Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

A Pilot Study Examining The Efficacy Of Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Programmes For Students With Work-Related Muscular-Skeletal Disorders

Background: Musculoskeletal issues at work have an influence on daily life, productivity, and quality of life. Musculoskeletal issues that go untreated can result in severe damage and function loss, which can limit participation, cause financial loss, and add to the rising burden of illness in the world. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find the effect of occupational therapy rehabilitation program in occupational therapy students with work related musculoskeletal disorder. Study Design:Quasi-experimental, pilot study design was chosen for the research Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental study design. Thirty occupational therapy students aged 20-25 years were recruited through convenience sampling after a prevalence check where 30 students reported 54 musculoskeletal problems. A total number of participants (n= 30) received occupational therapy rehabilitation program. Standardised Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (SNMQ) and Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) were administered to Pain and work related musculoskeletal disorder for all the participants. Result: It revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in pre-test and post-test with numeric pain rating scale (t=10.625, p=0.000). There was a significant difference in percentage in 7 days component of SNMQ. There was no statistical difference with post-test of score of 12 months component of SNMQ. Conclusion: Occupational therapy rehabilitation program is effective for reducing Musculoskeletal disorder or discomfort in occupational therapy students.

Prevalence and Predictors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bus Drivers Engaged in Long- Distance Transportation in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background An increasing number of occupational injuries occur due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in both developing and industrialized countries. These disorders have an impact on workers' health as well as society at large, posing medical, occupational, and economic challenges.  Objectives This research assessed work-related musculoskeletal disorders and its risk factors among Bus drivers for private long-distance Transport Companies in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.  Materials and Methods This study employed a cross-sectional study design. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 338 long-distance bus drivers in the city of Port Harcourt. Participants' demographic data and information regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders were collected using a modified version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics determined prevalence and inferential statistics was used to determine associated risk factors of WRMSD. The p-value of the test of statistical significance was set at ≤0.05. The participants were all male.  Result 58.6% of the research sample had WRMSDs, according to the findings. After logistic regression analysis, only marital status (AOR=5.714, 95% CI for AOR=3.046- 10.721; p=0.001), prolonged sitting of ≥8 hours, (AOR=0.350; 95% CI for AOR=0.166-0.741; p=0.006) and previous history of pain in a previous occupation (AOR=5.714, 95% CI for AOR=3.046-10.721; p=0.001), were significantly associated with the prevalence of WRMSD.  Conclusion WRMSDs are prevalent in private long-distance bus drivers and are strongly correlated with marrital status, prolonged sitting times (more than eight hours), and a history of muscle or joint discomfort in a prior job.

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Coffee Processing Factory Workers in Addis Ababa and Gelan City in Ethiopia, 2023

<i>Background</i>: Globally, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) account for around 40% of the total compensated cost of occupational diseases and injuries. It has a huge impact on the public health problems and economic loss of the society. There was few information about prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal diseases associated with job among coffee processors in Ethiopia. <i>Objective</i>: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among coffee processing factory workers. <i>Methods</i>: A cross-sectional study was utilized to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders from March to June-2023. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a standardized Nordic questionnaire. Simple random sampling method was used to select 633 of study participants. EPInfo version 7.1 was used to enter and cleaned up the data and exported into SPSS version 23 software for further statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine potential predictors of MSDs. <i>Results</i>: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders over the course of a year was 529 (83.6%). The limbs (64.5%) and shoulders (64.5%) were most commonly affected, followed by the neck (61.8%), upper back (60.2%), lower back (54.0%), and hands (51.2%). The final multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male [AOR: 1.8, 95%CI: 1.1, 2.9], married [AOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.3, 3.8], physical activity habit [AOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.1, 4.2], work-related stress [AOR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.3, 3.4], health and safety training [AOR: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.1, 5.9], working hours [AOR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.2, 7.5] and repetitive work [AOR: 2.0, 95%CI: 1.1, 3.5] were found to be statistically significant associating factors with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. <i>Conclusion</i>: In this study the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder was high. Sex, marital status, habit of doing physical exercise, job related stress, work hours, health and safety training work place were statistically significant factors to work related musculoskeletal disorder.

