High Rates Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Physical health, primary care utilization and long-term quality of life in borderline personality disorder: A 10-year follow-up study in a Spanish sample

ObjectiveWe aimed to study physical health and primary care utilization in the long-term course of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and their impact on quality of life (QOL) in a Spanish clinical sample. MethodsThis study is part of a longitudinal study following a clinical cohort with BPD. A total of 41 participants were re-evaluated at 10-year follow-up, when current medical conditions, primary care utilization, and quality of life were assessed. Comparative population data were extracted from the Catalan Health Survey ESCA. Results68% of BPD patients reported physical health problems, and 32% informed of multiple medical illnesses at follow-up. Higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders and frequent use of general practitioner (GP) consultations were reported by BPD patients compared to the general population. Differences in physical health and use of primary care services between remitted and non-remitted BPD patients were not significant. BPD remission was independently associated with better long-term QOL. Comorbid somatic diseases worsened the long-term QOL of non-remitted BPD patients. ConclusionChronic somatic conditions are prevalent in people with BPD and interact negatively with persistent BPD pathology, worsening their QOL in the long-term. Health care strategies in the assistance of long-lasting BPD patients are recommended.

Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life for Chilean teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the academic year-end.

Schoolteachers have reported multiple demands contributing to poor perceptions regarding their quality of life and high rates of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few studies about the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life from the end of the academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluate musculoskeletal disorders rates and their association with quality of life perceptions among teachers from the last academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total sample of 161 Chilean schoolteachers was included in a cross-sectional study musculoskeletal disorders prevalence was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated through the Short-Form 12 Health Survey Instrument. A logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life perceptions adjusted by gender, age, and contract type. 98% of teachers have suffered from some type of musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months, and 64% have had six or more painful regions. Women showed a higher musculoskeletal disorders rate than men. The group of teachers with the most musculoskeletal disorders (≥p50) saw significantly greater risk of low scores on the physical (OR: 2.16; p < 0.05) and mental components (OR: 4.86; p < 0.01) of quality of life, regardless of gender, age, and contract type. High musculoskeletal disorders rates suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders in order to protect teachers' mental and physical health, considering the effects of the school year and the COVID-19 health crisis.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Self-Employed Female Tailors in Selected Places of Bengaluru

Background &amp; purpose: Work -related musculoskeletal disorders have been known to affect workers in a widevariety of occupations and are major causes of lost time from work, worker’s disability, increase in compensationclaims and health care costs. The pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders has been reported to varyamong different occupational groups. Tailoring involves monotonous, highly repetitive tasks like cutting,assemble, pressing and finishing performed in sitting working posture with upper back curved and head bentover the sewing machine. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and risk oflow back pain among self-employed female tailors.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at selected places of Bengaluru. 70 subjects were selected basedon the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were screened for work-related musculoskeletal disorder using NordicMusculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire and low back pain using Modified Oswestery lower back disability index.Results: The results were statistically analyzed. The study found high rate of musculoskeletal disorders amongself-employed female tailors. More than 79.2% of tailors suffered from musculoskeletal pain and lower back werethe most prevalent site.Conclusion: The study found high rate of musculoskeletal disorders among self-employed female tailors. Morethan 79.2% of tailors suffered from musculoskeletal pain and lower back were the most prevalent site. Frequentbreaks during work period and back support would reduce the musculoskeletal stress on lumbar region. Basedon the observations made, the study concluded that there is ample scope for ergonomic improvement keepingin view the need for maximum comfort to the tailors to promote their health and well-being and enhance theirproductivity and quality of work.

The effect of pinch span on pinch force sense in healthy participants.

The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of pinch span on the perception of pinch force in typical participants. The healthy participants (10 males and 10 females) conducted an ipsilateral force reproduction test with three distinct pinch spans (2, 4, and 6 cm) at three distinct forces of 10%, 30%, and 50% maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The findings revealed a significantly greater consistency (lower variable error (VE)) of 4 cm compared with 2 and 6 cm pinch spans. Our study also showed that the participants might use a larger force (more overestimated) output for larger pinch spans (4 and 6 cm) than small pinch spans (2 cm). These results may offer significant insights into the higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders among females, enabling researchers and clinicians to design novel interventions and tools to improve pinch force perception and reduce hand injury rates in males and females.

Exploring Sex Differences and Force Level Effects on Grip Force Perception in Healthy Adults.

