High Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Problems Research Articles

Ergonomic implementation of movement interventions in healthcare from the point of view of the physiotherapist

Introduction: Healthcare workers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems, which are often associated with the physical demands of their work, especially with manual handling, lifting and helping patients with mobility. In this paper, we examined these interventions from the physiotherapist’s point of view, mainly with the help of biomechanics, and proposed appropriate ergonomic approaches to reduce risks of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: We analysed two basic interventions: helping patients to sit over the edge of the bed (starting in the supine position) and helping them to stand up. To determine the safest and most effective methods, we used a combined approach of biomechanics and ergonomics, and we also considered the patient’s cooperation in order to train independence and functionality. This approach has also been explained with the help of ergonomic principles. Results: The optimization of assisting patients to sit over the edge of the bed emphasized minimal lifting, gradual execution, effective rotation of partial centres of gravity, patient activation, use of levers (to use gravity), and rotation instead of lifting. When helping patients to stand up, it is most optimal for the healthcare worker to stand next to the patient, ideally on the side where the patient has preserved better functionality. All the proposed methods have proven to be more ergonomically effective and safe, and allow the patient to gain more independence and functionality. Discussion: By incorporating the principles of ergonomics and biomechanics, we can reduce the physical burdens of healthcare workers, which does not only improve the safety of healthcare providers, but also increases the safety and independence of patients. Our findings highlight the need to evaluate the relevance of traditional approaches to lifting and handling patients in healthcare. Conclusion: Incorporation of optimized methods into patient mobility curricula for healthcare professionals is suggested. Policy changes that focus on reducing manual tasks and lifting and include ergonomic interventions can play a key role in reducing work-related musculoskeletal problems.

Musculoskeletal Disorders among Traditional Bangladeshi Fishermen

Background: Fishing is one of the most important economic activities in riverine Bangladesh. We studied musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Bangladeshi fishermen which is generally high.Objective: To study patterns and extend of MSDs among Bangladeshi fishermen.Materials and Methods: A total 150 fishermen enrolled with at least six months employment history attended at out-patient department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital of Sirajganj district, Bangladesh, in this cross-sectional study using a random sampling procedure. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders. To determine the significance of age, BMI and working experience with pain and discomfort in different regions of the body, Pearson Correlation test was done.Results: Musculoskeletal disorder among fishermen due to extreme physical demand during the hauling of fishing nets on the raft in Jamuna River and its tributaries with the prevalence significantly higher. All body region were affected by musculoskeletal problems, among them the highest prevalence found in lower back and lowest in upper back (37.3%) region. There were significant associations of age with wrist pain (P=0.039), lower back pain (0.025) and knee pain (0.021). There was no significant association of BMI with any pain or discomfort. Total working experience of fishermen had significant association with pain or discomfort within last 12 months in shoulder (p=0.008), wrist (0.023), lower back (0.022) and knee (0.001).Conclusion: Long hours of fishing in a traditional fishing boat with age-old equipments adopting inconvenient ergonomic posture can lead high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among fishermen. KYAMC Journal Vol. 14, No. 01, April 2023: 11-15