Ethical considerations in telehealth and artificial intelligence for work related musculoskeletal disorders: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. The integration of AI and telehealth applications in healthcare raises ethical concerns such as bias, transparency, data privacy, and accountability for errors. Several studies have assessed this topic, particularly with regard to musculoskeletal disorders, which will be the focus of this manuscript. OBJECTIVE: We will examine key ethical concepts including informed consent, data protection, confidentiality, physician malpractice, liability, and telemedicine regulations. METHODS: Ethical issues pertaining to the topic were explored through a review paper. The primary objective of this scoping review was to map and synthesize the existing literature concerning ethical considerations in telehealth and AI for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. RESULTS: Research demonstrates that medication effectiveness, patient and physician satisfaction, and accessibility costs are higher with telemedicine and AI methods compared to in-person approaches, particularly for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, addressing ethical issues, including patient data privacy and security, is crucial in this field. By considering these factors, the adoption of emerging AI and telemedicine applications, especially for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, is likely to increase. CONCLUSION: AI and telemedicine offer significant advantages, particularly in addressing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, ethical and legal issues surrounding their practice require standardized rules to ensure equitable access, quality care, sustainable costs, professional liability, patient privacy, data protection, and confidentiality. Further practical research studies are needed to address these considerations more effectively.

Prevalence of work–related musculoskeletal disorders for teaching & non-teaching personnel of Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation Inc: A correlation study

The study aimed to answer the questions: (1) Is there prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation Inc. (DRTREFI) teaching and non-teaching personnel; (2) Is there a significant relationship between WMSDs and (a) demographics, (b) environmental factors, & (c) ergonomic factors. A descriptive observational study with a correlational design was utilized. There were 126 respondents in total, consisting of 52 teaching personnel and 74 non-teaching personnel from DRTREFI. Respondents met the inclusion criteria of having worked at the institution for at least one year and experienced pain or discomfort in any body region in the past two months. The study mainly utilized two questionnaires namely the Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders for teaching & non-teaching personnel of Dona Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation Inc. Questionnaire (PWMSDTNTP), a researcher-made questionnaire, and the Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder Form which was based on the Nordic Questionnaire. The lower back has the highest reported incidence of discomfort for the past 12 months (53.96%) and past seven days (24.60%), with the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, upper back, thighs/hips, knees, and ankles, also having reports of pain and discomfort. There was a relevant correlation between discomfort experienced by the respondents and the demographic, environmental, & ergonomic factors with p values less than 0.05.The study concluded that WMSDs were prevalent in DRTREFI teaching and non-teaching personnel. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between demographic profiles, environmental factors, and ergonomic factors with WMSDs among the respondents.

Effectiveness of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides Mobilization with or Without Scapular Stabilization Exercises for Mechanical Neck Pain Among Beauticians

Background: “Work related musculoskeletal disorder in beauticians have spread fundamentally over a year. Beautician experiences the illness effect of Mechanical neck pain due to bend their neck upwards or sideways during their working activities. Neck is the most common musculoskeletal discomfort among Beauticians with prevalence rate of 80%.  Purpose: To observe the effects of SNAGs mobilization with or without scapular stabilization exercises for mechanical neck pain among the beauticians.  Methodology: The research was an experimental study. 30 subjects were separate into two groups. Group A received SNAGs mobilization along with scapular stabilization exercises and Group B received scapular stabilization exercises alone for a period of six weeks. Both groups were assessed by using NPQ and NPRS before and after the intervention.  Results: Statistical analysis was done using paired and unpaired ‘t’ test for within the group and between the groups. Statistical analysis for between the groups showed significant improvement in Group A.  Conclusion: The study concluded that GROUP A show a more significant effect on decreasing pain and increasing functional activities than GROUP B among Beauticians after 6 weeks of intervention.

Assessment of ergonomic risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders among dentist in Kolhapur region.

