High Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Research Articles

Musculoskeletal symptoms associated with posterior load carriage: An assessment of manual material handling workers in Indonesia.

Concerns have been raised regarding the high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among manual material handling (MMH) workers. However, limited investigations have been undertaken among one large group of workers using a particular MMH method called posterior load carriage (PLC). This is typically done without the use of a backpack in developing countries, and involves exposure to known risk factors for MSS such as heavy loads, non-neutral postures, and high levels of repetition. To 1) determine the types and prevalence of MSS among PLC workers and the impacts of these MSS on workers, 2) explore job demands potentially contributing to MSS, and (3) obtain input from workers regarding possible improvements to facilitate future interventions. Structured interview applied to 108 workers to assess PLC worker characteristics and job demands in eight cities in Indonesia. MSS were reported in all anatomical regions evaluated, with symptoms most commonly reported at the lower back (72.2%), feet (69.4%), knees (64%), shoulders (47.2%), and neck (41.7%). Logistic regression indicated that MSS in the lower back were associated with longer work hours/day, MSS in the hands were associated with load mass, and MSS in the ankles/feet were associated with stature and load carriage frequency. MSS were reported to interfere with daily activity, but only few workers sought medical treatment. Possible improvements included the use of a belt, hook, or backpack/frame, and changes in the carriage method. The study suggests that PLC workers incur a relatively high MSS burden. Future studies are needed to develop and evaluate practical interventions and specific guidelines to improve working conditions and occupational health and safety for PLC workers.

FESS, fingers and other things--you are not alone!

The objectives of the study were: firstly, to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to the use of endoscope or body posture during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) among members of the British Rhinological Society (BRS); and secondly, to review the available literature and highlight posture recommendations during ESS. The study design consisted of a cross-sectional survey carried out among members of the BRS. The survey was distributed electronically and data was collected for statistical analysis. A total of 82 members responded to the questionnaire (22.4%); 78 respondents (94%) answered the main questions in the survey regarding the symptoms attributed to the use of endoscope or body posture during ESS. Fifty-three respondents (64%) completed all 19 questions. 58% and 59% of the 78 respondents reported suffering from pain and stiffness respectively. We found positive correlations between musculoskeletal symptoms and operating in the standing position and musculoskeletal symptoms and age. This survey reveals a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, attributed to ESS and body posture during surgery, among the British rhinologists who responded to the survey. ESS is evidently physically demanding on the surgeon with potential personal health hazards. This emphasizes the need to increase awareness among surgeons, familiarize ourselves with good operating posture habits and new ergonomic instruments and to create a drive to change operating theatre culture in an attempt to reduce these health risks.

Association of individual and work-related risk factors with musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian sewing machine operators

This cross-sectional study evaluated working conditions and the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 251 Iranian sewing machine operators. A questionnaire and direct observations of working postures using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method were used. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly in the neck/shoulders, back and hands/wrists were found. The mean RULA grand score of 5.7 highlighted a poor sewing workstation design and indicated that most operators (with posture assessed at action level 3) needed an investigation and changes in their working habits soon. Work-related factors (including number of years worked as an operator, prolonged working hours per shift, long duration of sitting work without a break, feeling pressure due to work and working postures) and individual factors (including age, gender, BMI and regular sport/physical activities) were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in multiple logistic regression models. The findings add to the understanding of working conditions of those jobs involving sewing activities and emphasise the need for ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the future.

