Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Research Articles

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder an Increasing Concern in Garment Industry


 Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)-related occupational health concerns are becoming a growing problem for the clothing industry, which is influenced by the repetitive tasks, prolonged static postures and poor ergonomic conditions that characterise the nature of work in this industry. This study aims to provide a thorough assessment of the numerous musculoskeletal problems that are prevalent in the garment industry and to recommend useful intervention strategies to mitigate their consequences. Methods: One hundred thirty textile workers aged between 25 to 45 years were taken randomly from five different textile manufacturing sites of Baranagar, West Bengal. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was applied to evaluate the postural stress of the garment’s workers. The discomfort/pain intensity in different body parts were evaluated by Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale . Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Discomfort or pain in hip and lower back were found to be maximum among workers. Conclusion: Pain, discomfort and postural stress among various body parts like upper back, lower back and hip are verry much common for the workers. Despite efforts to deal with these problems, more thorough research and efficient intervention strategies are required to reduce musculoskeletal ailments in the garment industry..

Prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and its impact on the health-related quality of life among the cricketers

Cricket is that the hottest sport in India far and away, and is played almost everywhere. It is increasingly demanding sports, so require skilled movement and physical fitness. The continuous changing posture of the bats man are causing the complications like pain and discomfort affecting the day to day functions, so as quality of life. A necessity was felt to assess the health status and quality of life of the cricketers for which Occupational Therapy treatment can be implemented to overcome the physical discomfort and to give better quality of life. This study aims to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and its impact on physical and mental health-related quality of life among the cricketers. The study included a quantitative cross-sectional design which was conducted among the male cricketers sampling from different cricket and cricket club in Tamilnadu. Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 Questionnaire was used to determine the impact of musculoskeletal problems on the physical and mental health- related Quality of Life. Based on convenience sampling 50 male cricket players were included with age range of 18-33 years and the study results concluded that, out of 50 participants 48 (96%) of the population have trouble in last 12 months (such as musculoskeletal ache, pain, discomfort, numbness) in different parts of body. The Physical composite score and Mental composite score mean was 39.95 and 49.58 respectively which associated with a lower health-related quality of life among cricket players specifically in the domains of physical functioning, physical health, bodily pain as well as emotional problems and energy/fatigue resulted in considerably lower HRQoL. The relationship impact of variables having trouble in last 12 months, showed a p-value for variables of shoulder (p = 0.00526) and wrists/hands (p = 8.4e-06) were significant in impacting the PCS and the p-value for variable Wrists/Hands (p = 0.0439) was significant in impacting MCS. Similarly, the correlation impact variables of having trouble in last 12 months of being prevented from carrying out the normal activities, showed a p-value for variables of shoulder (p = 0.000362) and wrists/hands (p = 0.002213) were significant in impacting the PCS. This study concluded that male cricketers have a high level of prevalence of musculoskeletal problems especially in shoulder, wrists/hands and neck followed by the lower extremity and these high prevalence (i.e., variables of shoulders, wrists/hands and neck) musculoskeletal problems have significant impact in their physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health-related quality of life.

Prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among taxi drivers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among professional taxi drivers.DesignCommunity-based cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsA Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect...

Factor Analysis on the Incidence of Musculoskeletal Disorders at the University of Dschang

Introduction: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are currently one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. However, information on their prevalence and associated factors remains insufficient in Cameroon.
 Objective: Determine the prevalence and associated factors of WRMSDs among the staff of the University of Dschang (UDs).
 Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from 05 February to 18 March 2020 during which a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered face-to-face with participants. A convenient type non-probability sampling was used for the selection of participants. The data collected were analyzed with EPI info 7.2.2.6. A bi-variate analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with WRMSDs.
 Results: We enrolled 425 participants. The 12-month prevalence of WRMSDs was 93.88%. Almost half of the participants (49.18%) were prevented from their normal activities due to WRMSDs in the past 12 months. The most affected body region was the lower back with a prevalence of 71. 53%. The occurrence of WRMSDs at the UDs was significantly associated with: stress (P<0.01; OR=5.96); intense physical exertion (P<0.01; OR=3.45) and repetitive movements (P<0.01; OR=2.98).
 Conclusion: UDs staff is a high-risk population for WRMSDs. It is imperative to protect this human capital by preventing and treating WRMSDs.

Remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic: Computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms in university staff.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandatory remote working for workers in many sectors, including education. This study aimed to investigate the physical characteristics of workspaces, computer use, and prevalence, associated factors, and reported impact of computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among university staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study of staff in a university in Ireland was conducted in March 2021. An anonymous online survey of computer use, work practices and 3-month prevalence and the reported impact of computer-related MSS (modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) was conducted. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and relationships were tested using chi-squared analysis. The analysis included 1045 responses. The majority (63%) worked solely from home, used a laptop more frequently than a desktop computer, and worked a greater number of hours. Almost half (48%) did not have a dedicated home workspace. More respondents reported their university workspace (72%) was more comfortable than their home workspace (51.2%) (p < 0.0001). Prevalence of computer-related MSS was 83% : neck (62%), shoulder (57%), lower back (47%). Laptop-related MSS was reported more frequently (82%) than desktop-related MSS (65%) (p < 0.05). Computer-related MSS was associated with workspace, equipment at home, laptop use, female gender, and righthandedness (p < 0.05). A reduction in non-work-related activities (35%), work activities (18%) and seeking medical attention (24%) was reported. The prevalence of computer-related MSS was high and associated with remote working. Further studies that aim to mitigate the risks of computer-related MSS in those working remotely or in hybrid models are required.

The prevalence and risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among electronics manufacturing workers: a cross-sectional analytical study in China

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the electronics manufacturing industry and to investigate the relations between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work-related variables.MethodsAn interview-based questionnaire survey was carried out in thirty electronics manufacturing factories in China in 2018. The prevalence of WMSDs was estimated using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the effects of risk factors on WMSDs on multiple body parts.ResultsThe 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among participants was 40.6%, and the common body sites affected were the neck (26.8%), shoulder (22.8%), upper back (14.9%), and lower back (14.8%). The results of logistic regression showed that female adults, > 5 job tenure and work-related factors (including awkward posture, lifting or carrying weights, excessive repetition, prolonged sitting, monotonous work and working under conditions of cold or temperature variations) led to a higher risk of WMSDs on most body parts. Upper back, wrist/hand and elbow pain levels were significantly higher for workers with vibration. However, more frequently, physical exercise was a protective factor against WMSDs on most body parts except the upper back, leg and knee.ConclusionsThe study indicates a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the electronics manufacturing industry in China. Different personal and work factors are related to the occurrence of WMSD on different body parts. Preventive measures should be implemented based on the characteristics of WMSD in the electronic manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the training and intervention guidance of ergonomic hazards in the workplace need to be strengthened by understanding the impact of bad posture, avoiding long-term sitting posture and increasing physical activities.

Prediction of Work-Related Risk Factors among Bus Drivers Using Machine Learning.

A recent development in ergonomics research is using machine learning techniques for risk assessment and injury prevention. Bus drivers are more likely than other workers to suffer musculoskeletal diseases because of the nature of their jobs and their working conditions (WMSDs). The basic idea of this study is to forecast important work-related risk variables linked to WMSDs in bus drivers using machine learning approaches. A total of 400 full-time male bus drivers from the east and west zone depots of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which is based in Bengaluru, south India, took part in this study. In total, 92.5% of participants responded to the questionnaire. The Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to gather data on symptoms of WMSD during the past 12 months (MNMQ). Machine learning techniques including decision tree, random forest, and naïve Bayes were used to forecast the important risk factors related to WMSDs. It was discovered that WMSDs and work-related characteristics were statistically significant. In total, 66.75% of subjects reported having WMSDs. Various classifiers were used to derive the simulation results for the frequency of pain in the musculoskeletal systems throughout the last 12 months with the important risk variables. With 100% accuracy, decision tree and random forest algorithms produce the same results. Naïve Bayes yields 93.28% accuracy. In this study, through a questionnaire survey and data analysis, several health and work-related risk factors were identified among the bus drivers. Risk factors such as involvement in physical activities, frequent posture change, exposure to vibration, egress ingress, on-duty breaks, and seat adaptability issues have the highest influence on the frequency of pain due to WMSDs among bus drivers. From this study, it is recommended that drivers get involved in physical activities, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and maintain proper posture while driving. For any transport organization/company, it is recommended to design driver cabins ergonomically to mitigate the WMSDs among bus drivers.

Ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors for low back pain among rice farmers in West Bengal, India.

Rice farming is considered the most crucial industry in India, where millions of farmers suffer from LBP. The present study's primary objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among India's rice farmers and determine the relationship between low back pain and ergonomic risk factors and psychosocial factors encountered by the farmers. Socio-demographics, ergonomics risk factors and psychosocial factors that cause LBP among rice farmers were examined. Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Oswestry LBP Questionnaire were administered among the farmers to evaluate the LBP. Univariate analysis was done to find out the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals among the farmers. The primary findings from this study regarding the psychosocial factors, such as perceived inadequacy of income (84.7%), job demands (78.1%), work demand targets specific productivity (76.5%), rigidity in work methods (75.3%), monotony at work (73.2 %), have a relationship with LBP. The results also revealed that the relationship between the low back pain and ergonomic risk factors, such as repetitiveness (OR- 4.215; 95% CI- 2.551-6.965), working in awkward posture (OR- 85.82; 95% CI- 43.134-170.77), lifting loads (OR- 0.281; 95% CI- 0.125-0.324), pulling loads (OR- 0.274; 95% CI- 0.173-0.434), showed significant relationship with LBP in the univariate analysis. The prevalence of LBP among rice farmers connected with ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors. The awkward posture, MMH (lifting and carrying) are the main causative factors of LBP.

Musculoskeletal Disorders among Housekeeping Staff in Hospitals of Lahore

Background: Repetitive injuries are among the top most musculoskeletal problems in present day lifestyle, among these upper extremities are the most vulnerable. Aim: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among housekeeping staff in hospitals of Lahore. Study design: Cross sectional study. Methodology: Total of 260 participants were included. Data was collected from General and Jinnah Hospitals of Lahore. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used for assessing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Chi square ware applied with P-value&lt; 0.05 as significant. Results: The result showed that 159 (61.25%) were males and 101 (38.8%) were females. Majority of housekeeping staff did not missed their duty during the previous week in spite of musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: It was concluded that overweight and obese workers were more prone to had musculoskeletal pain thus this affected their quality of life. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain and Quality of Life.

