Musculoskeletal Stress Research Articles

Tennis serves versus baseball pitch: similarities and differences

Typical gestures of tennis and baseball, as well as of all the so-called "overhead" sports (those activities, that is, which involve raising the arm above the head), have some kinematic aspects in common, but different kinetics. In other words, the movement of the upper limb is quite similar, but the forces involved and the musculoskeletal stresses differ significantly with implications that can affect the whole body.

Biomechanical evaluation of midwifery tasks and its relationship with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders

IntroductionAs an important occupational group in the healthcare system, midwives face various ergonomic risk factors such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) risks. Moreover, an accurate job evaluation can help to design appropriate ergonomic interventions and more accurately estimate the probability of developing MSDs. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate musculoskeletal discomforts and biomechanical stresses using the Three-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP Ver. 7.1.3) to find the association of these factors with the prevalence of MSDs among midwives. Materials and methodsA total of 91 midwives with at least two years of work experience participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. All midwifery duties were analyzed using the hierarchical task analysis (HTA) method. Moreover, time analysis was performed for this job, and data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and body mapping. The 3DSSPP software was used to investigate the forces acting on the lumbar region, and finally, the association of individual characteristics and the forces exerted on the body with MSDs was investigated. ResultsAccording to the results, the highest level of pain and discomfort was related to the back and neck regions. The software analysis of the four major midwifery tasks showed that the highest biomechanical forces were exerted on the L5/S1 disc during lifting the mothers from bed (to help them sit or walk) and breastfeeding training. Accordingly, only in the task of lifting the mothers and helping them to sit or walk, the balance status was inappropriate and critical due to the improper distribution of forces. The analysis of the associations between variables showed that biomechanical forces, age, height, body mass index, and job tenure were among the risk factors affecting MSDs. ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, MSDs were highly prevalent, especially in the neck and back regions; this can be attributed to the nature of midwifery tasks. The software analysis results of the tasks showed that the biomechanical forces on the spine in each of the tasks can be affected by the weight of the mother, the height of the bed, static posture, and the bending/twisting of the whole body. Compression and shear forces were among the risk factors that can affect MSDs. To prevent MSDs in midwives, it is appropriate to improve the workstations.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Stress among Moroccan Dentists: A Cross Sectional Study

Background and aim: Dentists' treatment tasks require repetitive actions, uncomfortable postures, and intense effort, all of which can lead to health disorders. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Moroccan dentists and the factors associated with these diseases. Material and methods: To conduct a descriptive cross-sectional survey, an anonymous questionnaire on occupational health problems was distributed to a representative sample of 310 Moroccan dentists. Sample size calculation and sampling were performed using Epi info software. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. The associations among the frequency of variables were evaluated by the chi-square test (P < 0.05).Results: Out of 310 questionnaires distributed, we received 286 responses, for a response rate of 95.33%. A total of 286 dentists were included in our survey. The mean age of the participants was 41.19 (±7.63) years. The results showed that 62.9% of the surveyed dentists complained of musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, 79.4% of practitioners had high stress levels. Concerning sports activity, 55.9% of the practitioners practiced a sport activity.Conclusions: For Moroccan dentists, the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain is a critical problem. Considering the scale of the problem, it is necessary to implement education in ergonomics among dentists and dental students, and to promote the holistic health of dental professionals. As musculoskeletal pain is a critical issue for Moroccan dentists, it's judicious to consider ergonomics courses at the beginning of dental education programs, then every year until graduation, and to provide professional dentists with continuous training all along their careers.

The effect of preference and actual days spent working from home on stress and musculoskeletal pain in older workers

ObjectivesThe rapid shift to working from home (WFH) due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between preferred and actual days spent working from home on employees musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and stress in older workers.MethodsThis study uses three waves of data from the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study collected in May 2021 (n = 451), November 2021 (n = 358) and May 2022 (n = 320) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A generalised mixed-effect model was used to model the relationships between preference and actual days spent WFH, stress and MSP. Exploratory mediation analysis was conducted to further explore significant relationships between actual days WFH and outcomes.ResultsWFH was associated with increasing stress levels in older participants, when the actual number of days WFH increased (B: 0.051, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.094) and when the number of days WFH exceeded their preferences (B: 0.218, 95% CI: 0.087, 0.349). Actual number of days spent WFH and stress in older employees was mediated through their sense of community (Indirect effect: 0.014, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.03; p = 0.006). The relationship between WFH and MSP was variable. For older employees, WFH more than their preferred number of days was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting MSP (OR: 4.070, 95% CI: 1.204, 13.757).ConclusionsFindings from this study support the need for flexible policies to support WFH which take into account employees preferences. For older workers, a sense of community was found to be important and proactive attempts to restore this will be important for maintain their health and supporting sustainable employment.