Effects of task-oriented and impairment-focused circuit training on community mobility-related measures in chronic stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial

eligible. The recruitmentwasmade in thefirst pregnancy control, after the informed consent process was developed. They answered a questionnaire which included questions about presence of LPP and UI and quality of life, who was measured with EQ-5D questionnaire. Three measures was made to each subject, one in each trimester. Results: From a total of 112 women with 3 performed measures, a 90,1% begin the pregnancy with LPP. The movement or transfer were the most affected dimensions. During the second and third trimester, the prevalences of LPP were 89% and 91% respectively. In the first trimester of pregnancy, they reported a 27,9% of UI, this percentage was increased until a 51,4% of prevalence in the second trimester, and presented a value of 48,2% in third trimester. Related to quality of life, according to EQ-5D measures, the prevalences in the first, second and third trimesterwere 60%, 80%y70%respectively, and there was not statistically significant difference between thefirst and third trimester. The dimension of quality of life that reported more problem was pain. Conclusion(s): In this population, lumbopelvic pain prevalence is higher than those values reported in literature since the first stage of pregnancy, and it keeps high. The urinary incontinence prevalence also experimented a raise through pregnancy. Despite of these prevalences, quality of life in pregnants of this group is similar to the corresponding population, being higher in the second trimester, which is consisting with the biggest prevalence of UI and with a 88,9% of prevalence of LPP. It confirms the need to develop a program to educate and give treatment to musculoskeletal dysfunctions of pregnant women. Implications: Despite that lumbopelvic pain prevalences are higher than usually reported in pregnancy, specifically at the beginning of this one, it does not seem to lead to a poorer quality of life in these women. Adult Chilean women also have high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, according to theNationalHealth Survey 2009–2010, and they do not recognize this as a problem that affects their quality of life. Because of this, education for knowledge about the effectiveness of treatments for musculoskeletal problems, such as physical therapy interventions, should be the subject of future research and interventions.

Comparison of the working postures between male and female workers when using different information technology devices

Background: Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among computer users. However, past studies mainly focused on computer users only, to our knowledge, no study has examined the cumulative effect of time on postures when using smartphone. There were also few studies conducted to compare the gender difference on postures for the smartphone users. We believe that daily intensive use of the smartphone may contribute to a poor posture and increase the risk to obtain musculoskeletal symptoms.

FESS, fingers and other things - you are not alone!

The objectives of the study were: firstly, to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to the use of endoscope or body posture during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) among members of the British Rhinological Society (BRS); and secondly, to review the available literature and highlight posture recommendations during ESS. The study design consisted of a cross-sectional survey carried out among members of the BRS. The survey was distributed electronically and data was collected for statistical analysis. A total of 82 members responded to the questionnaire (22.4%); 78 respondents (94%) answered the main questions in the survey regarding the symptoms attributed to the use of endoscope or body posture during ESS. Fifty-three respondents (64%) completed all 19 questions. 58% and 59% of the 78 respondents reported suffering from pain and stiffness respectively. We found positive correlations between musculoskeletal symptoms and operating in the standing position and musculoskeletal symptoms and age. This survey reveals a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, attributed to ESS and body posture during surgery, among the British rhinologists who responded to the survey. ESS is evidently physically demanding on the surgeon with potential personal health hazards. This emphasizes the need to increase awareness among surgeons, familiarize ourselves with good operating posture habits and new ergonomic instruments and to create a drive to change operating theatre culture in an attempt to reduce these health risks.

Musculoskeletal symptoms amongst clinical radiologists and the implications of reporting environment ergonomics--a multicentre questionnaire study.

This multicentre study aimed to assess compliance of the reporting environment with best ergonomic practice and to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms related to working as a radiologist. All 148 radiology trainees and consultants in 10 hospitals across the region were invited to complete a musculoskeletal symptoms and reporting ergonomics questionnaire. Best ergonomic reporting practice was defined, following literature review, as being able to alter the following: monitor, desk, chair and armrest height, chair back support, ambient light, and temperature. The frequency that these facilities were available and how often they were used was determined. One hundred and twenty-three out of 148 (83%) radiologists responded, and 38% reported radiology-associated occupational injury. Lower back discomfort was the commonest radiology associated musculoskeletal symptom (41%). Only 13% of those with occupational injury sought the advice of occupational health. No reporting environments conformed completely to best ergonomic practice. Where certain facilities were available, less than a third of radiologists made personal ergonomic adjustments prior to starting a reporting session. Radiologists who had good self-assessed knowledge of best ergonomic practice had significantly less back discomfort than those with poor self-assessed knowledge (P < 0.005). We demonstrated high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms amongst radiologists. Poor compliance of the reporting environment with best ergonomic practice, in combination with our other findings of a low level of ergonomic awareness, low rates of making ergonomic adjustments and seeking appropriate help, may be implicated. We hope this study raises awareness of this issue and helps prevent long-term occupational injury amongst radiologists from poor ergonomic practice.