Workplace musculoskeletal problems in occupational therapy students

BackgroundWorkplace musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of morbidity and disability in the Australian workforce. Over one in five occupational therapists report workplace musculoskeletal disorders, with almost half reporting workplace musculoskeletal symptoms. In other health professions, students and novice clinicians (≤5 years practice) experience greater risk but little is known about occupational therapy students.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a survey including the self-reported Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was administered to occupational therapy students post work-based training. Musculoskeletal problems were defined as aches, pains, numbness or discomfort. Questions explored body sites affected, prevalence, impact on activity, need for medical assistance, demographic and workplace information. Prevalence was reported using descriptive statistics. Factors associated with workplace musculoskeletal problems over the previous 12 months and last 7 days were examined using logistic regression modelling.ResultsResponse rate was 53% (n = 211/397). One-third of respondents (33.6%, n = 71/211) reported a workplace musculoskeletal problem over 12 months. Nearly half (47.9%, n = 34/71) of these students reported a problem over the last 7 days. Neck was the most commonly affected area reported for musculoskeletal problems over the past 12 months (24.2%, n = 51/211) and shoulder areas affected over the past 7 days (10.9%, n = 23/211). Musculoskeletal problems preventing daily activities were reported most commonly from lower back problems over 12 months (23.9%, n = 17/71) and for shoulder problems over the last 7 days (21.9%, n = 7/32). Shoulders and knees were the most common body areas requiring medical attention. Previous musculoskeletal problems and female gender were associated with reported problems over 12 months and last 7 days (p < 0.05). Non-standard joint mobility (OR = 3.82, p = 0.002) and working in psychosocially focused caseloads (including mental health or case management) (OR = 3.04, p = 0.044) were also associated with reporting musculoskeletal problems over the last 7 days.ConclusionsOne in three occupational therapy students already experience workplace musculoskeletal problems impacting daily activities and requiring medical assistance prior to graduation. High prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in this study calls for educators and researchers to find sustainable strategies to address these problems, with particular consideration to the impact of previous disorders and working in psychosocially focused caseloads on musculoskeletal health.

Need of Postural Awareness in School-going Children

Posture refers to the position a person assumes while sitting, standing, or lying down. Our skeleton is formulated to support our body without spending much energy even with the pull of gravity. If we adopt poor posture, our muscles have to carry out the job of skeleton. When this overload remains for hours or days, we habitually develop some movement-related problems which hamper us at both, workplace and home.Postural problems in children are more concerning because heavy backpacks are badly affecting school-going children. Growth rate of appendicular skeletal system halts around 16 years of age for females and 18 years for males. Secondary ossification of vertebrae stops in mid-twenties. Therefore, spine is vulnerable to injury for longer time period. Various risk factors like inadequate ergonomic conditions, improper school bags, classroom's furniture, prolonged poor sitting posture, repetitive tasks, sedentary lifestyle, and absence of exercise are hampering children on daily basis in terms of developing musculoskeletal disorders including shoulder, upper &amp; lower back and knee pain.In rural areas of Pakistan, children are used to sit on floor for prolonged period in schools due to unavailability of furniture, prolong sitting period which leads to many musculoskeletal disorders and eventually may cause spinal curvature to be poorly affected. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA )recommends that students should carry backpacks no more than 15% of their body w e i g h t . A b i l l h a s p a s s e d b y K h y b e r Pakhtunkhwa government that bag weights shouldn't be more than 7kg. Other provinces should also enact similar laws to protect children from postural problems. An international study found that carrying10-kg backpack on one shoulder brought about asymmetric gait which meant selecting bags with two-straps andhanging it on both shoulders can prevent the gait kinetics to be disturbed1. A study conducted in Pakistan onschool going children, analyzed 54.61%children with low back paindue to poor posture2. According to educational statistics 2016-17, in Pakistan, there are around 28.68 million school-going children which portrays that a significant number of population, due to unawareness, no ergonomic measures in classrooms, no postural adaptations, is at a greater riskfor developing posture-related musculoskeletal disorders and in near future, disability. It is the need of hour to promote postural education in Pakistan as a strategy to mitigate high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in school-going children. There is low awareness among parents and teachers about school bag weight limit, accurate carrying method, and proper posture. Many school administrations are acquainted with problems related to carrying heavy backpacks, but they pay no heed, so conducting seminars only isn't enough, the implementation and adaptation of correct posture in school is pivotal. There should be exercise session for 30 minutes per day to train bodies to preventpain onset and to improve body stance. Take into consideration that consuming proper diet alone is not enough to stay healthy, good posture equally matters for staying physically stable in long run.

Translation, validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Nepali version of WOMAC® LK 3.1.