This study aimed to explore the effect of sex and force level on grip force reproduction in healthy adults by conducting a force reproduction task. Participants (n = 28) were instructed to replicate a range of reference grip force levels (10-130N in 10N increments). We found that women (absolute error: 16.2 ± 8.7N) replicated these force levels more accurately than men (absolute error: 23.1 ± 9.5N) at higher force levels (90-130N). Furthermore, the force reproductions were most accurate at the 30-50N range for men and the 50-60N range for women. These results may offer significant insights into the higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders among women, enabling researchers and clinicians to design novel interventions and tools that can improve grip force perception and reduce hand injury rates in both men and women.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated With Quality of Life and Body Composition in Urban and Rural Public School Teachers.

Introduction: Teachers have been reported to be a labor group with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), stress, and strong deterioration of quality of life (QoL). However, little information exists about the association between MSD, QoL, and body composition in rural and urban teachers.Objective: The aim was to study the association of MSD with QoL perception and body composition of urban and rural teachers.Participants and Methods: Participants are comprised a representative sample of urban and rural public schoolteachers from the Valparaiso Region, Chile. MSDs were evaluated with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptoms validated for the Chilean population. QoL perception was evaluated with the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36). Body composition was measured via bioimpedance. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between MSD, QoL, and body composition, adjusted for age and gender.Results: A total of 88.9% (urban 90%; rural 87%) of teachers felt pain in some body area, 71.2% of them with limitations; 39% of teachers presented body fat obesity, with the highest rate in rural women. The body area with the greatest MSD prevalence was the neck and shoulders (68.6%). Significant differences were observed between teachers with >p75 of MSD (over six pain regions) and those with ≤p75 (six or fewer painful regions; p < 0.05) on six QoL scales and on physical health components (PCSs) and mental health (MCS) in urban teachers. However, rural teachers presented no differences. The association between teachers with >p75 MSD and low QoL perception was significant (p < 0.05) in PCS and MCS. Furthermore, the regression model presents a significant association between rural areas and low PCS perception.Conclusions: Urban and rural teachers present high rates of MSD and obesity. Teachers with higher rates of MSD have their mental and physical QoL affected, making workplace intervention in MSD necessary to prevent teacher health deterioration.

High Rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Hygienists

High Rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Hygienists

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Egyptian printing workers evidenced by using serum biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, muscle injury, and collagen type I turnover.

Printing workers experience a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aims to determine the prevalence of MSDs, estimate serum biomarkers denoting musculoskeletal tissue changes, and determine some individual risk factors for MSDs among Egyptian printing workers. Eighty-five male printing workers and 90 male administrative employees (control group) were recruited from a printing press in Giza. A validated version of the standardized Nordic questionnaire was used. Serum biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP)), cell stress or injury (malondialdehyde (MDA) and creatine kinase skeletal muscle (CK-MM)), and collagen metabolism (collagen-I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) and type-I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTx)) were measured for all participants. This study showed a significant (p < 0.001) prevalence of the musculoskeletal symptoms (76.5%) and significant (p < 0.001) elevation in the levels of all measured biomarkers among the printing workers (means ± SD: IL-1α = 1.55 ± 0.9, IL-1β = 1.53 ± 0.87, IL-6 = 1.55 ± 0.85, TNF-α = 4.9 ± 2.25, CRP = 6.78 ± 3.07, MDA = 3.41 ± 1.29, CK-MM = 132.47 ± 69.01, PICP = 103.48 ± 36.44, and CTx = 0.47 ± 0.16) when compared with their controls (prevalence: 34.4%; means ± SD: IL-1α = 0.88 ± 0.61, IL-1β = 0.96 ± 0.72, IL-6 = 1.03 ± 0.75, TNF-α = 2.56 ± 1.99, CRP = 2.36 ± 1.1, MDA = 0.85 ± 0.21, CK-MM = 53.48 ± 33.05, PICP = 56.49 ± 9.05, and CTx = 0.31 ± 0.06). Also, significant (p < 0.001) positive strong associations were observed between age, body mass index (BMI), and the duration of employment with all measured biomarkers, where all correlation coefficients were >0.7. Printing workers suffer a high prevalence of work-related MSDs that might be related to some individual factors (age, BMI, and duration of employment). Consequently, preventive ergonomic interventions should be applied. Further studies should be done to elucidate the link between tissue changes and detected biomarkers to follow the initiation and progression of MSDs and study the effectiveness of curative interventions.

