Incidence Of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Framework for the adoption, evaluation and impact of occupational Exoskeletons at different technology readiness levels: A systematic review

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational diseases caused by the prolonged performance of strenuous work, such as manual handling of loads or long-term maintenance of incongruous postures. Different safety protocols are implemented to reduce WMSDs and optimize the working environment, but one of the most promising solutions is using occupational exoskeletons (OEs). However, to truly acknowledge the benefits of OEs and be able to introduce them into daily business use, devices must pass several development and testing stages that determine the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This review study aims to present an up-to-date collection of the most advanced assessments of exoskeletons for upper and back support, ranging from laboratory real-task simulations to operational scenarios in industrial sites. To identify relevant studies, we conducted comprehensive searches across different electronic databases, i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Different keywords were used for the literature search, e.g., occupational exoskeleton, industrial exoskeleton, etc. Studies were included if they investigated the assessment of exoskeletons in the laboratory with real tasks or an industrial environment. We identified 45 research articles that fulfilled this selection criterion. Several features are compared and discussed in detail, such as industrial environment, experimental protocol, task performed, and exoskeleton typology. These data allowed us to formulate results that report the correspondence or discrepancy between the number of papers testing exoskeletons and WMSDs in different industrial sectors, the type of assessment performed, and the impact of exoskeletons on workers and industries at different TRLs. Among the results, the incidence of WMSDs in the manufacturing industry is 21.13%, while the adoption of exoskeletons in the same field is the highest with respect to the other industrial fields, at 44.45%. Electromyography (EMG) and Questionnaires were the most evaluated typologies across all development and testing stages (with an incidence of 64% across the selected articles). Additionally, an average reduction of EMG activity was reported, with 24% for Upper Limb and 20% for Back Support. Regarding the subjective assessment reported in the questionnaires, 68% of the studies reported a positive evaluation. Based on these outcomes, this work provides a framework for an effective evaluation process for the OEs to raise TRL with recommendations for future research activities.

A Case Study of Ergonomic Risk Assessment in Slovakia with Respect to EU Standard.

Attention on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) involves statistical surveys showing an increasing trend in the incidence of WMSDs. Technological development has led to new tools and methods for the assessment of physical load at work. These methods are mostly based on the direct sensing of appropriate parameters, which allows more precise quantification. The aim of this paper is to compare several commonly used methods in Slovakia for the assessment of ergonomic risk reflecting current EU and Slovak legislative regulations. A Captiv wireless sensory system was used at a car headlight quality control assembly workplace for sensing, data acquisition and data processing. During the evaluation of postures and movements at work, we discovered differences in the applicable standards: Decree 542/2007 Coll. (Slovak Legislation), the STN EN 1005-4+A1, and the French standards default in the Captiv system. Standards define the thresholds for hazardous postures with significant differences in several evaluated body segments, which affects the final evaluation of the measurements. Our experience from applying improved risk assessment methodology may have an impact on Slovak industrial workplaces. It was confirmed that there is a need to create uniform standards for the ergonomic risk assessment of body posture, including a detailed description of the threshold values for individual body segments.

Space-time analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazil: an ecological study.

This study aimed to analyze the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in Brazil from 2007 to 2019, examining the spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal patterns of their occurrence. An ecological time series study was conducted using spatial analysis techniques. WMSD morbidity data from 2007 to 2019 were collected from the Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases of the Brazilian Health Informatics Department. Incidence rates were standardized and smoothed using the local empirical Bayes' theorem. Time trends were analyzed by segmented linear regression. Spatial analysis was performed using Moran's univariate global (I) and local (LISA) indexes. The spatiotemporal scan statistic was used to identify high-risk spatiotemporal clusters for WMSD. A total of 93,387 cases of WMSD were recorded in Brazil. Temporal trends showed an increase in all regions except the Northeast, which remained stable. The incidence of WMSD showed a spatial dependence, with spatial and space-time clusters identified, especially in the Southeast region, overlapping the largest economic-industrial center of the country. The spatiotemporal clustering observed in one region suggests the highest level of industrial and economic development. Our findings highlight the need to implement intersectoral surveillance policies, inspect working conditions, and invest in the prevention and promotion of workers' health.

Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among automobile manufacturing logistics workers in Guangzhou

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou, and explore their potential categories and influencing factors, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises. Methods: From April to May 2020, a convenient sampling method was adopted to select 1442 logistics workers in 2 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou as the research objects. The incidence of WMSDs among them was investigated by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and the incidence pattern of WMSDs among the subjects was analyzed by the method of potential category analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of the disease. Results: The total prevalence of WMSDs was 42.9% (619/1442). The three parts with high prevalence of WMSDs were neck (23.5%, 339/1442), shoulder (21.3%, 307/1442) and lower back (19.1%, 275/1442). 69.0% (427/619) of the patients showed simultaneous disease in two or more sites. The subjects were divided into four latent groups by the analysis of latent categories: the group with multiple body parts (4.51%), the group with very low or no disease (70.39%), the group with shoulder and neck and upper back (11.37%), and the group with limbs and lower back (13.73%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared with the "very low or no disease group", the risk factors of multiple body parts of automotive logistics workers suffering from WMSDs mainly included: Working posture uncomfortable (OR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.44~6.70, P=0.004), often bend and turn (OR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.05~5.29, P=0.037), bend your knees homework for a long time (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.17~4.47, P=0.015) ; Working posture uncomfortable (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.51~3.38, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.03~2.74, P=0.036), neck minister time keep the same position (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.22~2.67, P= 0.003) It is a risk factor for shoulder, neck and upper back WMSDs; Risk factors for limb-lower back WMSDs include: Length > 10 years (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.24~3.78, P<0.001), the working position uncomfortable (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.63~3.48, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03~2.68, P=0.039) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of WMSDs among logistics workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises is high, which has obvious characteristics of classification and comorbis, and is closely related to individual characteristics such as sufficient rest time and working posture of workers.

Near-1: the evaluation of usability and task load demand of a motorized lifter for patient transfer

Purpose Despite the proven benefits of motorized lifting devices in reducing the physical stresses experienced by nurses during patient transfers, the low adoption of these devices remains limited. The study aimed to assess the perceptions of nurses regarding the new motorized lifting device (NEAR-1) in terms of their perceived workload and usability during patient transfers. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the perceptions of nurses (n = 45) and students (n = 6) when performing patient transfers from bed to wheelchair and vice versa using the NEAR-1 compared to an existing floor lift, walking belt, and manual transfer. Participants filled out surveys evaluating the perceived task demands and usability of the NEAR-1, as well as open-ended interviews. Results The use of the NEAR-1 significantly reduced the mean of all NASA-TLX constructs (p < 0.001) when compared to manual transfer. When comparing with other existing lifting devices, the NEAR-1 (24.4 ± 3.0) recorded the lowest overall score of NASA-TLX perceived workload, followed by the existing floor lift (26.1 ± 11.6), a robotic-assisted transfer device (28.3 ± 6.8) and mechanical floor lift (31.5 ± 9.3). The participants recorded a usability score of 76.86, indicating positive perceptions of the nurses towards the technology. Conclusions Overall, the NEAR-1 has the potential to reduce the physical stresses on nurses and decrease the likelihood of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The NEAR-1 may represent a promising new intervention for transferring patients that is capable of minimizing the nurses’ perceived workload in clinical and non-clinical settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The NEAR-1 motorized lifting device reduced perceived workload for nurses while handling and transferring patients between a bed and wheelchair. The nurses recorded a usability score of 76.86 for the NEAR-1, reflecting their positive perceptions towards the technology. The new device has the potential to reduce the physical stress on nurses and decrease the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Modeling of a Non-Rigid Passive Exoskeleton-Mathematical Description and Musculoskeletal Simulations