Work-related disability is caused commonly due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in dentistry. Prolonged static awkward and repetitive postures cause MSD in dentists. The study was executed to confirm the development of MSD in various body regions as they have to work in a small oral cavity to perform crucial dental procedures with precision and concentration. To assess the occurrence of the MSD in several body regions of dentists and to carry out postural study thereby helping them improve posture. Dentists were assessed for their current working postures with various MSD symptoms and its effects. The questionnaire was devised to get musculoskeletal health data from dentists. The postural load was investigated using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Various risk factors contributing to MSD symptoms were identified after data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. According to the current study neck, shoulder, lower back, upper back, wrist hand, elbow, hip, thigh, knee, and ankle were the most affected anatomical regions. Average RULA score for the current study was found to be 6.75 which indicated a need of change of posture while performing dental procedures. There is statistical correlation between gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), uncomfortable positions, stretching, use of ergonomic saddle chair, hand dominance and MSD. There is no statistical correlation between years of experience and MSD. Current workstation (Dental Chair) requires immediate improvements as evident from the postural load analysis, thus immediate implementation of intervention program is required.

Assessment of workload and pain in hospital workers using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire -NMQ during the COVID-19 pandemic – a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim. The aim of the study was to show the degree of advancement of pain and social problems of medical employees. Material and methods. The study was conducted in one of the hospitals in Lesser Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1.11.2021 to 31.01.2022. The study group consisted of 106 participants (93 (87.7%) women and 13 (12.3%) men) from hospital wards, emergency ambulance stations, administrative employees and an analytical laboratory. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire in the Polish version – NMQ survey was used to survey employees. The survey was conducted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and respondents were included in the research voluntarily. Results. Pain in the last 7 days was confirmed by 65% of the respondents, in more than 65% of the respondents the pain occurs during rest and sleep. In 64% of the subjects, pain was present on both sides of the body. The greatest pain was related to the lumbar spine in 54% of the respondents. The average pain is almost 5.35 on the Visual Analog Scale – VAS scale. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic may have had a negative impact on the physical and mental condition of medical workers. Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders - WRMSD ailments are common and are a serious, constantly growing problem.

Exercise as a means of preventing musculoskeletal problems in musicians, a systematic review

Abstract Introduction The lifetime prevalence of performance related musculoskeletal disorders in musicians is reported to reach a very high rate (93%) and many times affect the music performance, playing efficacy, the quality of their work or their career progression. It can also have a significant financial burden on the musicians as well as on the organizations/orchestras. Purpose This systematic review summarizes the evidence available from randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of exercise in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in musicians. Methods The search was performed in the PubMed database and the specialized Journal of Medical Problems of Performing Artists, Science & Medicine, Inc. until March 2022. The keywords used were decided by Mesh terms. Studies that had titles and abstracts related to exercise or prevention programs in musicians to reduce or treat PRMDs were selected for detailed analysis. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were used for the final outcome. A qualitative assessment was also carried out with the PEDro scale. Results Of the 1050 articles found, 138 were selected by title for relevance and their abstracts were studied. Of these 22 randomized studies were selected for full reading. The criteria of the systematic review were met by 7 articles, which were examined in detail. Parallel searches were conducted with different combinations of keywords to cross-reference the selected randomized studies. Three clinical studies showed a reduction in the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and a reduction in pain and symptom intensity with a statistically significant difference. Two clinical studies have had a positive effect on physical effectiveness. A control group in one study showed significant statistical significance in aerobic capacity. The same clinical study had a positive effect on the playing performance of the instrument. Another clinical study showed reduced inability related to music performance in both groups. Three clinical studies had an educational intervention together with the exercise intervention. No clinical research was found to assess the health costs of musculoskeletal disorders in musicians. Conclusions This systematic review provided evidence for the effect of exercise training in preventing musculoskeletal disorders in musicians. Prevention programs with exercise intervention had significant clinical value such as reducing the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in intensity, frequency and pain as well as improving their functional capacity and their quality of musical performance. Additional clinical randomized control studies are necessary with a larger number of participants and duration of follow-up of the results to confirm the above findings.