Do work-family conflict or family-work conflict mediate relationships between work-related hazards and stress and pain?

Previous research has identified associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and health outcomes (e.g., musculoskeletal pain). This study investigated whether WFC and family-work conflict explain relationships between exposure to work-related hazards and musculoskeletal pain and stress for workers undertaking some or all of their work at home. Possible differences by home workspace location were also explored. Longitudinal survey data were collected from workers in Australia engaged in work from home for at least two days per week. Data was collected at four timepoints approximately 6 months apart (Baseline [October 2020] n = 897; Wave 1 [May/June 2021] n = 368; Wave 2 [October/November 2021] n = 336; Wave 3 [May 2022] n = 269). Subjective measures of work-related psychosocial hazards, occupational sitting and physical activity, musculoskeletal pain, and stress were collected via an online questionnaire. Mediation analyses were conducted using the R package "mediation." Analyses were also conducted with the data set stratified by home office location, using R version 4.1.3. Both WFC and family-work conflict acted as mediators between psychosocial work-related hazards and musculoskeletal pain and stress. WFC mediated more relationships than family-work conflict. Location of home workspace was important, particularly for those working in a space at home where they may be subject to interruptions. Addressing WFC is a legitimate means through which musculoskeletal pain and stress can be reduced. Organizational risk management strategies need to address all work-related risks, including those stemming from work-life interaction.

Pain, smartphone overuse and stress in physiotherapy university students: An observational cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and stress levels in university students in the health area. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pain in the cervical region, lumbar spine, and upper and lower limbs in university students in the final year of physiotherapy; and to determine the correlation between smartphone overuse, stress level, and musculoskeletal pain. MethodsThis is observational cross-sectional study. Students completed an online questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Smartphone Addiction Scale Short-version (SAS-SV), Job Stress Scale, and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI). The Biserial-point correlation test and Spearman correlationvtest was performed. ResultsIn total, 42 university students participated in the study. The results indicate a high prevalence of students with cervical pain (83.3%), lumbar pain (76.2%), shoulder (57.1%) and wrist (52.4%). Correlations were found in the comparison of the SAS-SV versus NDI (p < 0.001, R = 0.517) and neck pain (p = 0.020, R = 0.378). The stress scale versus pain in the upper back (p = 0.008, R = 0.348), elbow (p = 0.047, R = 0.347), wrist (p = 0.021, R = 0.406), and knee (p = 0.028, R = 0.323), pain in the wrist versus high scores in the SAS-SV (p = 0.021, R = 0.367), and also hours spent using the smartphone versus pain in the hip (total time: p = 0.003, R = 446; work: p = 0.041, R = 0.345; recreation: p = 0.045, R = 0.308). ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of pain in the cervical and lumbar regions in university students in the final year of Physiotherapy. A correlation was found between neck disability, neck and upper back pain and overuse of the smartphone and stress.

Chemical Safety Knowledge Assessment of Academic Researchers from Brazil during Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Laboratories are inextricably dangerous work environments, as fatal incidents are reported in both academic and non-academic environments worldwide, where poor safety culture has been recognized as the major accident contributor. Workers can be exposed to chemical, biological, physical, or radioactive hazards, in addition to musculoskeletal stresses. In Brazil, hundreds of thousands of workers are employed in laboratories, either in private or public institutions. Although laboratory safety can be governed by local, state, or federal regulations, learning how to identify common laboratory hazards is the first step to preventing accidents in the lab environment. Methods: The study aimed to assess the degree level of safety culture in an academic population of research laboratories, located in the largest city in Brazil, and their compliance with occupational safety regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study was carried out between October and November 2020. The results were obtained from the standardized questionnaire used to assess 98 researchers working in laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The majority of respondents (95%) reported being exposed to more than two risks, simultaneously. About two-thirds (66%) of them were not fully aware of the laboratory's risk map. About half of the researchers (50%) were lacking in safety culture, and 57%and 43% were preoccupied with chemical and non-chemical hazards, respectively. Personal protective equipment (PPE) during laboratory work was used by most researchers, but 75% of researchers claim that security awareness learning should be a high priority for admission to laboratories. About 39% of researchers agreed that awareness of security must be improved in their laboratories Conclusion: The survey proves the lack of information and attitudes about chemical safety, especially among less experienced researchers, even if they use personal protective equipment when necessary.