Among many self-reported outcome measures, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) is one of the commonly used indexes for osteoarthritis patients. Despite high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in Nepal, there is no validated tool available in the local language. Thus, this study aimed to translate the English WOMAC® into Nepali, and validate it for use in the future. Guidelines by Beaton et al were followed for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original WOMAC into Nepali language. Diagnosed cases of knee osteoarthritis (OA) attending the rheumatology outpatient department of National Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Kathmandu were enrolled in the study. These patients were interviewed with the Nepali version. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlation between domains of WOMAC was tested with visual analog scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain and stiffness. The test-retest reliability was good with ICC of >0.75 for all domains and items. Internal consistency was acceptable with Cronbach's alpha scores of 0.852, 0.704 and 0.955 for pain, stiffness and physical function domains, respectively. Strong correlation was observed between WOMAC stiffness domain and VAS for stiffness and NRS for stiffness with rho (ρ) values of 0.750 and 0.759, respectively. Moderate correlation was seen between WOMAC pain and VAS for pain and NRS for pain with ρ of 0.658 and 0.584, respectively. Nepali WOMAC is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of disease severity and its impact in Nepali-speaking patients with OA.

Association of musculoskeletal disorders and workload with work schedule and job satisfaction among emergency nurses

BackgroundThe emergency department is a highly demanding work environment, considered by high workload and stress. The impact of work-related factors on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in emergency nurses (ENs) are not yet well understood. We investigated the association of MSDs and workload with work schedule (permanent day and night work) and job satisfaction in ENs. MethodData were collected through a questionnaire including individual and work-related factors, workload (National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index [NASA-TLX]) and MSDs (Standardized Nordic Questionnaire) from 380 ENs in five hospitals. ResultsThe findings revealed that work schedule and job satisfaction levels were significantly associated with the MSDs in different body regions. Work schedule was significantly related to physical demand, performance, frustration, and overall workload, whereas it was not to the mental and temporal demands and effort. Job satisfaction level was negatively associated with mental demand and frustration. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems, particularly in knees, upper back, lower back, neck and shoulders were found. ConclusionMSDs are highly prevalent among ENs involved in night work and with low job satisfaction levels. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for emergency hospital nurses. The findings can help to better understand the working conditions and emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions in order to reduce MSDs and workload. Also, the study findings highlight the importance of mental aspects of workload in this occupational group.

Psychosocial work aspects, stress and musculoskeletal pain among musicians. A systematic review in search of correlates and predictors of playing-related pain

Musicians face numerous psychosocial and physical demands at work resulting in high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. Unlike physical risks, little is known about psychosocial work factors influencing such health problems in this particular group. The paper aimed to identify psychosocial work demands resulting in musculoskeletal problems among musicians. A systematic review was undertaken to find data linking psychosocial work demands or stress with musculoskeletal disorders among musicians. The exploration of databases resulted in nine research studies linking psychosocial aspects of work or stress with musculoskeletal problems among musicians. The analyzed studies linked psychosocial aspects with musculoskeletal problems in three ways - showing proportions of people indicating particular causes of pain, indicating correlations between these variables or performing regression analysis showing psychosocial predictors of musculoskeletal pain. Only a few studies have undertaken the issue of psychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal problems among musicians. The results revealed that some psychosocial aspects of work, e.g. long hours at work, work content, high job demands, low control/influence, lack of social support, were related to musculoskeletal pain, however, the methods and results were inconsistent. The extant studies employed variety of definitions of psychosocial aspects that hindered the possibility for consistent conclusions. Basing on those conclusions, future directions were offered.

Assessment of functional and musculoskeletal problems, and barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services among the elderly in a rural community in Kano State, Nigeria

Functional and musculoskeletal problems are a major cause of disability among the elderly in the rural areas. Unfortunately, rehabilitation services are presently inadequate for this population in many parts of the world. This study evaluated the pattern of musculoskeletal disorders, functional status and barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services among the elderly in a rural community in Kano, Nigeria. This cross sectional survey was carried out using a Hausa translated version of the modified Older American Resource and Services (OARS) multidimensional functional assessment questionnaire and other instruments to assess the pattern of functional and musculoskeletal problems and barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services. The questionnaires were administered to 384 elderly consenting individuals (aged 60 years and above) who were recruited using cluster sampling. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 16.0. The results from this study revealed that the majority of the participants were females (59.9%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was significant (47%), mostly affecting the lower extremity joints and the spine. Generally, the participants were mostly independent in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL), such as feeding (92.5%), grooming (85.7%), money management (84.9%) and management of medication (83.9%). The results also showed that a few of the participants were dependent in bathing (10.2%), walking (9.9%) and dressing (9.9%). Furthermore, the majority (61.9%) of the participants who reported musculoskeletal problems had good ADL performance capacity rating. Almost all the participants (98%) reported that they have never heard of physiotherapy. Lastly, those with musculoskeletal problems reported that they mainly utilized traditional medicine or home remedies and their health-seeking behaviour was mainly determined by affordability (41.8%). It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among the participants of this study. Nevertheless, their level of function remained optimal. The study also identified lack of awareness, unavailability, affordability and accessibility as the major barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services among the participants. Keywords: elderly, musculoskeletal disorders, knowledge, disability, rural community, physiotherapy