Review on Current Issues related to Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the most common occupational ailments in recent decades, significantly limiting people's daily lives. Globally, WMSDs are the major cause of employee pain, impairment, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and large financial costs. WRMSDs are illnesses that develop over time because of long-term occupational exposure to varying-intensity loads. WRMSDs are produced by discomfort or injury to the muscles and bones of the upper limbs because of activity. Low-extremity illnesses, like upper-limb diseases, may be just as dangerous, There is a high prevalence of neck and upper extremity problems among computer users. Upper extremities diseases were more common in older personnel. The physiological outcome of prolonged, repetitive, or repeating muscle contractions with insufficient recovery is localised muscular fatigue (WMSDs). Muscle tiredness has a substantial impact on occupational task performance, hence preventing it is crucial. The key challenge in ergonomics is to create work that avoids WMSDs while retaining high levels of output quality and productivity. Uncomfortable postures are commonly recognised as a major contributor of MSD among construction workers. Because of their linearity, ergonomic metrics can be incorporated into assembly line design models. They can also be utilised to take use of efficient solution methods established for optimal line design which are beneficial in the assembly line industry. Real-time risk assessment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has proven to be challenging to research. Working at a fast speed and performing repetitive activities, as well as maintaining non-neutral body postures, are all physical risk factors for WMSDs. This review discuses common issue related to WMSDs which includes upper extremity, upper limbs, carpal tunnel syndrome, awkward postures, muscle activity, muscle fatigue, assembly line and risk assessment. The aim is to provide an overview of the problems related to the subject matter.

Prevalence of Work-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries amongst the Health Care Workers in Large Tertiary Care Hospital

Prevalence of Work-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries amongst the Health Care Workers in Large Tertiary Care Hospital

The moderating effect of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in relation to occupational stress and health-related quality of life of construction workers: a cross-sectional research

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), occupational stress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); identify the factors that affect HRQoL; and investigate the moderating effects of WMSDs on occupational stress and HRQoL.MethodsThe participants were construction workers who had worked in the construction industry for over three months. A total of 178 construction workers voluntarily participated and anonymously completed the musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, short-form 36. The moderation effect of WMSDs on occupational stress and HRQoL were analyzed by Haye’s Process Macro Model.ResultsThe results of the study showed that 96 subjects (53.9%) had WMSDs, and the most common pain site was the lower back (33.3%). The group with WMSDs had higher occupational stress than did the group without WMSDs (p < 0.01). Compared with the group without WMSDs, the group with WMSDs displayed significant differences in HRQoL (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the factor affecting HRQoL was WMSDs (p < 0.001). In the impact of occupational stress on HRQoL, WMSDs had a significant moderating effect (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that construction workers’ WMSDs significantly impact occupational stress and HRQoL, and WMSDs have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between occupational stress and HRQoL. Therefore, to improve the HRQoL of workers in the construction industry, it is necessary to develop methods to reduce occupational stress and prevent and treat WMSDs.

PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG IT PROFESSIONALS IN TECHNOPARK THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are soft tissue injuries caused by sudden or sustained exposure to repetitive motion, force, vibration and awkward positions. IT Professionals represent an occupational group where chances to develop MSDs are high because of their work pattern, in which they have fixed or constrained body position, continual repetition of movements, force concentrated on small parts of the body, like hand or wrist or a pace of work that does not allow sufficient recovery between movements. In India, many studies were done to evaluate the prevalence of MSDs among other occupational groups but not much among IT Professionals. This study has been carried out to determine the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) among IT Professionals. The study design was cross sectional with information technology (IT) Professionals working in Technopark Thiruvananthapuram as the study population. The sampling method used for the survey is the simple random sampling. Data was collected using a modified version of Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire. Chi-square (χ2) test was applied for statistical significance and associations were assessed through p value with 95% confidence interval. Prevalence of work related MSD during last 12 months, was 36.57%. The common prevalence of work related MSD reported during last 12 months based on their body region were neck (83.42), shoulders (76.57%), and back (61.71%). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of experience, sitting for long period, using key board and working in the same posture for long period. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, BMI, gender, education. The study has concluded that MSD is prevalent among IT Professionals working in Technopark Thiruvananthapuram..