Assessment of work-related musculoskeletal pain in urologic microsurgeons

ABSTRACT Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a broad category of potentially preventable conditions causing pain in or injury of the muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones that can be directly attributed to an occupation. Practicing surgeons are at high risk for MSDs due to forced neck flexion, awkward posture, and repetitive hand and arm movements. Urologists face unique ergonomic considerations, including those of laparoscopy, endoscopy, and microsurgery, compared to the general proceduralist population. Studies have shown the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain to be 45-62% in urologists. However, urologic microsurgeons have not to date been studied as a unique subgroup. Objective We sought to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs in urologic microsurgeons. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to approximately 6,000 urologists via email from a curated email database which included specialty society members. This survey included questions on demographics, operative time, exercise frequency and type, ergonomic interventions, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Symptoms were assessed using a de novo, modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Musculoskeletal trouble was defined in the survey as aches, pains, discomfort, or numbness in accordance with the NMQ. Results A total of 50 responses were collected, proportional to the relatively small number of urologists performing these surgeries. The average age of respondents was 48.5 years, BMI was 26.4, and years in practice was 15.7. 29 (58%) completed a formal fellowship in andrology, male infertility, or microsurgery. The average number of operative days per week was 1.6 and the average number of microsurgical cases per month was 7.2. A total of 42 (84%) respondents reported musculoskeletal trouble in the past 12 months; 30 (60%) reported trouble in the past week; and 8 (16%) were forced to miss work due to their MSD in the past 12 months. Neck symptoms were most common (52%), followed by low back (50%) and shoulders (44%). Of those with symptoms in the past year, 24 (57%) respondents were prompted to seek professional medical help and 29 (69%) respondents were prompted to use medication. Furthermore, 25 (60%) respondents believed that their MSDs were a result of their occupation. 96% of respondents exercised, with the median respondent exercising three days a week for one hour each day. There was no association between hours of exercise and prevalence of MSDs. Similarly, there were no associations between operative volume, years in practice, or fellowship status with musculoskeletal symptoms. Of surgeons who sit to operate, only 40% experienced weekly symptoms, compared to 73% of surgeons who stand (p=0.02). This was most pronounced with low back pain, as 5% of surgeons who sit experienced weekly low back symptoms compared to 30% of those who stand (p=0.04). Conclusions Work-related MSDs are highly prevalent in urologic microsurgeons, with 83% of surveyed surgeons experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms in the past year. Operating while seated was associated with a significantly lower incidence of MSDs compared to standing. Negative ergonomics of standing such as leaning or hunching with a non-ergonomic operative microscope likely plays a major role in the development of persistent MSDs in urologic microsurgeons. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no. A consultant, employee (part time or full time) or shareholder is among the authors (FY: Coloplast (consultant), Cynosure (consultant) LJ: Hims (consultant)).

Risk Factors Associated with Lower Back Pain among Nurses: A Case of National Rehabilitation Centre in Ruwa, Zimbabwe

Health care providers are exposed to a myriad of occupation safety and health hazards both in the private and public sector. Nurses and other health professional are exposed to awkward postures, repetitive movements, force exertion and manual handling for prolonged periods. Low back pain (LBP) is a public health problem worldwide and is a common cause of work-related disorder among workers, especially in the nursing profession. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the prevalence of lower back pain among nurses at National Rehabilitation Centre and identify and assess risk factors associated with back pain among nurses at National Rehabilitation Centre. The research was carried out using a cross sectional study design. A total of 100 nurses were randomly selected. A Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess prevalence, interference and physician visits by nurses. A predesigned questionnaire was used to assess risk factors. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to analyse data. All data was analysed using SPPS version 25. Results show that the age of nurses ranged between 26 and 64 years (42±9.2) and majority of them (64%) were married. Very few nurses (6%) were male which means that the rehabilitation nursing field is female dominated. The highest reported pain was in the lower back in the past 12 months which was 72% with 12% in the past 7 days. This was followed by upper back which recorded 32% in the past year and 13% in the past week. Age and having chronic conditions were significantly associated with lower back pain among nurses with p = values of 0.031 and 0.020 respectively. Results also indicate that there was a significant association between lower back pain with environmental factors (χ2 = 9, p = 0.014), job-related factors (χ2 = 26, p = 0.000) and physical factors (χ2 = 18, p = 0.020). In conclusion, there is high prevalence of lower back pain among nurses. Lower back pain was associated with age, environmental factors and job-related factors. There is need for training, exercises, and assessment of individual capacities to prevent lower back pain among rehabilitation nurses.

Risk factors and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in metropolitan bus drivers: An assessment of whole body and hand-arm transmitted vibration.