Safety Voice for Ergonomics (SAVE): Evaluation of a masonry apprenticeship training program

BackgroundMasons have a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers and greater than all other industries. Viable solutions to musculoskeletal hazards have been identified by industry stakeholders, yet masons receive minimal ergonomics training. Apprentices, as the next generation of masons, need training and strategies to identify and speak up about ergonomic and safety issues on job sites. To fill this gap, our team developed the Safety Voice for Ergonomics (SAVE) training program. MethodsThe interactive, 7-unit SAVE program was developed specifically for masonry brick and block apprentices. This innovative training contains detailed ergonomics lessons focusing on risk factors and solutions specific to this masonry craft. It also contains lessons that provide communication and problem solving strategies. Evaluation of SAVE employed a randomized control trial designed to assess the effectiveness of SAVE for apprentices over a six-month period. ResultsOur findings demonstrated that compared to controls, SAVE trained apprentices used their safety voice more (P = .049) and had greater safety participation (P = .028). They adopted more ergonomic practices such as adjusting scaffolding (P = .016) and using better body postures (P = 042). Apprentices liked SAVE and indicated that it prompted them to change workplace safety behaviors. ConclusionsSAVE is an effective program, providing needed ergonomic and safety communication training for workers as they begin their trade. The broad adoption of SAVE training by the masonry industry has the potential to empower apprentices, elevate the trade's safety culture, and ultimately reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

Effect of wrist position on grip force sense in healthy adults

AbstractTo achieve a better understanding of the causes of higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders and to develop preventive strategies to decrease the risk of injury and optimally design hand tools, it is necessary to understand the effects of both wrist position and force level on grip force sense. In this study, the effects of both wrist position and force level on grip force sense in healthy males during an ipsilateral force reproduction task were investigated. Twenty healthy subjects were instructed to produce varying levels of target forces (i.e., 10%, 30%, and 50% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) for five wrist positions (i.e., neutral position, full radial deviation, full ulnar deviation, full‐extension, and full flexion), and to reproduce these forces using the same hand. The results of our study revealed that the absolute error, constant error, and MVIC decreased as the wrist joint angle deviated from the neutral position. Subjects had a more accurate estimation of medium target force (30% MVIC), while low target force (10% MVIC) was overestimated and high target force (50% MVIC) was underestimated, in contrast to most previous studies.

Effect of Repositioning Aids and Patient Weight on Biomechanical Stresses When Repositioning Patients in Bed.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to estimate the risk of injury when repositioning patients of different weight with commonly used repositioning aids.BackgroundRepositioning dependent patients in bed is the most common type of patient handling activity and is associated with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers. Several studies have evaluated repositioning aids, but typically for a single patient weight and often without estimating risk of injury based on biomechanical analysis.MethodTen nurses performed four repositioning activities on three participants (50, 77, 141 kg) using three repositioning aids (pair of friction-reducing sheets [FRS], turn and position glide sheet, air-assisted transfer device) and a draw sheet. Motion capture, hand forces, and ground reaction forces were recorded. Spine loading was estimated using a dynamic biomechanical model.ResultsHand forces and spine compression exceeded recommended limits for most patient weights and repositioning tasks with the draw sheet. FRS and glide sheet reduced these loads but still exceeded recommended limits for all but the 50-kg patient. Only the air-assisted transfer device reduced forces to accepted levels for all patient weights. Physical stresses were relatively low when turning patients.ConclusionMost repositioning aids are insufficient to properly mitigate risk of musculoskeletal injury in healthcare workers. Only the air-assisted transfer device was sufficient to adequately mitigate the risk of injury when moving patients of average or above-average weight.ApplicationTo safely move dependent patients, a robust solution requires mechanical lifts and may utilize air-assisted transfer devices for patient transfers.