There is a growing application of passive exoskeletons in the industrial sector with the purpose to reduce the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Nowadays, while many passive shoulder exoskeletons have been developed to support overhead tasks, they present limitations in supporting tasks such as load lifting and carrying. Further developments are therefore needed to have a wider application of these devices in the industrial sector. This paper presents a modelling procedure of a passive non-rigid exoskeleton for shoulder support that can be used to evaluate the device in its development phase. The modelling began with the definition of the equations to describe the exoskeleton kinematics and dynamics to obtain the support force profile provided by the device over the shoulder flexion angle. A musculoskeletal simulation software was then used to evaluate the effect of the device on the human body. The computed support force profile is in agreement with the purpose of the device, with the maximal support force obtained for a shoulder flexion angle of 85–90°. The maximum support force value had the same magnitude as the one reported by the device user manual (3.5 kg). In particular, for a determined exoskeleton configuration, the maximum support force value computed was 34.3 N, equal to the reported by the manufacturer. The subsequent musculoskeletal simulation showed the ability of the device to reduce the muscular activation of agonist muscles such as the anterior deltoid (−36.01%) compared to the case when the exoskeleton is not used. The musculoskeletal results showed a positive effect of the device on the joint reaction forces at the glenohumeral joint with a reduction up to 41.91%. Overall the methodology and the mathematical model proposed can be used to further develop these devices, making them suitable for a wider range of tasks.

Predictive validity of an indicator of exposure to unfavorable ergonomic working conditions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Researchers have long documented a significant association between exposure to unfavorable working conditions and poorer occupational health and safety. However, measures of occupational exposures are often lacking from national and international surveys. Drawing on research on job-exposures matrices (JEMs) and exploiting the Italian O*NET, we construct a new indicator of exposure to ergonomic unfavorable conditions at work (Ergo-Index) and we test its predictive power on the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Exploiting 5-years of administrative archives of the Italian National Workers Compensation Institute and running a set of negative binomial regression models, we find a very strong association between the Ergo-Index and the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Compared to the least exposed category (Ergo-Index < p25), the risk of WRMSD was 60–70 times higher in the highest exposure group (Ergo-Index > p75) for notified WRMSD, and almost 250 times higher for compensated WRMSD. Hence, the Ergo-Index strongly predicts the occurrence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders and could be used to assign work exposures in studies where occupation is available and for priority setting of ergonomic hazards control.

Design of wearable auxiliary device based on upper limb lifting workers and ergonomics simulation analysis

In order to solve the problem of high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in upper limb lifting workers, a wearable auxiliary device which could be used in upper limb lifting operation was designed. The auxiliary device could be used in upper limb lifting through torsion spring device to reduce the tension of the arm muscles. The back bracket could be adjusted to adapt to the wearers of different height. The 3D model of the auxiliary device was constructed by using SoildWorks software. And the relative position and constraint between the auxiliary device and the digital simulation human were adjusted by using Jack as the main simulation tool. And then the virtual model of upper limb lifting were simulated and analyzed. Through the comparison of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scale, Krist comfort score and simulation results of two-handed reachable domain before and after wearing the auxiliary device, which proved that the wearable auxiliary device could reduce the risk of WMSDs in upper limb lifting workers.

Effects of patient transfer devices on the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of patient transfer assistive devices in reducing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nurses. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify studies with a quantitative assessment of the efficacy of patient transfer assistive devices on the incidence and injury claims of WMSDs as compared to the manual lifting of patients. A health impact analysis of the pre–post intervention of assistive device implementation was performed. The percentage of the reduction of forces, incidence of WMSDs, number of missed workdays and injury compensation claims were calculated, pooled and presented as boxplots. Results. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The best post-intervention outcomes of assistive devices deployment in the healthcare setting included a reduction in WMSD incidence by 59.8%, missed workdays by 90.0% and workers’ compensation claims by 95.0%. Additionally, hand force declined by 71% (p < 0.05) and 70% (p < 0.05) with the use of air-assisted devices and ceiling lifts respectively. Conclusions. Overall, the evidence suggests that patient transfer assistive devices, notably ceiling lifts and air-assisted devices, are effective in reducing the risk of WMSDs among nurses.

Workstation Evaluation Regarding Ergonomic Awareness and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Coal Mine Workers

Mining is often associated with the risk of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). Despite being a coal-rich country, Pakistan’s mining sector stays behind in terms of occupational health and safety. Only a few research studies have been conducted on ergonomics in the mining industry. The current study aimed at evaluating workstations for WRMSDs and ergonomic factors among coal mine workers. Survey data were gathered from a total of 103 workers using a structured questionnaire. Information on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was obtained using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. The questions about ergonomics awareness, workstation, environment, demands, and risks were based on the available literature studies. The association between the incidence of WRMSDs and age was explored using chi-square analysis. The results showed a high rate of uneducated workers with a lack of ergonomics awareness. Back, shoulders, and legs were the most vulnerable body areas to WRMSDs. A significant association between workers’ age and WRMSDs was found. The workers’ opinion towards workstation was at a very low level. The current work conditions were found to have risks of potential hazards and economic losses. Ergonomic interventions are suggested to be developed and implemented to improve workplace conditions.