Metropolitan bus drivers have higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to their nature of work and working environment. To identify the prevalence of WMSDs and associated risk factors and to conduct real-time testing to evaluate Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) in buses based on the ISO standards to assess the vibrations levels at different speeds. Participants in this study were 370 full-time male bus drivers from the north and south zones of 13 depots of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Bengaluru, south India. Information regarding WMSDs symptoms during the previous 7 days and 12 months were collected by Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). WBV and HAV testing was performed and vibration levels were compared with ISO-2631-1 (1997) and ISO-5349-1-2001 standards. It was found that 68.7% of participants reported WMSDs. Several individuals and work-related factors were found to be statistically significant with WMSDs. From the Gini impurity measure, vibration and road types (Asphalt pavement and Rough road) were considered as vital risk factors associated with WMSDs. From the WBV and HAV evaluations, it was found that for buses on asphalt pavement at > 60 km/h, the vibration level was higher compared to a lower speed. The vibration level exceeded the Exposure Action Value (EAV) on rough roads at all speeds (20km/h, 40km/h and 60km/h) and in several situations considered based on assumptions the vibration level exceeded the Exposure Limiting Value (ELV).

Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain in Urologic Microsurgeons

ABSTRACT Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a broad category of potentially preventable conditions causing pain in or injury of the muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones that can be directly attributed to an occupation. Practicing surgeons are at high risk for MSDs due to forced neck flexion, awkward posture, and repetitive hand and arm movements. Urologists face unique ergonomic considerations, including those of laparoscopy, endoscopy, and microsurgery, compared to the general proceduralist population. Studies have shown the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain to be 45-62% in urologists. However, urologic microsurgeons have not to date been studied as a unique subgroup. Objective We sought to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs in urologic microsurgeons. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to approximately 6,000 urologists via email from a curated email database which included specialty society members. This survey included questions on demographics, operative time, exercise frequency and type, ergonomic interventions, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Symptoms were assessed using a de novo, modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Musculoskeletal trouble was defined in the survey as aches, pains, discomfort, or numbness in accordance with the NMQ. Results A total of 50 responses were collected, proportional to the relatively small number of urologists performing these surgeries. The average age of respondents was 48.5 years, BMI was 26.4, and years in practice was 15.7. 29 (58%) completed a formal fellowship in andrology, male infertility, or microsurgery. The average number of operative days per week was 1.6 and the average number of microsurgical cases per month was 7.2. A total of 42 (84%) respondents reported musculoskeletal trouble in the past 12 months; 30 (60%) reported trouble in the past week; and 8 (16%) were forced to miss work due to their MSD in the past 12 months. Neck symptoms were most common (52%), followed by low back (50%) and shoulders (44%). Of those with symptoms in the past year, 24 (57%) respondents were prompted to seek professional medical help and 29 (69%) respondents were prompted to use medication. Furthermore, 25 (60%) respondents believed that their MSDs were a result of their occupation. 96% of respondents exercised, with the median respondent exercising three days a week for one hour each day. There was no association between hours of exercise and prevalence of MSDs. Similarly, there were no associations between operative volume, years in practice, or fellowship status with musculoskeletal symptoms. Of surgeons who sit to operate, only 40% experienced weekly symptoms, compared to 73% of surgeons who stand (p=0.02). This was most pronounced with low back pain, as 5% of surgeons who sit experienced weekly low back symptoms compared to 30% of those who stand (p=0.04). Conclusions Work-related MSDs are highly prevalent in urologic microsurgeons, with 83% of surveyed surgeons experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms in the past year. Operating while seated was associated with a significantly lower incidence of MSDs compared to standing. Negative ergonomics of standing such as leaning or hunching with a non-ergonomic operative microscope likely plays a major role in the development of persistent MSDs in urologic microsurgeons. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: FY: Coloplast (consultant), Cynosure (consultant) LJ: Hims (consultant)

Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Adults of Rural Areas of Delhi: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are disabling chronic conditions prevalent worldwide. However, there is paucity of literature of such disorders from India.Objective: To study the epidemiology of Musculoskeletal disorders in adult population of rural areas of Delhi.Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross sectional, community-based study and conducted in a rural area of Delhi. Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs. Data were summarized using frequencies, proportions and appropriate statistical tests were applied for significance. Binary logistic regression was used.Results: The lifetime prevalence of MSDs in the present study was found to be 57% (114) of the study participants, 53% (106) participants had history of MSDs in the past 12 months, 48% (96) participants had history of MSDs in the past 4 weeks while 35% (70) participants had history of MSDs at the time of interview. Lower backache was the most common complaints (54.2%). MSDs were found to be more associated with female gender, increasing age, being overweight or obese, and having a history of trauma.Conclusion:One in three adults was suffering from MSDs in rural Delhi and more so in females and elderly.