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Young Dentists in Indonesia.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal problems are often work related. Dentists have been reported to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. Dentists have to perform repetitive tasks, often in awkward and nonergonomic positions in their practice.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Five-hundred copies of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were distributed to dentists who participated in a congress of a regional branch of the Indonesian Dentist Association. Data such as sex, length of practice, the presence of assistance, smoking, occupational stress, body mass index, hand dominance, and exercise were collected. Dentist who had practised for more than five years were excluded.Results: Two hundred and forty-one respondents fulfilled the research criteria. Musculoskeletal symptoms occurred in 63.5% respondents. Fatigue and pain were the most common manifestations of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists (36.5 and 24.9% respectively). Prolonged sitting was the most common aggravating factor (26.6%) while exercise successfully relieved symptoms in 35.3% of respondents. Neck, upper back and lower back were the most common sites involved with prevalence of 25.7, 22.4, and 20.7% respectively. Neck was also the most common site of the symptoms preventing normal work during the preceding 12 months (8.3%). Exercise and stress are associated with the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms (p=0.01 and p<0.01 respectively). Exercise is associated with fatigue (p<0.01) and click (p<0.01), stress is associated with pain (p=0.00), stiffness (p=0.00), fatigue (p<0.01), and discomfort (p<0.01).Conclusions: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in young dentists is 63.5%. Neck is the most common affected region. Stress and exercise are the main associated factor for musculoskeletal problems in dentists.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Australian dentists and orthodontists: Risk assessment and prevention.

As professionals work longer hours and live longer there have been concerns regarding the Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) affecting both professional and personal lives. Moreover, past decade has seen a surge in interest in all allied health sciences personnel with self reporting cross sectional studies. Health professionals often suffer WMSD due to occupational stress. It is important to assess the problem in order to find ways to prevent it. Hence, the focus of this cross-sectional survey. The aim was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSD between Australian dentists and orthodontists. A postal survey was sent to 447 Australian orthodontists and 450 Queensland dentists using the universal Nordic scale previously piloted at UQ and refined for this cross-sectional study. Questions were directed towards individuals, workplace and psychosocial variables and were designed to gather information regarding health, lifestyle, education, awareness of musculoskeletal problems and current preventative strategies. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was found for both dentists (88.9%) and orthodontists (83.6%) reported in the last 12 months. The main predictor in both groups was increased work stress. Less than a third of those professionals surveyed had received education regarding dental practice ergonomics during their tertiary education. Dentists and orthodontists experienced a high rate of musculoskeletal problems which were associated with increased levels of stress at work. Further research should be directed toward interventions aimed at reducing stress in the work environment as well as improving work posture.

MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Musculoskeletal disorders represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury and disability in the developed and industrially developing countries. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Iranian high school teachers was determined by using Nordic questionnaires as the diagnostic tool. Data on MSDs were analyzed in 231 high school teachers. The survey was performed four times, twice every year. The MSDs were defined using three definitions, based on the frequency, duration and pain intensity of the symptoms. Symptoms causing work interference in the last 12 months were reported by 35% male and 15% female participants at baseline. Low back symptoms were the most common cause of work impairment (male = 69%, female = 77%), followed by equality pain in the neck. Based on the participants report, during the last 24 months there were totally 35% male and 15% female days of sick leave due to MSDs. The study confirms that the high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems may prevent teachers from doing their jobs, resulting in work absenteeism, may decrease work productivity, and may incur direct and indirect costs. Future research will examine the impact of organizational of work.