Minimally invasive surgery and the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Results of a survey among Israeli surgeons and review of the literature.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many advantages for patients, however, it places surgeons at risk for Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Recently, the importance of prevention of such injuries and improvement of the ergonomics of the operating room is increasing. To assess the prevalence of WMSD among minimally invasive surgeons in Israel, discuss the contributing factors and the overall awareness for ergonomic training. In addition, a review of the literature on the topic was conducted. An online questionnaire was sent to the members of the Israeli Society of Endoscopic Surgery. The results were analyzed and summarized. For literature review, PubMed was used to search for English-language publications related to the issue. Of 83 respondents, the majority (77%) have considerable experience in MIS (more than 10 years). The prevalence of WMSD was 12% before beginning the practice of laparoscopy compared to 78% after 15-20 years of practice. Injury sites included back pain, neck and upper extremity (shoulder pain, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome) in 41%, 25% and 34% respectively. More than two thirds of responders unaware of possible ergonomic solutions and didn't consider adopting any appropriate preventive measures. The incidence of WMSD among MIS surgeons is high and underestimated. There is a desperate need to prevent such morbidity among surgeons by increasing awareness and providing the means to improve their work environment. Surgeons should adhere to ergonomic recommendations for positioning of monitors, table height, posture, foot pedal placement and laparoscopic devices use.

Analysis of influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of workers in a cabinet factory

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the cabinet factory workers, and explore the influencing factors of workers' WMSDs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate the risk factors such as basic conditions, labox dnganiza, ergonomics load and occurrence of WMSDs of 821 workers in a cabinet factory of a furniture manufacturing company in Guangdong Province using the electronic version of the Musculoskeletal Injury Questionnaire from October to December 2019. χ(2) test and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors leading to WMSDs. Results: The incidence of WMSDs in cabinet production workers reached 51.5% (423/821) , and the top three incidences were shoulder (28.4%, 233/821) , neck (28.1%, 231/821) , and wrist (25.9%, 213/821) . The incidence of neck WMSDs was statistically significant among different types of work (P<0.05) . Multiple repetitive operations per minute (OR=1.70) , torso often maintaining the same posture (OR=1.61) , turning heads for a long time (OR=1.58) and frequent heavy lifting (OR=1.44) were risk factors for the occurrence of shoulder WMSDs (P<0.05) . Frequent maintenance of the same posture in the neck (OR=1.91) , repeated operations per minute (OR=1.87) , shortage of department staff (OR=1.65) and turning head for a long time (OR=1.48) were risk factors for the occurrence of neck WMSDs (P<0.05) . Long-term bending of the wrist (OR=2.25) , grasping objects tightly (OR=2.13) , working hard on the upper limbs or hands (OR=1.91) , shortage of department personnel (OR=1.84) , repeated operations per minute (OR=1.68) and the use of vibration tools (OR=1.51) were risk factors for the occurrence of WMSDs in the wrist (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The incidence of WMSDs in cabinet factory is relatively high, the occurrence of WMSDs in the shoulders, necks and wrists is more serious. Reasonable labor organization and reducing the load of poor ergonomics in the workplace, can reduce the occurrence of WMSDs in production workers.

Interventions to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare staff in nursing homes; An integrative literature review.

