the intensive care unit (ICU) involves high workload, long working hours, high levels of tension, exposure to extreme situations and to hazards of different nature. To investigate the influence of sociodemographic and organizational factors on the development of musculoskeletal pain, tension and fatigue among ICU professionals. We interviewed 128 professionals from seven public hospitals in João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil.The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model, and differences between professional categories by means of the likelihood ratio, the Wald and χ2 tests, with significance level set to <0.05. The risk to develop musculoskeletal symptoms differed as a function of the participants' professional category.The odds of nursing technicians to simultaneously develop musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and tension were 4.968 times higher (p=0.023) compared to physicians, nurses and physical therapists.This difference was mediated by factors such as sex, body mass index and number of ICU jobs.Nursing technicians were the most exposed group, and thus they require more attention as concerns workplace health interventions. The participants had long working hours, and differed in regard to the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints as a function of the specificities inherent to the activities of each professional category.

Peroral and transdermal application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of regional musculoskeletal pain syndromes

In this review the available evidences regarding the most frequently applied medication (peroral and transdermal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) for the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints (regional pain syndromes) have been collected for the appropriate medical professionals who are most frequently faced with these conditions (general practitioners, rheumatologists, orthopedics, occupational and sports medicine experts). The special population at risk (with repeated and high energy overuse because of occupational or sport activities) and the pathology of their syndromes are identified. Mode of action, pharmacological properties of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the unwanted effects of their application especially in infants and elderly are highlighted. Recommendations of the general and specific pain management guidelines have been selected and listed in the review. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(Suppl. 3): 3-30.

Tendon injury and repair - A perspective on the basic mechanisms of tendon disease and future clinical therapy.

Tendon and ligament problems represent the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints for which patients seek medical attention. Current therapeutic options for addressing tendon disorders are often ineffective, and the need for improved understanding of tendon physiology is urgent. This perspective article summarizes essential elements of our current knowledge on tendon structure, function, physiology, damage, and repair. It also describes a novel framework to understand tendon physiology and pathophysiology that may be useful in pushing the field forward.

Intervention Study for Modifying Ergonomic Stressors - Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Bankers in Kuwaiti Bank

Introduction: Digital data are becoming of increase use among all governmental and non-governmental facilities not only in Kuwait but all over the world. Data mechanization is being used at the medium and small establishments. Thus, screens, mouse, and keyboard terms are being used increasingly by a large number of employees. This extensive use of the digital technology must be accompanied by a parallel one that search for the possible health hazards out of this exposure and how to provide effective control measures that would eliminate or at least control these health hazards. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are important health problems among workers using video display units. Awareness of workers and modification in the workstations might play an effective role to control pain and discomfort resulting from ergonomic stressors. Objectives: To identify pattern of MSDs and environmental health hazards in the studied work places, to find out the ergonomic stressors inside the studied work places, to review health and safety program at the studied bank and to estimate the impact of the proposed intervention on the degree of severity of MSDs among the examined workers. Subjects and Methods: A randomized control intervention study was carried out to include all employees at all branches of a randomly selected bank in Kuwait. Bank branches were selected by simple random technique to be allocated to either control group or intervention group. 117 employees were considered as controls while 127 employees were subjected to the intervention. Evaluation of the results was assessed at 3 intervals (6 months apart) for 18 months. Results of intervention were assessed based on comparison between baseline and after 18 months. Standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and the NIOSH computer work station check list was used to assess ergonomic stressors. The intervention included: review and adjustment of the Display Screen Equipment/Visual Display Units, work breaks, relaxation and stretching exercises and physical aspect of workplace environment. Results: Non-adjustable chairs, keyboards and document holders were only significantly improved among the intervention group. The frequency of musculoskeletal complaints at most of the studied body parts were significantly improved among the intervention group. These intervention activities also succeeded to significantly improve body posture in relation to the used computer. The feeling of hot or cold temperature, irritating noise and highly repetitive tasks were significantly improved by intervention. Age, nationality, years spent at work, work duration, smoking and use of computer at home did not have any significant relation to the improvement of musculoskeletal complaint that was achieved among the intervention group. Sex, education, frequent breaks and use of video games at home were only significantly related to improvement of musculoskeletal complaints, among workers enrolled in the intervention group, at isolated body parts. Conclusion: The adopted multiple intervention activities significantly lower the frequency of musculoskeletal complaints at most of the studied body parts and significantly improve body posture in relation to the used computer.