The effect of age and menopausal status on musculoskeletal symptoms in Chinese women aged 35–64 years

Objective To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at four different anatomical sites and the impact of menopause, age, and other factors on musculoskeletal symptoms.Methods Generally healthy women aged 35–64 years were recruited from a general community in Beijing, People's Republic of China. Data were collected with a questionnaire including the basic conditions, menopausal status, and frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms (rarely, occasionally or frequently) during the previous 2 weeks at the neck, lower back, knee and other sites. The prevalences of frequent symptoms were calculated for each site.Results A total of 743 women were enrolled in the study; 33.4% complained of frequent lower back pain, 31.0% of frequent knee pain, 29.7% of frequent neck pain, 25.6% of joint pain at other sites, 23.6% of joint stiffness and 21.1% of hand joint swelling. Postmenopausal women experienced a significantly higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms compared with premenopausal women. There was a peak in prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at early postmenopause. The prevalences of neck pain and lower back pain were not associated with age, but did increase during the perimenopausal stage. The prevalences of knee pain, joint stiffness and hand joint swelling increased significantly with age. Higher body mass index (BMI) was related to increased prevalences of knee pain, joint stiffness and hand joint swelling. Logistic regression analysis showed odds ratios for knee pain, joint stiffness and hand joint swelling of 2.256, 1.865 and 1.955, respectively, in the obese women (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2), compared with women with normal BMI (< 24 kg/m2).Conclusion Menopause is known to be a time of increased musculoskeletal symptoms, but the association of musculoskeletal symptoms with age and BMI also should be considered.

Subjective health complaints and psychosocial work environment among university personnel

Questionnaires are often used to study health problems in working populations. An association between self-reported symptoms and psychosocial strain has been suggested, but results from such studies are difficult to interpret, as a gender difference might be present. The knowledge in this area is not clear. To compare the prevalence of subjective health symptoms and their relation to psychosocial work strain among men and women in different age groups, all working as university staff. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among university personnel. The questionnaire included a subjective health complaint inventory consisting of 29 items about subjective somatic and psychological symptoms experienced during the last 30 days and psychosocial work factors. Regression analyses were performed. In total, 172 (86%) of 201 eligible employees participated. Women had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms than men. Significant differences were found between the genders for headaches, neck pain and arm pain. There was a significant relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and work strain for both genders. This was found for both men and women below 40 years and among men above the age of 40. No significant difference was found between genders regarding pseudoneurological, gastrointestinal, allergic and flu-like symptoms. More female than male university personnel reported musculoskeletal symptoms. The musculoskeletal symptoms were associated with high work strain in both genders, but, for women, this was limited to employees under the age of 40. The cause of this gender difference is unknown.

Prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares entre trabalhadores de um Serviço de Nutrição Hospitalar em São Paulo, SP

RESUMO OBJETIVO: identificar a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares entre trabalhadores de um serviço de nutrição de um hospital público. MÉTODO: estudo epidemiológico transversal com aplicação de questionários para 115 trabalhadores (representando 89% do quadro de pessoal) do serviço de nutrição de um hospital de cardiologia, em São Paulo, em 2007. O instrumento utilizado foi baseado no Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares de Kuorinka et al. (1987) para identificação de dor ou desconforto relacionados ao trabalho, localização e tipo de queixa, além de caracterizar a frequência, a intensidade e a duração dos sintomas. RESULTADOS: a média da idade dos trabalhadores foi de 37 ± 9,8 anos, 81% eram do sexo feminino, 58% possuíam Ensino Médio e o tempo médio de trabalho foi de 9,3 ± 7,5 anos em jornada de trabalho de 40 horas semanais. Do total de participantes, 89% referiram dor ou desconforto relacionados ao trabalho no último ano em membros inferiores (65%), ombros (55%), região lombar (39%), região cervical (37%), mãos/punhos/dedos (29%), coluna (28%), antebraço (28%) e cotovelos (10%). O movimento de andar e transportar carga foi a causa mais citada para os sintomas (31%). CONCLUSÃO: entre os trabalhadores do serviço, a prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares foi alta, principalmente nos membros inferiores e nos ombros. Recomendam-se novas pesquisas que incluam a avaliação do ambiente e das atividades desenvolvidas pelos trabalhadores.

School Bag Weight and the Occurrence of Shoulder, Hand/Wrist and Low Back Symptoms among Iranian Elementary Schoolchildren.

Schoolchildren usually use school bags to carry their school materials. Carry-ing heavy school bags can cause several problems such as musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the weight of school bags and the occurrence of low back, shoulder and hand/wrist symptoms among pri-mary school children. This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted among a sample of 307 elementary school children in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire and from measurement of the school bag weight, body weight and height of each participant. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The average load carried by schoolchildren was 2.9 kg, representing approximately 10% of the children's body weight. Girls and lower grade children carried a greater percent-age of their body weights. Approximately 86% of the children reported some kind of muscu-loskeletal symptoms. The occurrence of shoulder, wrists/hands, and low back pain among school-children was 70%, 18.5% and 8.7%, respectively. The results of binary logistic regres-sion indicated that the school bag weight (expressed as a percentage of body weight) was only significantly associated with hand/wrist symptoms (P<0.05). Girls were more likely to com-plaint from low back pain than boys were. Age was significantly negatively associated with hand/wrist symptoms. Body mass index was also significantly associated with shoulder symptoms. The results indicate a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among elemen-tary schoolchildren. Preventive measures and appropriate guidelines with regard to safe load carriage in schoolchildren are therefore needed to protect this age group.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to gender, age, and occupational/industrial group

Although musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are common worldwide, little is known about its prevalence amongst the working population in relation to gender, age, and occupational/industrial group. This paper describes the prevalence of MSS in a sample of 3003 men and women aged 20–64 randomly selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll. MSS experienced during the previous 12 months in 10 body regions was assessed in telephone interviews using a modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). MSS prevalence was 92% (for any body region). The highest prevalence was for low back (54%), neck (43%), and shoulders (42%). Females reported a statistically significantly higher prevalence of MSS in the neck, shoulders, wrist/hands, upper back and hips/thighs/buttocks regions compared to males while males reported more symptoms of the elbows, low back and knees. There were no statistically significant differences in prevalence among age groups. In general, participants with heavy physical workloads had significantly higher prevalence of symptoms in most body regions than those with light physical workloads although women with light physical workloads reported more neck symptoms. The study indicates that the New Zealand working population has a high prevalence of MSS and that exposure in the workplace plays a role. Relevance to industry The findings of this study imply that efforts to reduce MSS in the workplace should focus on females and employees with high physical workloads.

Musculoskeletal disorders of female workers and ergonomics problems in five different industries of a developing country.