: The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been consistently high in nursing sectors and are a significant cost to the health service due to absenteeism. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are more common among healthcare workers in nursing homes due to the high dependency needs of older persons which often include need for help with self-care and mobility. Therefore, staff are exposed to potential injury associated with moving and handling patients. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders significantly impact on the quality of life of affected individuals, can cause economic hardship and affect service provision. : To identify, review, and discuss interventions that may be effective in reducing the prevalence and consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in nursing homes. : An integrative literature review. : A systematic search of Embase, Science direct, Web of science and EBSCO Host was conducted and an ancestry search of the references of the reviewed articles were also reviewed. Peer reviewed primary research published between 2000 and 2020 were selected. The quality of these studies was appraised with Crowe Quality Appraisal Tool and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The components of the interventions were categorised using Burnard (2011) framework for content analysis. : Fifteen studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Interventions reported in the literature were in four categories; (i) Specialised equipment (ii) Staff training (iii) Policies and procedures to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and (iv) Support and follow up. A ceiling lift is the intervention of choice to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as it reduces the stress associated with pushing and pulling. Risk assessment is vital to determine the individual needs of clients for safe handling. Train-the-trainer roles could be used to implement training interventions where resources limit the employment of a designated lead to facilitate injury prevention. A multifaceted approach to prevent and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders is recommended. Further research is required to ascertain the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on injury reduction in nursing homes. : These findings have the potential to inform the development and adherence to injury prevention policies and regulations by healthcare managers and staff which could reduce injuries. Identifying the appropriate interventions to prevent and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders is significant for staff wellbeing, has economic implications in terms of reduced work-related musculoskeletal disorder absenteeism and ultimately will positively impact on the care of mobility impaired clients.

Prevalence and incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in secondary industries of 21st century Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveOver the course of the twenty-first century, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are still persisting among blue collar workers. At present, no epidemiological overview exists. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on the epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) within Europe’s secondary industries.MethodsFive databases were screened, yielding 34 studies for the qualitative analysis and 17 for the quantitative analysis. Twelve subgroups of WMSDs were obtained for the meta-analysis by means of predefined inclusion criteria: back (overall), upper back, lower back, neck, shoulder, neck/shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, leg (overall), hip, knee, and ankle/feet.ResultsThe most prevalent WMSDs were located at the back (overall), shoulder/neck, neck, shoulder, lower back and wrist WMSDs with mean 12-month prevalence values of 60, 54, 51, 50, 47, and 42%, respectively. The food industry was in the majority of subgroups the most prominent researched sector and was frequently associated with high prevalence values of WMSDs. Incidence ratios of upper limb WMSDs ranged between 0.04 and 0.26. Incidence ratios could not be calculated for other anatomical regions due to the lack of sufficient articles.ConclusionWMSDs are still highly present among blue collar workers. Relatively high prevalence values and low incidence ratios indicate a limited onset of WMSDs with however long-term complaints.

Assessing the Work Activities Related to Musculoskeletal Disorder among Critical Care Nurses.

Nurses are physically exhausted with an incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially those working in critical care units that require exhaustive physical efforts to fulfill patients' needs. The current study aims to assess work activities related to the occurrence of MSDs in nurses working in critical care units. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 100 nurses of critical care units, and the data were collected via a survey questionnaire. The study was conducted at King Fahad University Hospital for three months from February to April 2019. The study findings revealed that work activities related to MSD were associated with sociodemographic data, age, and neck pain (rho = 0.063) (p=0.03) and lower back pain (rho = 0.89) (p=0.03); education level with hip/thigh pain (rho = 0.64) (p=0.03); standing time with shoulder pain (rho = 0.66) (p=0.04), wrist/hand pain (rho = −0.75) (p=0.05), hip/thigh pain (rho = −0.78) (p=0.004), and knee pain (rho = −0.77) (p=0.005). An increased prevalence of MSDs with lower back pain (92%) and upper back pain (56%) was estimated among the nurses, and a negative impact of work-related MSDs on occupational health and daily life activities of the nurses was also observed. The study concluded that the occurrence of MSDs is significantly associated with sociodemographic data: age, BMI experience level, and educational level of nurses of critical care units.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN OF THE WORKPLACE FOR FINAL QUALITY CONTROL

The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders remains high and, as these injuries have a high cost for companies and society, it is important to prevent them through ergonomic analysis and workplace design. During the work process, we are always looking to reduce lost time and improve the quality of work. From an ergonomic point of view, it is important to determine what workloads employees are exposed to and to eliminate or at least minimise them by redesigning the workplace. The aim of our research was to minimise the risk at work through the scientific design of workplaces based on a methodological approach. The manual and computerised OWAS method was used to determine and estimate body postures during the workday. It was found that certain postures resulted in significant overexertion, which meant that certain remedial actions were necessary during the work process to prevent possible damage to the body. Several improvements were proposed for the new workplace design: appropriate equipment for workers, lifting table, rotation of workers, construction of quality control facilities and automation of macro tasks.