Musculoskeletal complaints in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever

Results The study group comprised 317 FMF patients (170 females, 147 males) with a mean age of 12.2 ± 5.7 years. The frequency of musculoskeletal complaints were as follows; arthritis 18%, arthralgia 43%, leg pain 43%, heel pain 36%, myalgia 8%, protracted arthritis 2%, protracted febrile myalgia 2%. Leg pain and heel pain were more frequently detected in patients with homozygous M694V (p<0.05). Among patients with heterozygous mutations; children with M694V mutation had more frequently artralgia, leg pain and heel pain (p<0.05).

Prevalencia de la afección musculoesquelética no traumática como motivo de consulta y su impacto asistencial en un servicio de urgencias

BackgroundNon-traumatic musculoskeletal pathology (NTMP) generates a high healthcare demand in primary care, however, European studies designed to assess its real impact in Emergency Departments are scarce. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of NTMP and its impact in Emergency Department of a university hospital in Madrid. Material and methodTwo thousand randomized medical registries were reviewed from 2008 to 2011. The epidemiological data collected were, main complaints, time consumed, image test requests, and need of further assessment within a month. ResultsPrevalence of NTMP was 13.8% (95% CI; 12.1%-15.4%) of all patients. The most frequent musculoskeletal complaint was lumbar pain. An imaging test was requested in 79.1% of all the NTMP cases assessed. Patients with NTMP consumed an average of 79minutes, with 17% of them requesting a new urgent assessment within the first month. ConclusionsThe results of this study show that NTMP is the leading cause for emergency department visits in our area, producing the highest consumption of time and the highest frequency of new queries for the same reason within a month. The overuse of the emergency services and the lack of medical training in the management of this type of pathology can cause this phenomenon. During the design of strategies to optimize patients care in emergency departments, the importance of this type of pathology should be taken into account.

Self-reported risk factors related to the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints among Czech dentists.

The purpose of the study was to describe the occurrence of the most common complaints related to MSDs in Czech dentists and to assess the risk factors affecting them. A questionnaire survey of 581 Czech dentists (the response rate 72.6%) was conducted in 2011. The questionnaire ascertained general information about the respondents, their work habits and environment along with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The respondents filled out the questionnaires during the educational events organized by the Czech Dental Chamber. At least mild difficulties associated with the motoric system were reported by 96.9% of the respondents, with 66.3% of respondents reporting moderate or major difficulties. Back and neck pain followed by shoulder pain and headache were the most common complaints in our sample. According to our data: age, gender, length of practice, a history of serious MSDs, the occurrence of MSDs in blood relatives, the perception of work as psychologically demanding, and especially a perceived moderate/bad general health were significantly associated with the four most common musculoskeletal complaints. Some of the factors were found as protective. This study suggests that MSDs represent a significant burden for Czech dentists and further research is needed to elucidate this issue.

Ergonomics in Endourology and Laparoscopy: An Overview of Musculoskeletal Problems in Urology

This study aims to provide an overview of type and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints among urologists. In addition, the urologists' knowledge about ergonomic conditions during minimally invasive urology was assessed, and they were asked how they would prefer to gain knowledge about this topic. An online and hard copy version questionnaire was administered to urologists from different countries, mainly from Europe, performing endourology and laparoscopy. Of the 285 respondents, 245 (86.0%) urologists experienced musculoskeletal complaints in the past 12 months and 62.1% were considered to be work related. Most common areas for chronic complaints were neck, back, and shoulders. Almost 50% of the urologists experienced chronic musculoskeletal complaints, for which endourology (odds ratio [OR] 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-6.80) and laparoscopy (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.27-2.28) were significant risk factors. One third of the urologists considered their knowledge about ergonomics minimal, and 8% stated that they had no knowledge about these topics. Fifty percent of the respondents preferred to integrate information about ergonomic rules into hands-on training of urologic skills. High prevalence of experienced musculoskeletal complaints was found among urologists predominantly related to endourology and laparoscopy. Urologists indicate that they have a lack of knowledge about ergonomics in the operating room. Hence, we recommend integration of ergonomics in hands-on training programs early in the residency curriculum to gain knowledge and awareness and hopefully to offer possibilities to prevent these complaints in the future.