An ergonomics survey was carried out using interviews based on Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for evaluating musculoskeletal disorders of 1,000 female workers in five different industries in Thailand, viz. garment, fertilizer, pharmaceutical, textile, and cigarette. A checklist used in an ILO study for examining ergonomics problems was used for identifying ergonomics problems. The results show that about 50% of the female workers experienced a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in their lower backs, particularly the textile workers. The musculoskeletal symptoms of each body region were significant in each industry during the last year and the preceding 7 days (p < 0.05). Other ergonomics problems in the survey industries included heavy manual handling, prolonged sitting and standing, awkward work postures, poor machine design and operation, high repetitive and monotonous movements, poor work organization, and unsatisfactory working environments. Based on the results of this survey, it became obvious that ergonomics problems related to occupational health and safety of female workers seem to fall into three categories: (i) poor working practices and workplace programmes without sufficient knowledge of ergonomics principles, (ii) lack of adjustment to local population of imported machinery and equipment and their use, and (iii) lack of appropriate work organization. The findings demonstrate the need and the importance for ergonomics intervention in industrially developing country using low-cost improvements and appropriate training methods. It also indicates that research in ergonomics applications is needed, considering the specific characteristics of the industrially developing country.

The relationship between upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to work and risk factors in office workers

Office workers are exposed to various individual, work-related and psychosocial factors during work that have been associated with the development of musculoskeletal symptoms. There is an increasing in evidence that suggests that musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper extremity are very common among office workers. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of individual, work-related physical and psychosocial factors on the prevalence of shoulder, elbow and wrist/hand symptoms attributed to work in office workers. A self-administered questionnaire was delivered to 2,000 office workers in 54 workplaces in Bangkok, registered at the Social Security Office of Thailand. A total of 1,428 subjects (71%) returned the questionnaire, of whom 1,185 were eligible for the study. Alcohol consumption, frequency of working in an uncomfortable posture and relationships with colleagues were each significantly related to the prevalence of experiencing shoulder symptoms. No significant association between the investigated factors and the prevalence of experiencing elbow symptoms was found. Frequency of working in the position that hands were above the shoulder level and self-rated perception of air circulation in the office were significantly associated with the prevalence of experiencing wrist/hand symptoms. Various individual, work-related and psychosocial factors were identified to be associated with high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to work in the shoulder and wrist/hand among office workers. Further research investigating the causal relation between these factors and musculoskeletal symptoms should be conducted.

Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Drivers of All-Terrain Vehicles in Northern Sweden

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a group of machines that do not operate on prepared roads. Off-road use of these fast-moving machines results in the driver being exposed to high magnitudes of vibration and shock. It is estimated that there are up to 20,000 people in Sweden that uses ATVs during their work, such as forest machines, snowmobiles, snowgroomers, motorcycles, and three- and four-wheeled vehicles. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the risk for musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back among professional drivers of ATVs. Data from 215 male drivers of forest machines, 137 drivers of snowmobiles, 79 drivers of snowgroomers and 167 men randomly selected from the general population to act as a control group were collected. All subjects were from the four most northern counties in Sweden. Musculoskeletal symptoms during the previous year were assessed using the standardised Nordic questionnaire. Prevalence rate ratios were adjusted for age, smoking and job strain. Results showed that all driver categories had significantly increased prevalence rate ratios (1.5-2.9) for experiencing symptoms in the neck-shoulder and thoracic regions. Unlike findings from previous epidemiological studies, there was not an increased risk of low back pain among any of the driver categories compared to the control group. The higher prevalence of musculoskeletal problems is thought to be due to long-term exposure to physical factors, such as, whole-body vibration (WBV) and shock, static muscle overload and extreme body postures. The findings in this study highlight the fact that working with ATVs may cause, aggravate or prevent resolution of musculoskeletal symptoms. However, the exact cause of these problems is unclear and the interaction between vibration and body posture is not known. The authors believe however that it is necessary to reduce exposure to WBV and shock to decrease the high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among professional ATV drivers. This may be done by implementing preventative measures, such as selecting the best vehicle model or seat, optimising driving style and minimizing use in rough terrain. Health surveillance seems to be important for people that regularly use ATVs in their work.

Musculoskeletal symptoms among truck assembly workers.