A Study to Assess Prevalence of Developing Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nursing Students at KPGU University – A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) present as pain or discomfort in the musculoskeletal system that individuals experience from work-related activities. Substantial research evidence exists on qualified nurses with WRMSDs, but there is a distinct lack of research regarding nursing students and their work environment in Vadodara. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among nursing students in Vadodara.Methodology : A cross sectional study involving a self administered questionnaire was initiated among the undergraduate nursing students at the KPGU University, Vadodara. All 100 undergraduate nursing students were given the opportunity to participate by completing the questionnaire. Data analysis consisted of frequencies,descriptive and custom tables. The Chi-square test for association was used to test the associations between variablesResult: The study found a 60% prevalence of MSDs. Musculoskeletal disorders occurred most commonly in the lower back (46%), neck (12%) and shoulder(10%), ankle/feet(17%) regions.Conclusion: At the Drs Kiran and Pallavi Patel Global University (KPGU), there is a high frequency of MSDs(60%) among undergraduate nursing students. The highest prevalence rate for lower back pain during the past12 months was observed.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders in school teachers: risk factors, prevalence, and association with health-related quality of life in Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Introduction. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and correlations between associated risk factors, physical activity levels, stress, and quality of life among schoolteachers in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study using SPSS version 23.0 for the statistical analysis, was conducted using the Shapiro–Wilk test, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test to compare the quality of life scores and stress level scores based on variables. Results. In total, 342 teachers working in private and public schools were recruited. Our results showed a high prevalence of MSP among teachers. The most reported areas were the lower back, shoulder, and neck, followed by the upper back. The suggested causes are long hours spent on devices, as the average hours spent on devices range from 6 to 9 hours, heavy load of teaching from 16 to 30 classes per week, old age in most participants (35 years and above), and low physical activity. Moreover, quality of life is low among teachers with known chronic medical conditions and teachers working in private schools. Stress was moderate when all variables were tested. Conclusion. Work-related MSP are highly prevalent among schoolteachers in the UAE. A high prevalence is associated with older age, longer teaching hours, higher teaching load, poor quality of life, and moderate stress.

A Manuscript on the Knowledge and Practice of Ergonomic Principles in Patient Handling Among Physiotherapists in Nigeria

Patient handling in Physiotherapy involves moving or lifting a body part, repetitive movement and sustained posture. These tasks if carried out wrongly can lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSDs]

PENYULUHAN IMPLEMENTASI PERSONAL RISK ASSESSMENT TERHADAP WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER SYNDROM (WMSDs) PADA LOADERMAN AREA PACKING PLANT PT SOLUSI BANGUN ANDALAS

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Syndrome (WMSDs) is a group of disorders of muscles, tendons, and nervous system caused by repeated and continuous static loads for a certain period it will cause damage to joints, ligaments, and tendons. The purpose of this research is to find out whether the implementation of the Personal Risk Assessment program has been effective in preventing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders on the loader man at packing plant Solusi Bangun Andalas Inc area, by analyzing the relationship of factors thought to be associated cause WMSDs, namely workload, work posture, repetition, duration, and vibration. This research is quantitative with a cross-sectional method. Data was collected by distributing Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Nordic Body Map (NBM) worksheet questionnaires to 30 samples. Data analysis was performed in univariate and bivariate using the Chi-Square test. The results of the workload test with complaints of WMSDs got a p-value of 0.005, work posture with complaints of WMSDs with a result of p 0.004, repetitions with complaints of WMSDs with a result of p 0.013, duration with complaints of WMSDs with a result of 0.008 and vibration with complaints of WMSDs with a result of 0.002, and the conclusion show that the Personal Risk Assessment program is ineffective in preventing WMSDs risk

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Primary Health Care Workers in Minna, Niger State