Work-related stress and musculoskeletal complaints of orchestra musicians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Professional musicians are commonly affected by musculoskeletal discomfort. Understanding the association of such affections with psychic health may contribute to promote the health of such professionals. So, this study aimed at investigating associations between work-related stress and musculoskeletal complaints of orchestra musicians.METHODS: This study was developed with 22 orchestra musicians. Evaluation of the frequency of musculoskeletal complaints in different body regions and of work-related stress was carried out according to Theorell and Karasek's demand-control model.RESULTS: Most musculoskeletal complaints were on neck, left hemi-body and back. Forty one percent of musicians had perception of active work, with high demands (81%), high intellectual judgment (95.4%) and authority over decisions (72.7%). Musicians in general had positive perception of social support. Workers with work perception with major stress and active had most frequent complaints. Factors were presented with questions which may be allocated for future ergonomic interventions.CONCLUSION: A trend to more frequent muscle complaints of workers with work perception with higher demands was observed.

SAT0234 Confirmed High Prevalence of Axial Spondyloarthritis in a Validation Study of Primary Care Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (Cafaspa-2)

BackgroundIn 2010 we presented a prevalence of 21% fulfilling the ASAS classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (aSpA) in primary care patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) (CaFaSpA 1 study)1....

OCENA OBCIĄŻENIA UKŁADU RUCHU U ŁADOWACZY NIECZYSTOŚCI STAŁYCH

The aim of this work was to assess the load on the musculoskeletal system and its effects in the collectors of solid refuse. The rationale behind this study was to formulate proposals how to reduce excessive musculoskeletal load in this group of workers. The study group comprised 15 refuse collectors aged 25 to 50 years. Data about the workplace characteristics and subjective complaints of workers were collected by the free interview and questionnaire. During the survey the photorecording of the workpostures, the distance and velocity by GPS recorders, measurements of forces necessary to move containers, energy expenditure (lung ventilation method), workload estimation using the Firstbeat system and REBA method and stadiometry were done. The distance walked daily by the collectors operating in terms of 2 to 3 in urban areas was about 15 km, and in rural areas about 18 km. The most frequent musculoskeletal complaints concerned the feet (60% subjects), knees, wrists and shoulders (over 40% subjects). After work-shift all examined workers had vertebral column shorter by 10 to 14 mm (11.4 mm mean). The results of our study show that the refuse collectors are subjected to a very high physical load because of the work organization and the way it is performed. To avoid adverse health effects and overload it is necessary to undertake ergonomic interventions, involving training of workers to improve the way of their job performance, active and passive leisure, technical control of the equipment and refuse containers, as well as the renegotiation of contracts with clients, especially those concerning non-standard containers.

A Physician's Guide to the Physical Examination of the Shoulder

Shoulder pain is the third most frequent musculoskeletal complaint presented to physicians. Often considered a benign entity by patients and even their physicians, shoulder disorders can have a devastating effect on a patient's ability to function, as well as serve as an indicator of poor general health. For these reasons, it is important for the physician to be able to identify the etiology of a patient's shoulder problem(s). However, making a correct diagnosis is often difficult because there can be many causes for a patient's shoulder pain, weakness, or loss of function. Moreover, the shoulder girdle is an intricate group of structures that work together to allow for the largest range of motion in the body. This complexity makes it difficult to diagnose a patient's condition(s) based on history alone. A thorough and well-performed physical examination is the key to making a correct diagnosis and helping to distinguish different etiologies of shoulder dysfunction. In this article, we review relevant shoulder anatomy and biomechanics, and general shoulder examinations with special tests for various shoulder pathologies. We provide an effective and methodical approach to the physical examination of the shoulder.

Risk reduction in musculoskeletal practice assistance professional nursing pilot in semi intensive care unit

The hospitals mostly have a high level of complexity, diversity of services and, consequently, occupational risks. The tasks of mobilization and manual repositioning of patients may require professional of the physical demands due to the weight or excessive patient dependency, attitudes arising from inadequate to lean on a bed or work in a restricted area, sudden weight change that can occur if a patient loses balance or strength to change the position or while moving. These, among many other factors can cause or aggravate musculoskeletal problems in health care workers. These diseases translate into frequent musculoskeletal complaints, high rates of absenteeism, licenses and problems of prolonged labor, creating a vicious cycle that compromises patient safety and performance of institutions. The literature has suggested the administration of courses on handling and transportation of patients as one of the most important strategies to reduce the incidence of problems in the spine between the worker's healths. An exercise program emphasizing global distension and strength, mainly the posterior chain muscles (dorsal region), held twice a week, combined with an approach to ergonomics can reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and absenteeism in nursing.