Lesões músculo esqueléticas relacionadas ao trabalho da enfermagem

Objetivo: identificar o perfil das lesões músculo esqueléticas ocasionadas durante o trabalho da enfermagem. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório com abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 42 profissionais da equipe de enfermagem de uma unidade de pronto atendimento na cidade de Caxias-MA. A coleta de dados deu-se por meio de dois instrumentos: um com a caracterização sociodemográfica e outro com o questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares (QNSO). Resultados: As principais queixas dos profissionais de enfermagem foram dor na região dorsal e lombar (19%), houve uma porcentagem igual dos que referiram desconforto na região do pescoço e ombro (11,9%), pescoço e zona dorsal (11,9%), pescoço e zona lombar (11,9%), seguida por ombro (9,5%). O perfil dos profissionais caracteriza-se por uma alta prevalência do sexo feminino (81,0%), sendo essas em sua maioria técnicas de enfermagem (62,6%), evidenciando que a enfermagem continua sendo uma profissão predominantemente feminina e por elas não possuírem o mesmo potencial de desenvolvimento muscular dos homens estão mais sujeitas a desenvolverem Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORT). Conclusão: A alta taxa de distúrbios osteomusculares entre os trabalhadores poderá ser o início da conscientização para que os gestores e colaboradores das instituições busquem em conjunto, soluções para redução da ocorrência desses agravos sobre as condições de trabalho desses profissionais.

Bathing frail seniors at home: Home care providers' approaches.

Home care providers assisting with seniors' personal care often experience high rates of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly affecting the lower back. Assisting with bathing is consistently identified as one of their most physically demanding activities. To identify and describe care providers' procedures for assisting a frail senior to bathe that are likely to contribute most to the development of back injuries. Eight community-based personal support workers (home care aides) assisted a frail senior (actor) to bathe in a simulated home bathroom. Video recordings of the activity were coded according to providers' postures and to characterize techniques for providing care. Exposure to severe trunk flexion and high posture-induced back loads was greatest during transfers in and out of the bathtub. In particular, lifting the legs over the rim of the tub, assisting the client to shift across the bath transfer bench, and providing care to the legs and feet involved the care provider spending substantial time in highly flexed postures. No observed techniques for these activities showed substantially lower exposures. Further tools and/or techniques must be identified or developed to improve caregiver safety during these strenuous activities.

The burden of musculoskeletal disorders in Mexico at national and state level, 1990-2016: estimates from the global burden of disease study 2016.

We describe premature mortality and disability due to musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in Mexico at national and state level from 1990 to 2016. Using data from the global burden of disease study 2016 (GBD 2016), we present rates and trends in years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by MSK disorders in Mexico by state from 1990 to 2016. The burden of MSK disorders was computed using standard GBD methodology. To compare the burden of MSK disorders across the country, states were grouped by sociodemographic index (SDI). In Mexico, MSK disorders were the 3rd and 17th greatest cause of YLDs and YLLs in 2016, respectively, accounting for 1.95 million (95% UI 1.4-2.5) DALYs. Among all MSK disorders, low back and neck pain had the highest all-ages DALYs rate and represented 3.6% of total DALYs. All-ages YLLs and YLDs rates of MSK disorders were 234 and 37% higher in females (YLLs 102.2, 95% UI 79.9-110.7; YLDs 1677.9, 95% UI 1213.5-2209.4) than in males (YLLs 30.6, 95% UI 28.3-34.0; YLDs 1224.7, 95% UI 887.2-1608.3), respectively. Northern and high SDI states had higher rates of MSK disorders in comparison with southern and low SDI states. Only 16% of YLDs caused by all MSK disorders could be attributed to risk factors currently assessed in GBD. MSK conditions are an important cause of premature mortality and disability. Researcher engagement and cross-sectorial actions to address the burden of MSK disorders are essential.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Indian railway sahayaks

Railway sahayak or also known as coolie is one of the oldest occupations in India. This occupational group is continuously subjected to various musculoskeletal problems due to repetitive load exertion in unnatural postures. The present research aims to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Indian railway sahayaks. A cross-sectional study has been conducted on a sample of 51 male sahayaks. With a modified Nordic questionnaire, data were collected on their demographics, work, and musculoskeletal pain history. Electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius muscle of selected 12 healthy sahayaks having no history of neck-shoulder complaints were analyzed under different load lifting and carrying conditions. Additionally, ergonomic risk levels were recorded using Rapid Entire Body Assessment method. The questionnaire revealed that for the past 1year prevalence, the most affected body regions of railway sahayaks were neck (47%), shoulder (51%), lower back (43%), and knee (47%). The association between age group and MSDs in different body regions were found significant (p=0.012 for neck, p=0.017 for shoulder, etc.). Work experience also had a significant relation to the MSDs in different body regions (p=0.013 for shoulder,p=0.023 for calf, etc.). Analysis of variance reveals high significance level between EMG values and tasks performed by the sahayaks. In conclusion, railway sahayaks were found to have high rate of MSDs which may be associated with lifting/carrying heavy loads in awkward postures. Ergonomic interventions must be implemented to reduce the risk level on this group of workers.