Effect of Using an 8-Figure Shoulder Brace on Posture and Muscle Activities during the Performance of Dental Hygiene Procedures.

The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental workers has been increasing. Many ergonomic devices and accessories have been introduced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-figure shoulder brace on posture-related muscle activities in dental hygiene practitioners during scaling procedures. In this study, 33 participants (age: 21.9 ± 2.1 years, height: 162.0 ± 6.0 cm, weight: 55.8 ± 9.0 kg, body mass index: 21.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2) performed the scaling procedure with and without the 8-figure shoulder brace in a randomized order. The normalized electromyography activity in the amplitude probability distribution function and joint angles (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and shoulder joints) were simultaneously recorded during scaling. A paired t test was used to compare the differences in muscle kinematics, with the alpha level set at 0.05. The dental hygienists who wore the 8-figure shoulder brace during scaling showed thoracic and lumbar extension, improved sitting postures, and reduced shoulder joint abduction. However, we also observed an unintended increase in internal rotation. Use of the 8-figure shoulder brace could prevent work-related MSDs in lumbar and thoracic regions by reducing the effort exerted by the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles, despite the increased muscular effort of the cervical erector spinae.

AUTOMATIC ERGONOMIC POSTURAL RISK MONITORING ON THE FACTORY SHOPFLOOR ‒THE ERGOSENTINEL TOOL

The enabling technologies of the Industry 4.0 program can support the smart factory of the future to face the challenges related to their sustainable growth. In particular, given the progressive ageing of the population, it is mandatory to develop systems able to preserve operators’ wellbeing and to prevent the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. By exploiting a recently introduced low-cost sensor we developed and validated a reliable prototype for automatic assessment of ergonomic postural risk in the factory shopfloor. Encouraged by the results of the validation process, we enhanced the prototype functionalities. The tool will serve both as a monitoring system for the evaluation of postural risk and a training system for increasing operators’ awareness. In this paper, we describe the design of the prototype and the enhanced functionalities of the final version, ‒ the ErgoSentinel.

Mismatch between workstation and body dimensions among computer users in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study investigated user-furniture (chairs and tables) compatibility among computer users in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants were 95 male and 105 female computer users. Participants’ anthropometric variables and their workstation furniture were measured using a broad blade anthropometer and a metallic tape respectively. Male participants had significantly higher (p < 0.05) popliteal height, knee height, buttock popliteal length and eye height than the females. User-furniture mismatches in sitting elbow height/table top height (male: 100%, female: 100%), popliteal height/seat height (male: 68.75%, female: 86.54%), buttockpopliteal length/seat length (male: 53.13%, female: 50%) and knee height/table bottom height (male: 9.38%, female: 5.77%) relationships were observed among the participants. Popliteal height/seat height mismatch was significantly associated (p=0.002) with gender. Computer users’ workstation furniture may be designed with adjustable heights using different percentiles of users’ anthropometric dimensions to minimize the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among computer users.

Relationships between presenteeism and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists in the Republic of Korea

This study investigated the relationship between presenteeism and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among physical therapists (PTs) in the Republic of Korea. Questionnaires were given to 600 PTs in the Republic of Korea. General and occupational characteristics and the prevalence of presenteeism and absenteeism were self-reported on the questionnaire. Stepwise regression analyses were used to evaluate the effects of presenteeism and other variables on general and occupational characteristics. Of the 490 PTs who responded, 399 (81.4%) reported at least one WMSD. There was a low incidence rate of absenteeism, but work impairment scores indicate there was a high incidence of presenteeism. In the stepwise regression analyses, the incidence of WMSDs was highest in cases of presenteeism. The results of this study demonstrate that there is a high incidence rate of WMSDs in Republic of Korean PTs, that WMSDs are related to presenteeism and that PTs demonstrate high presenteeism and low absenteeism.