Knowledge and Experiences of Pregnant Females Towards Physiotherapy in Lahore

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess physiotherapy knowledge and experiences among pregnant females in antenatal care culture meanwhile aims to raise awareness about importance of physiotherapy in antenatal care. Methodology: This study was cross sectional .After the approval from IRB SMDC subjects were recruited using convenient sampling. Study setting was gynecology department of Shalamar hospital Lahore. Written consent form and study description was provided to each participant. After giving complete description of study data and signing the consent information was recorded through in person interview with each subject using a self-administered questionnaire, it took 5-10 minutes with each subject. Online Google form was sent to pregnant women. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: With a response rate of 100% it was found that most of women (n=106 79.1%) knew about physiotherapy, but knowledge and awareness of antenatal physiotherapy and its benefits were fairly low (n=46, 34.1%. Prevalence of low back pain (n=112, 82.9%), urine leakage (n=48, 35.5%), and other musculoskeletal stresses were seen to be high among pregnant females. While there was little guidance (n=23, 17%) about antenatal physiotherapy and referral to physiotherapy (n=22, 15.07%) was also quite low. Conclusion: Pregnant females had quite insufficient knowledge and experiences in antenatal physiotherapy. There is a need to educate masses about physiotherapy and its benefits in antenatal care. Appropriate measures should be taken to spread awareness and knowledge among pregnant females, families and health care providers for improvement of quality of life among pregnant females. Key words: Pregnant females, Physiotherapy, Pregnancy, Exercise, Knowledge, Experiences.

Development of a Physical Therapy-Based Exercise Program for Adults with Down Syndrome.

In adults with Down syndrome, the combination of low physical activity and fitness levels and the high prevalence of musculoskeletal co-morbidities stresses the need for specialized exercise programs. The goal of this research study was to develop a specialized exercise program for individuals with Down syndrome using the physical therapy approach of a systems review as the foundation. We first conducted an overview of the literature on co-morbidities in adults with Down syndrome using the systems review method to categorize these findings. We extracted recommendations for content and delivery of an exercise program based on the literature review, and finally composed a specialized exercise program for individuals with Down syndrome adhering to these recommendations.

NEUROMUSCULAR TAPING APPLICATION TO REDUCE WORK-RELATED TENSION NECK SYNDROME IN “BATIK” MANUAL LABOR WORKERS: A PILOT-CONTROLLED TRIAL

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) in pain and neck disability in reducing work-related musculoskeletal stress. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 workers, with an age mean of about 53.85 years who work in the home industry of “Batik-Village” in Solo Indonesia that were divided into two groups. Intervention groups ([Formula: see text] = 10) received NMT application, while control groups ([Formula: see text] = 10) received sham treatment by the traditional approach. The collected data covered the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for a neck disability. Evaluations were made at four points of time: before, after 3 times, after 6 times of NMT application, and follow-up 15 days after the last application with mirroring duration on the control group. Results: Intervention group showed reduction on pain ([Formula: see text] = 0.000) and neck disability ([Formula: see text] = 0.000) during the intervention but only pain has prolonged effect on follow-up ([Formula: see text] = 0.001). Conclusion: NMT application to painful neck muscles in manual labor workers decreases their subjective sensation of pain during the work, after work, and after the tape removal.

Efficacy of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in reducing musculoskeletal load associated with overhead tasks

Overhead work can pose substantial musculoskeletal stress in many industrial settings. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in reducing muscular activity and subjective discomfort ratings. In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment, 20 healthy male participants performed 10-min drilling tasks with and without two passive upper-limb exoskeletons (VEX and Airframe). During the tasks, muscle activity in eight muscles (upper limb - upper trapezius, middle deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii; low back - erector spinae; lower limb - rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior) was collected using electromyography as a physical exertion measure. Subjective discomfort rating in six body parts was measured using the Borg's CR-10 scale. The results showed that muscle activity (especially in the upper-limb muscles) was significantly decreased by 29.3–58.1% with both exoskeletons compared to no exoskeleton condition. The subjective discomfort ratings showed limited differences between the conditions. These findings indicate that passive upper-limb exoskeletons may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce muscular loading and physical exertion during overhead work.