Concerns were raised about the possibility of a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a truck assembly plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a group of truck assembly workers. A cross-sectional study of 461 truck assembly workers was carried out using a modified version of the Nordic questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12). Employees were further subdivided into three distinct occupational subgroups: skilled line workers (252), bench subassembly workers (108) and material handlers (101). Responses were analysed according to occupational subgroup. Seventy per cent of 461 truck assembly workers responded to the questionnaires. Seventy-nine per cent of respondents had been troubled with musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months. The commonest musculoskeletal symptoms were from the lower back (65%), neck (60%) and shoulders (57%). Musculoskeletal symptoms were related to age, length of service, occupational subgroup and GHQ12 score. There was a high reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in this group of truck assembly workers, with a differing pattern of symptom reporting depending on occupational subgroup. Risk reduction recommendations were made to the site management. A further study investigating the relationship between symptoms and specific hazards is planned.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in cold exposed and non-cold exposed workers

A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was carried out to explore the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and cold exposure in a large meat processing company in Colombia. All workers in the packing areas ( n=162) were recruited: 50 workers from very cold areas (+2°C) and 112 workers from less severely exposed areas (range +8°C to +12°C). Thermal environmental conditions were measured in both areas. By Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, there was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the more exposed workers, especially for low back, neck and shoulders. The prevalence ratios for neck and low back symptoms interfering with usual work were 11.2 (95% CI 1.3–93.4) and 4.5 (95% CI 1.6–12.4), respectively. Job features that could not be addressed in this study included work shift (day versus night), adequacy of thermal protective clothing, type of contract with the company and psychosocial conditions at work. The association between cold exposure and musculoskeletal problems is plausible but the mechanism is still obscure and there is a need for further research, both experimental and epidemiologic (preferably cohort studies). Relevance to industry Industries that have environments with cold exposure might consider measures such as warm rooms for breaks and thermal protective clothing as part of a program to reduce the prevalence of workers’ musculoskeletal symptoms.

Reduced bone formation in UK Gulf War veterans: a bone histomorphometric study

Aims: Gulf War veterans report a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The aim of this study was to establish whether there were abnormalities in bone turnover and remodelling in a...

Musculoskeletal exposure of manual spray painting in the woodworking industry – an ergonomic study on painters

In the present study the ergonomic conditions of manual spray painting in the woodworking industry have been studied. Manual spray painting is, despite rationalisations, quite common in the Swedish woodworking industry. Interviews with spray painters showed that they had higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in their right shoulder compared with other workers with manual work. A majority of the spray painters painted work-pieces lying on a work-table. A majority of these painters abduct the right upper-arm so much when painting the horizontal surface of the work-piece that they risk supraspinatus tendinitis. The upper-arm abduction when painting horizontal surfaces could be decreased without introducing new ergonomic disadvantages by installing work-tables with powered height control or possibly also by changing the geometry of the spray gun. Gripping the spray gun trigger was for some of the painters identified as causing a high risk for WMSD in the wrist. Lower spray gun trigger force would improve the situation. This could be done by the users in several ways, such as greasing the trigger mechanism and/or decreasing the spring pressure on the fluid needle. Relevance to industry The study highlights some major ergonomic problems for a fairly large group of workers in the woodworking industry.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Aluminium Workers

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in workers in the aluminium industry, and to test the relationship with work by using the duration of employment as a measure of exposure. A total of 5654 workers (92%) answered a questionnaire. Operators, who were more exposed to physically demanding work, showed a greater incidence of MSS than did office workers. Among operators, the duration of employment was significantly correlated with MSS in nine out of ten areas of the body, when adjusted by multiple regression analyses for age, gender, height, weight, smoking and physical activity. Among office workers this relationship was weaker and was significant only for neck and lower back areas. The higher prevalence of MSS among operators and the association between their duration of employment and MSS suggests that a higher risk of MSS is related to the working environment.