Working Conditions in Carpet Weaving Workshops and Muscu-loskeletal Complaints among Workers in Tabriz - Iran.

Carpet weaving operations usualy involve poor working conditions that can lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigated MSDs among car¬pet weavers in relation to working conditions from workers' view in Tabriz City, Northwest Iran. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in city of Tabriz, Iran. Data were col¬lected using interviews and questionnaires. The study population consisted of 200 randomly selected healthy weavers from twenty five active carpet weaving workshops. The results showed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among the study population. The most commonly affected body areas were neck, lower back, ankles/feet, hands/wrists, upper back, shoulders and knees, respectively. More than half of the weavers were not satisfied with the thermal con¬dition, noise level and cleanliness of the air in the workshops. The result indicated a significant relation¬ship between upper back symptoms and daily working time and between lower back symptoms and the numbers of rows of knots woven in a day. Weavers' satisfaction with hand tools shape and thermal condi¬tion of the workshops were associated with lower back symptoms, whereas satisfaction with weaving looms were associated with upper back complaints. The poor working condition of hand-woven carpet workshops such as environmental con¬ditions and work station design and tools should be the subject of ergonomics interventions.

The effects of police duty belt and seat design changes on lumbar spine posture, driver contact pressure and discomfort

Police officers spend large amounts of time performing duties within a police cruiser and report a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. This study evaluated the effects of driver seat and duty belt design on posture, pressure and discomfort. Ten male and 10 female university students attended two sessions involving simulated driving in a standard police seat (CV) and an active lumbar support (ALS) seat. Participants wore a full duty belt (FDB) or reduced duty belt (RDB) in each seat. Lumbar postures, driver-seat and driver-duty belt pressures and perceived discomfort were measured. Gender × Seat interactions were found for pelvic (p = 0.0001) and lumbar postures (p = 0.003). Females had more lumbar flexion than males and were more extended in the ALS seat (−9.8 ± 11.3°) than CV seat (−19.8 ± 9.6°). The FDB had greater seat pressure than the RDB (p < 0.0001), which corresponded to increased pelvis discomfort. This study supports the use of an ALS seat and RDB to reduce injury risk associated with prolonged sitting in police officers. Practitioner Summary: Police officers report a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems to the lower back, associated with prolonged driving and further investigation is needed to reduce injury risk. This simulated driving study investigated seat and duty belt configuration on biomechanical measures and discomfort. Seat design had the greatest impact, regardless of gender and males benefited more from a reduced belt configuration.

EFFECT OF SHIP MOTION ON LOW BACK MOMENTS DURING MANUAL LIFTING

INTRODUCTION Performing heavy work (such as lifting) on a ship is associated with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems [1,2]. Lifting results in high low back loading [3], thereby affecting low back pain risk. Ship motion may have an additional effect on low back loading during lifting [4]. Depending on the timing of a lifting movement, ship motion can either increase (for example when a ship accelerates upwards) or decrease (for example when a ship accelerates downwards) low back loading. The aim of the present study was to find out to what extent ship motion affects the peak low back moment at the L5S1 joint during manual lifting on a ship at sea. Furthermore, it was investigated whether people are able to time their lifting movements in such a way that the effect of ship motion reduces peak low back moments.

Identification of high-risk groups among maintenance workers in a steel company with respect to musculoskeletal symptoms and workload.

To determine priorities for ergonomic improvements in five maintenance departments of a steel company, a study was carried out to identify groups with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems or a high exposure to unfavourable musculoskeletal workload. All workers were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire on musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal workload. Response rate in the five departments varied between 60 and 80% (n = 436). Symptoms of low back and neck-shoulder (12-month prevalence rates of 53% and 36%, respectively) were most common, but not higher in comparison with a reference group of 396 non-sedentary workers. Self-reported exposure rates to physical and psychosocial loads as well as poor climatic conditions were comparable with the reference group; only exposure to vibration was higher. Significant differences were seen between the five departments as well as between task groups with the departments. Several task groups with relatively high symptom rates and high exposure levels could be identified. It is concluded that a questionnaire survey can constitute a valuable contribution to the selection of high-risk task groups that need ergonomic intervention.