Ergonomic assessment of handloom silk saree workers

Handloom weaving is one of India's oldest cottage businesses, which is unorganised in nature and employs the vast majority of rural people. It is associated with multiple processes during which the workers are subjected to prolonged working hours and with adverse work postures that lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this work is to identify the prevalence of occupational health issues, particularly musculoskeletal disorders, and the associated risk factors. This paper examines the ergonomic concerns among 206 silk saree workers with a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire method to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues and the associated factors. An attempt has been made to assess the ergonomic postures to identify the hazards and challenges involved during the activities performed in silk saree manufacturing. REBA and RULA ergonomic assessment techniques are employed to identify the risk variables that are responsive to the musculoskeletal problem by work posture analysis. This study reveals that 50%, 73.33%, 75.75%, and 55.78% of workers possess very high risks during yarn extraction, yarn pre-preparation, dyeing, and weaving processes. 45%, 78.05%, and 100% of workers performing warp yarn preparation, weft yarn preparation, and drafting of warp yarn processes experience high risks.

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown and Confinement Measures on the Musculoskeletal Health of the Urban Geriatric Population

BackgroundOwing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a nationwide lockdown was imposed in India, with strict confinement measures imposed on the elderly. Because mobility and regular physical activity are considered to be the key determinants of musculoskeletal health, this study aimed to investigate the effect of lockdown and confinement measures on the musculoskeletal health and activities of daily living of the urban geriatric population.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was conducted among the elderly aged ≥60 years. The survey instrument consisted of a questionnaire, a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (mNMQ), and the Barthel activities of daily living (ADL) index. The net mNMQ score and Barthel ADL index were compared before and during the lockdown. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which factors could result in the worsening of the net mNMQ score. In addition, floor and ceiling effects of the net mNMQ score were determined.ResultsIn this study, a total of 105 out of 150 eligible participants were enrolled. A significant decline in physical activity status was noted during the lockdown. Overall, 54.3% of the respondents reported that their medical services were impacted during the lockdown. The net mNMQ score showed a significant worsening during the lockdown (P < 0.0001). A statistically significant increase in the modified NMQ score was noted for the lower limb (P < 0.0001) and spine (P = 0.002), but not for the upper limb (P = 0.052). Elderly whose medical services were impacted during lockdown had significantly worse net mNMQ scores than those whose services were not impacted (odds ratio = 6.16; 95% confidence interval = 2.51-15.08; P = 0.0001). Age, gender, ambulatory status, increase in body weight, and indulgence in exercise before and during lockdown had no effect on the change in the net mNMQ score. A significant ceiling effect was noted in the mNMQ score; however, no floor effect was noted.ConclusionsLockdown and confinement measures resulted in a significant decline in physical activity as well as the overall musculoskeletal health of the urban geriatric population in the present study. Hence, policymakers should ensure uninterrupted medical care to the elderly during extended periods of confinement and develop optimal home-based physical activity programs to counter the problems associated with sedentarism.