The association between perceived stress and musculoskeletal pain during e-learning among health-profession students

Background and Aims: Musculoskeletal pain is among students’ most common complaints while learning. University students report high-stress levels, which is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal problems. Shift¬ing from face-to-face learning to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased college students’ time spent on computers. This increase may lead to musculoskeletal problems. This study aimed to assess the correlation between musculoskeletal pain, stress, and time spent on e-learn¬ing among female university students. Methods: Participants were recruited through an online survey examining demographic data, students’ attitudes, the ‘Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire’ and the ‘Perceived Stress Scale’. The survey was distributed, through university email lists and social media, to medical college students at Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia. Results: Respondents’ musculoskeletal symptoms during the seven days previous to their responses were present at the neck (55%), lower back (48%), shoulders (43%), and upper back (34%). A positive, significant, weak correlation between musculoskeletal symptoms and total time spent on e-learning (p = 0.27, p &lt; 0.01) and stress (p = 0.3, p &lt; 0.01). Students with high-stress scores and negative attitudes toward e-learning had more musculoskeletal pain intensity. Conclusions: Respondents’ high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms appears to be affected by the high stress levels associated with health-profession students’ time spent on e-learning. Students’ negative attitude toward e-learning correlates with both musculoskeletal pain and stress levels.

Occupational low back pain among nursing staff: An overview

Today, low back pain (LBP) in the workplace is a real and common problem among the nursing staff and can significantly impact their ability to work and perform their duties. Various factors can cause it, including incorrect lifting techniques, poor ergonomic design of workstations, and long periods of standing or sitting in one position. Some research has also suggested that psychological factors, such as job dissatisfaction and high-stress levels, may contribute to the development of low back pain in nursing staff. Consequently, more occupational or workplace diseases appear, including musculoskeletal diseases, stress, fatigue, chronic fatigue, and depression. Previous research has shown that lower back pain risks increase rapidly with higher physical and psychological stress but are inversely related to leisure activities. Various physical and psychological risk factors cause low back pain in nurses. Practices requiring heavy loads, such as patient transfer and transport as part of care, are the main factors driving LBP among nurses. Preventing low back pain in nurses is important for nurses to exercise their fundamental right to work under healthy and safe conditions and provide better patient support. Individual and institutional precautions are required to prevent LBP among nurses. This article highlights the need to develop institutional plans for low back pain reporting among the nursing staff. To prevent low back pain, it is important for nursing staff to be trained in proper lifting techniques and to use assistive devices when available. Workstations should be designed with ergonomics in mind, and breaks should be taken regularly to allow for stretching and movement. It may also be helpful for nursing staff to engage in regular exercise and stretching to improve their overall physical fitness and flexibility. If low back pain does occur, it is important for nursing staff to seek appropriate medical treatment and to follow a plan for managing their pain. This may include taking medications, undergoing physical therapy, or making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further injury. In some cases, it may be necessary for nursing staff to modify their duties or take time off work to allow for healing and recovery.

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

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

Perception and Knowledge of Dental Ergonomics among Romanian Dental Students

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among leading factors for early retirement of dental practitioners while the application of ergonomic principles is often overlooked during dental education. The article aims to assess the need for dental ergonomics modules as an integrated part of the dental school curriculum and to quantify the significance and role of ergonomics in reducing musculoskeletal stress generated while undergoing dental training. The study design consisted of a three-part original close-ended multiple-choice questionnaire carried out among 75 sixth year students from "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania. Questions focused on the basic knowledge of theoretical ergonomics, the ISO 11226 standard and means of improvement in undergraduate ergonomics training. Most students had an average level of knowledge regarding dental ergonomic principles. Data analysis showed that 62.16% agree that the information received in the second-year dental ergonomics course was helpful in regard to time organization. A high percentage (86%) also understood the correct positioning of the patient while performing dental procedures. Although implementation of ergonomic principles in the early dental training years has a high influence in the prevention of MSDs, students do not fully understand the impact this subject has on their future careers.

Utility of Yoga as an Alternative Therapy for Occupational Hazards Among Physical Therapists

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the adoption of yoga techniques as an alternative therapy in the management of physical and psychological occupational hazards among physical therapists.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to assess education and experience level, personal health and occupational hazards/habits, and treatment strategies used for the physical and psychological occupational hazards for participants in their current position. By e-mail, we invited 500 randomly selected physical therapists to participate.&#x0D; Results: We received completed questionnaires from 119 physical therapists. Musculoskeletal pain with stress was the most common occupational hazard reported, followed by only stress, and only musculoskeletal pain. Regarding the pain, the lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, shoulder, and knee were the most affected parts of the body. Regarding pain and stress, only a third physical therapists adopted yoga as an alternative treatment for these occupational hazards; physical therapists tended to engage in other forms of exercise, listen to music or utilize massage to treat pain and stress. Lack of time and lack of training were the most common reasons cited by physical therapists for not practicing yoga. Interestingly, 85.7% of physical therapists would recommend yoga as a treatment for their patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: While musculoskeletal pain and stress were extremely common occupational hazards among physical therapists, only about a third of physical therapists adopted yoga as an alternative treatment for these occupational hazards.