Safety voice for ergonomics (SAVE) project: protocol for a workplace cluster-randomized controlled trial to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in masonry apprentices.

BackgroundMasons have the highest rate of overexertion injuries among all construction trades and rank second for occupational back injuries in the United States. Identified ergonomic solutions are the primary method of reducing exposure to risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. However, many construction workers lack knowledge about these solutions, as well as basic ergonomic principles. Construction apprentices, as they embark on their careers, are greatly in need of ergonomics training to minimize the cumulative exposure that leads to musculoskeletal disorders. Apprentices receive safety training; however, ergonomics training is often limited or non-existent. In addition, apprenticeship programs often lack “soft skills” training on how to appropriately respond to work environments and practices that are unsafe. The SAVE program – SAfety Voice for Ergonomics – strives to integrate evidence-based health and safety training strategies into masonry apprenticeship skills training to teach ergonomics, problem solving, and speaking up to communicate solutions that reduce musculoskeletal injury risk. The central hypothesis is that the combination of ergonomics training and safety voice promotion will be more effective than no training or either ergonomics training alone or safety voice training alone.Methods/designFollowing the development and pilot testing of the SAVE intervention, SAVE will be evaluated in a cluster-randomized controlled trial at 12 masonry training centers across the U.S. Clusters of apprentices within centers will be assigned at random to one of four intervention groups (n = 24 per group): (1) ergonomics training only, (2) safety voice training only, (3) combined ergonomics and safety voice training, or (4) control group with no additional training intervention. Outcomes assessed at baseline, at the conclusion of training, and then at six and 12 months post training will include: musculoskeletal symptoms, general health perceptions, knowledge of ergonomic and safety voice principles, and perception and attitudes about ergonomic and safety voice issues.DiscussionMasons continue to have a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders. The trade has an expected increase of 40 % in the number of workers by 2020. Therefore, a vetted intervention for apprentices entering the trade, such as SAVE, could reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders currently plaguing the trade.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02676635, 2 February 2016

A conceptual model of musculoskeletal disorders for occupational health practitioners

A conceptual model of musculoskeletal disorders for occupational health practitioners

Exploring physical exposures and identifying high-risk work tasks within the floor layer trade

IntroductionFloor layers have high rates of musculoskeletal disorders yet few studies have examined their work exposures. This study used observational methods to describe physical exposures within floor laying tasks. MethodsWe analyzed 45 videos from 32 floor layers using Multimedia-Video Task Analysis software to determine the time in task, forces, postures, and repetitive hand movements for installation of four common flooring materials. We used the WISHA checklists to define exposure thresholds. ResultsMost workers (91%) met the caution threshold for one or more exposures. Workers showed high exposures in multiple body parts with variability in exposures across tasks and for different materials. Prolonged exposures were seen for kneeling, poor neck and low back postures, and intermittent but frequent hand grip forces. ConclusionsFloor layers experience prolonged awkward postures and high force physical exposures in multiple body parts, which probably contribute to their high rates of musculoskeletal disorders.

The relationship between shoulder disorders and instrument group in professional Australian orchestral musicians

BackgroundProfessional musicians have high rates of musculoskeletal disorders, but few studies have analysed the risk of shoulder pain and injury by instrument group and work environment.Aims/Objectives/PurposeTo assess the prevalence and...

자동차 관련 업종에서의 근골격계질환 예방과 관리

Automobile-related industries have been a few of leading ones among domestic industries reporting high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD's). In this paper, major ergonomic aspects of automobile-related works were reviewed with reference to WMSD's. According to the result, high repeatability of works with as short as 1 minute or less, awkward postures required, excessive forces, and vibrations due to power tools were drawn out as major physical factors. To eliminate or mitigate those factors - at least in automobile-related industries - ergonomic approach has tried for more than a decade. With all, however, ergonomists still seem to confront with several problems to be solved such as development of appropriate assessment tools, enhancement of work improvement activities, system establishment for continuous prevention and management of WMSD's. As lots of previous researches declared, it was concluded that ergonomic approach would collaborate with other approaches such as ndustrial medicine considering physical factors as well as psychosocial factors, and that the necessity of an integrated Occupational Safety and Health Management System(OHSMS) was mentioned.