Work related musculoskeletal disorders are conditions that health care providers are themselves highly prone to from their daily activities of handling patient care. This study was conducted among primary healthcare workers in Minna, Niger State to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulting from performing occupational duties in PHC centers. The objective of this study was to investigate the proportion of healthcare workers affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the most common disorder affecting this category of people. The NMQ was used to gather information from respondents. A total of 334 workers of the PHC centers were selected through purposive sampling which comprised of clinicians with the exception of administrative and other support staff. After analysis of data lower back pain showed the highest prevalence (41%) followed by shoulder pain (18%) and neck (14%). The majority of PHC workers in Minna metropolis are affected with low back pain. It is the most common WRMSD among clinicians. This is also in alignment with the global menace of low back pain as one of the most common reasons for individual work absenteeism. High-quality experimental studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), are needed to investigate specific etiological factors responsible for these disorders and objective means to quantify the level of discomfort from these disorders. Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Low back pain, prevalence, Healthcare worker, clinicians, primary health care centers, Minna metropolis, Niger State.

Effect of day time on smartphone use posture and related musculoskeletal disorders risk: a survey among university students

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most important problems among young smartphone users worldwide. Portability leads to a wide variety of postures during the different activities of the day. The objective evaluation of these postures coupled with ergonomic tools allows evaluating the level of MSD risk to which users are exposed.MethodsThe purpose was to investigate the effect of the time of day on the posture adopted during smartphone use among university students. The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey of 263 university sports students. Four time of day, i.e. morning, afternoon, evening and night, and a taxonomy of 41 postures called SmarTaxo were considered. SmarTaxo included 18 sitting, 11 standing, 10 lying and 2 walking postures and their ergonomic score. After checking the normality of the data, a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was used to study the effect of the time of day on the use duration of the different postures.ResultsThe total mean duration use per typical weekday was 5.39 ± 2.19 h for males and 5.15 ± 1.60 h for females with maximal duration during evening. The average smartphone use durations were statistically longer in afternoon and evening for all sitting (9.44 and 9.22 min respectively, p < 0.05) and calling (3.38 and 3.33 min respectively, p < 0.05) postures. The longest duration for standing postures was recorded for afternoon (8.91 min, p < 0.05). The lying postures were significantly more present in evening (19.36 min). Some postures were more used during a time of day. The side-lying posture was used more in evening and has an ergonomic score of 6, i.e. a high MSD risk.ConclusionsThe survey showed that users are exposed to MSDs regardless of posture and time of day. Sitting postures are used more in the morning and afternoon while lying postures are used more in the evening. As long as the rate of use is so high (> 5 h per day), young people will remain highly exposed to MSDs.

Structural equation modelling of work related musculoskeletal disorders among dumper operators

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of personal factors, habitual factors, and work-related factors on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among dumper operators. In total, 248 dumper operators working in an iron ore mine were considered for this study. A questionnaire was developed and administered to collect dumper operators' personal, habitual, and work-related data. The reliability of the questionnaire was cross-checked by Cronbach alpha and the test–retest method. The values of Cronbach alpha for all latent variables were above 0.7, and the correlation coefficient of the questionnaire items at Time 1 and Time 2 was above 0.82. After verifying the validity (i.e., convergent and divergent) of the questionnaire data, the relationship between the factors under consideration was examined by structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM demonstrated a moderate fit, with frac{{upchi }^{2}}{df} value of 1.386, comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.86, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) of 0.72, adjusted goodness-of-fit index (AGFI) of 0.69, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.83, normed fit index (NFI) of 0.71 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.051. The SEM analysis revealed a positive relationship between WRMSDs and personal factors (with path coefficient = 0.313 and p < 0.05) as well as work-related factors (with path coefficient = 0.296 and p < 0.05). However, the relationship between WRMSDs and habitual factors was not statistically significant (with path coefficient = 0.142 and p > 0.05). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence the prevalence of WRMSDs among dumper operators. The findings highlight the significance of personal and work-related factors by which one can make a positive decision to prevent and reduce the incidence of WRMSDs among dumper operators.