Pilot implementation of rural rehabilitation services, India.

To implement rehabilitation services in a rural area of Raigad district, Maharashtra, India. We piloted a rehabilitation service delivery model through the Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, in five villages. The institute performed participatory rural appraisal and focus group discussions with stakeholders to identify general issues in village life that could affect delivery. To integrate rehabilitation service delivery into the existing primary care system, a team from the institute developed a strategic plan through multidisciplinary clinical meetings. A rehabilitation team conducted a door-to-door survey and referred people needing rehabilitation services to the outreach visits the team was making to the primary health centre twice a week. If needed, patients could be referred to a university teaching hospital for tertiary-level care. The rural appraisal identified lack of awareness, inadequate workforce and infrastructure as key issues for rehabilitation services delivery. In response, we conducted awareness campaigns and formed a rehabilitation team consisting of personnel and students from the institute. Between 2018 and 2021, the team provided care to 1800 patients, of which half (900 patients) had musculoskeletal disorders. After rehabilitation, 360 (40%) of these 900 patients performed daily-living activities and continued to work with reduced pain within 2-3days after rehabilitation. The team provided antenatal care to 1629 pregnant women with musculoskeletal pain or stress urinary incontinence. Provision of rehabilitation services built awareness about physiotherapy, developed a rehabilitation care pathway and established a need for regular services. Using existing resources of the institute and involving students rendered the model sustainable.

Gamification in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

This study is a narrative review aiming at evaluating the current literature of the last 5 years on gamification and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The article search involved the following MeSH terms at PubMed: "gamification," "exergaming," and "rehabilitation." Original studies in English language were included. After careful analysis of the search results, 17 articles were included in this review. The use of games for rehabilitation was investigated in musculoskeletal rehabilitation conditions such as shoulder surgery, impingement syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, fibromyalgia, fracture, and ligament reconstruction. Results were similar or superior to conventional physical therapy or home-based exercises, with the additional benefit of improving motivation to the exercise program. Improvements in quality of life and perceived health status were also observed. The cost-effectiveness of this type of technology was also mentioned as an advantage of exergames in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Studies involving gamification in musculoskeletal rehabilitation stress the potential of this resource in several aspects of physical fitness, health, and quality of life, also improving motivation and adherence to the exercise treatment.

Trend Analysis by Risk Observation: How the German Statutory Accident Insurance Prepares for the Future in Occupational Safety and Health

BackgroundThe risk observatory (RO) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) provides strategic support to the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions (GSAII) in proactive prevention. It does so by identifying future challenges and opportunities for occupational safety and health (OSH) resulting from new trends and developments that affect employees as well as children in elementary education, pupils, and students. MethodsThe core of the RO is an online survey that relies on a pool of new trends and developments identified via internet and literature research. 865 prevention experts of the GSAII and the DGUV participated in the survey. They rated trends and developments regarding their sector-specific risks and opportunities for OSH in the 5 years to come. ResultsSector-specific and over-all results show that besides well-known OSH risks such as musculoskeletal stress and noise, developments relevant for OSH come to the fore that do not have their origin in work itself, but are strongly influenced by political, social, economic, environmental, or technical developments that accident insurance can only peripherally influence. Shortage of skilled staff was identified as a threat to OSH in almost all sectors. ConclusionsPrevention must find ways to address repercussions of such OSH risks. Cooperation and political awareness are therefore gaining in importance. Also, implementing a prevention culture in society and strengthening individuals’ health and safety literacy, e.g., by target-group-specific communication and sensitization, as well as early safety and health education, help to counteract those OSH risks.

Musculoskeletal Pain among Work from Home Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Cross Sectional Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns had brought many changes in the working patterns of the people. Work from home, which has been becoming the new normal is suspected to increase the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and stress. Aim: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the work from home population and hence bring the required changes to ergonomics. Methods and Materials: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted among the urban population (IT employees) of Chengalpattu district. A total of 180 participants were included in the study. Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, adapted to fit the current study was used as a self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from the participants. Results: Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among work from home population was found to be 84% with low backache being the most common musculoskeletal pain. Around 50% of the participants either had an increase in pain (18.9%) or reported that the pain started only during the lockdown (30.6%). Majority of the participants (55.6%) had more than 8 hours of work per day, which may be attributed to the increase in musculoskeletal pain. Perceived stress levels were found to be increased during the work from home period. Conclusion: The absence of ergonomic office furniture may lead to increased faulty posture increasing the musculoskeletal pain, hence awareness on factors like right posture, using the right furniture should be ensured among home working population. By bringing out the required changes in ergonomics for the home working population, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and stress can be reduced.