Predictors of Mobile Video Gaming on Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students in Selangor, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Mobile video gaming among university students has increased rapidly, more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is very concerning as this could spark various problems, such as musculoskeletal pain and gaming disorders. OBJECTIVES: The present study is to identify the predictors of mobile video gaming on musculoskeletal pain among university students in Selangor, Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted online using a self-reported online questionnaire via Google Form and sent to university students in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants' gaming addiction was measured using the Ten Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) questionnaire, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed by the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. A descriptive and binomial linear regression test was used to predict the variables. The statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05, and odds ratios were calculated with confidence intervals of 95%. RESULTS: The prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among university students in Selangor, Malaysia is 1.8% (n=3). The neck region (74.2%) was the most commonly reported body region with musculoskeletal pain, followed by the shoulder region (60.7 %), lower back region (55.8 %), and upper back region (50.9 %). The body position was the only predictor of mobile video gaming with musculoskeletal pain (p = 0.002) in the lower back region. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among university students was low and not addicted to gaming in the Covid-19 lockdown. We also found that participants who sat while playing mobile video games were more likely to develop low back pain. However, one of the limiting factors could be prolonged sitting in virtual classes during the lockdown, which causes low back pain.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among building painters in South India

The main objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and risks among building painters in South India. Cross-sectional data were collected from 120 male building painters in South India using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) survey. The question includes demographic information, psychological factors, medical history, work-related information, MSDs symptoms and severity of MSDs. The statistical analyses reported the highest prevalence of MSDs among building painters was reported as 70.8%. The highest prevalence rate has been found in the shoulder region (69.5%) and neck region (65.4%). It is also evident that the chief painters experienced the highest discomfort (72.0%) than assistant painters (68.4%). The repetitive task, awkward postures, forceful exertions and work height above shoulder level were reported as highly contributing factors of MSDs among building painters. The building painters who participated in this research were found to exhibit both MSDs and ergonomic hazards. Results suggest that further studies are needed to establish different preventive measures and ergonomics interventions to reduce the risks of MSDs among building painters.

Musculoskeletal disorders and work assessment in pharmaceutical distribution units: A case study

The pharmaceutical supply chain serves as an intermediary between a pharma company and consumers/ patients. Distribution units or Carrying and Forwarding Agent (CFA) is one of the connecting links in the pharma supply chain that connects manufacturer to wholesaler or stockist. The job of workers at the CFA level is to pack medicines in customized packages for wholesalers. Packing work necessitates these workers to do repetitive activities and assume awkward postures, which can trigger work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are painful disorders resulting due to constant body movements and prolonged postures. This study was carried to evaluate the MSD prevalence among pharmaceutical supply chain workers and understand their work pattern. Data for 112 subjects (88 male and 24 female) from 11 CFAs were obtained using observation, a general questionnaire, and a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results indicated MSD prevalence among male and female workers, with the maximum number of workers reporting pain in the lower back, knee, and ankle/ feet. The findings can be attributed to the postures adopted while working as it was noticed that bent and twisted back, bent and twisted legs, squatting, and kneeling on the floor were the most common work postures. The results of this study highlight a need for posture assessment and the creation of a workstation to eliminate harmful postures and consequently reduce MSDs among pharmaceutical packing workers.

Prevalence of neck/shoulder pain among public hospital workers in China and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Studies have reported that neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) was prevalent and a non-ignorable occupational health problem in healthcare providers. Considering data deficiency on NSP, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and sick leave absence of NSP among public hospital workers in Shandong, China and to explore the associated factors for chronic NSP. A self-administered questionnaire including the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was filled in by 30,520 hospital workers in 37 hospitals selected randomly from among all public hospitals of Shandong, China. The 12-month prevalence of NSP lasting for at least 3 months and sick leave absence due to NSP among 29,547 public hospital workers was 15.6% and 11.4%, respectively, most frequently reported in tertiary hospital workers (27.4% and 18.9%) and clinicians (19.1% and 15.2%). Log-binomial regression analysis revealed that chronic NSP was significantly associated with hospital level, employment position, contract/temporary employment status (vs. permanent), workload (long work hours per week), ergonomic factors (bending the neck forward for long periods of time, twisting the neck for long periods of time) and computer-related factors (prolonged computer-using time daily, the keyboard too close to the edge of the desk).