Physical Risk Research Articles

Wearable device-measured moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of degenerative aortic valve stenosis.

Physical activity has proven effective in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but its role in preventing degenerative valvular heart disease (VHD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the dose-response association between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) volume and the risk of degenerative VHD among middle-aged adults. A full week of accelerometer-derived MVPA data from 87 248 UK Biobank participants (median age 63.3, female: 56.9%) between 2013 and 2015 were used for primary analysis. Questionnaire-derived MVPA data from 361 681 UK Biobank participants (median age 57.7, female: 52.7%) between 2006 and 2010 were used for secondary analysis. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of incident degenerative VHD, including aortic valve stenosis (AS), aortic valve regurgitation (AR), and mitral valve regurgitation (MR). The secondary outcome was VHD-related intervention or mortality. In the accelerometer-derived MVPA cohort, 555 incident AS, 201 incident AR, and 655 incident MR occurred during a median follow-up of 8.11 years. Increased MVPA volume showed a steady decline in AS risk and subsequent AS-related intervention or mortality risk, levelling off beyond approximately 300 min/week. In contrast, its association with AR or MR incidence was less apparent. The adjusted rates of AS incidence (95% confidence interval) across MVPA quartiles (Q1-Q4) were 11.60 (10.20, 13.20), 7.82 (6.63, 9.23), 5.74 (4.67, 7.08), and 5.91 (4.73, 7.39) per 10 000 person-years. The corresponding adjusted rates of AS-related intervention or mortality were 4.37 (3.52, 5.43), 2.81 (2.13, 3.71), 1.93 (1.36, 2.75), and 2.14 (1.50, 3.06) per 10 000 person-years, respectively. Aortic valve stenosis risk reduction was also observed with questionnaire-based MVPA data [adjusted absolute difference Q4 vs. Q1: AS incidence, -1.41 (-.67, -2.14) per 10 000 person-years; AS-related intervention or mortality, -.38 (-.04, -.88) per 10 000 person-years]. The beneficial association remained consistent in high-risk populations for AS, including patients with hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and chronic kidney disease. Higher MVPA volume was associated with a lower risk of developing AS and subsequent AS-related intervention or mortality. Future research needs to validate these findings in diverse populations with longer durations and repeated periods of activity monitoring.

Asset-level assessment of climate physical risk matters for adaptation finance

Climate physical risk assessment is crucial to inform adaptation policies and finance. However, science-based and transparent solutions to assess climate physical risks are limited, compounding the adaptation gap. This is a main limitation to fill the adaptation gap. We provide a methodology that quantifies physical risks on geolocalized productive assets, considering their exposure to chronic and acute impacts (hurricanes) across the scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Then, we translate asset-level shocks into economic and financial losses. We apply the methodology to Mexico, a country highly exposed to physical risks, recipient of adaptation finance and foreign investments. We show that investor losses are underestimated up to 70% when neglecting asset-level information, and up to 82% when neglecting tail acute risks. Therefore, neglecting the asset-level and acute dimensions of physical risks leads to large errors in the identification of adaptation policy responses, investments and finance tools aimed to build resilience to climate change.

Work-Life Conflict, Burnout, and Associated Factors Among Hydroelectric Power Plant Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey.

Power plants are associated with numerous occupational health and safety risk factors, with psychosocial risks being particularly significant. This study examines work-life conflict and burnout among power plant employees and discusses the factors associated with these issues. This cross-sectional study focused on employees at three hydroelectric power plants in Turkey. The inclusion criteria included employees with at least one year of tenure. Using cluster sampling, three plants were selected in Adana, Ankara, and Samsun. The sample size was determined to be 262, and 201 employees participated, yielding a 76.7% response rate. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, which encompasses the sub-dimensions of a valid and reliable scale: The Work-Life Conflict and Burnout sub-dimensions of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire-III (COPSOQ-III) were used to measure the dependent variables. The independent variables included age, education level, total and weekly working hours, perceived health status, and department. The dependent variables were work-life conflict and burnout. Ethical approval was obtained from the Gazi University Ethics Committee. Statistical analysis compared the Pearson chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Yates correction with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. The mean age was 40.83 years, with an average tenure of 11.54 years and a weekly work time of 43.51 hours. Most participants (94.5%) were male; technical unit workers comprised 71.6%. Health issues included smoking (39.8%) and chronic diseases (19.9%). Concerns about the working environment include insufficient knowledge about safety (25.4%) and lack of knowledge about risk assessments (32.3%). Many workers reported lacking personal protective equipment (11.4%) and rest areas (15.4%). Negative health impacts from work were noted by 31.8%. In addition, 51.2% believed that noise levels were outside the acceptable range. Two-thirds of employees reported inadequate measures against physical risks in the workplace. Many participants experienced work-life conflict (13.9%) and burnout (14.5%). High work-life conflict was significantly associated with younger age groups, less tenure, and negative perceived health status. Burnout was significantly related to the duration of employment, weekly working hours, and perceived health status. The study highlights the seriousness of burnout and work-life conflict among hydropower plant workers, emphasizing the need for administrative and organizational interventions to alleviate these issues. Regular occupational health and safety training, involvement in risk assessments, fair workload distribution, supportive work environments, and counseling services are recommended to reduce burnout and improve work-life balance.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Venous Thromboembolism: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence

Abstract This narrative review aims to synthesize existing research on the impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviors on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It also delves into the biological mechanisms through which these lifestyle factors might influence VTE risk, assesses the clinical and public health implications of these findings, and highlights gaps in the current research landscape. Furthermore, it evaluates the causal relevance of physical activity and sedentary behaviors to VTE using Mendelian randomization studies. We conducted a literature search for interventional, observational cohort and genetic studies from MEDLINE and Embase up to April 2024. High physical activity levels are associated with a reduced risk of first-time VTE, independent of factors such as body mass index, age, sex, or geographical location. Nonetheless, the exact nature of the dose–response relationship between physical activity levels and VTE risk remains unclear, particularly regarding the optimal intensity, frequency, and duration needed for VTE prevention. Unlike its effects on initial VTE risk, physical activity does not appear to influence the risk of recurrent VTE. Conversely, sedentary behaviors such as prolonged television viewing and long-distance travel (e.g., long-haul flights) are linked to an increased risk of VTE, a risk that persists despite adherence to physical activity guidelines. The causality of these associations is supported by evidence suggesting biological pathways such as alterations in blood flow and coagulation, inflammation, endothelial and platelet function, and the modulation of cardiometabolic risk factors. Future research should aim to delineate the dose–response curves for the relationships, explore the use of objective measures to more accurately assess both physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and clarify their causal roles in VTE risk, potentially guiding targeted prevention strategies.

Occupational Hazards in Lead-acid Battery Factories in Bangladesh: Assessing Excess Heat, Noise, Chemical Exposures, and Health Impacts on Workers

BackgroundLead-acid battery (LAB) manufacturing is growing in Bangladesh because of the expanding automotive industry and low lead prices. Although these factories employ a big workforce, the working environment has led to concerns about the possible health risks for employees. This study aimed to address this issue by investigating workplace chemical and physical hazards in three LAB industries and evaluating health outcomes among workers. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 LAB factory workers, and participants were recruited by simple random sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on self-reported exposures to physical and chemical risks and related health effects. Data analysis was performed by using statistical software SPSS version 25. ResultsThe age and work experience (Mean ± SD) of the participants were 34.2 ± 7.7 and 10.0 ± 5.7 years, respectively. High workplace temperature and noise from machinery, chemical odors, and skin exposure to acid (H2SO4) were reported by 52.8%, 51.4%, and 20.8% of workers, respectively. Insomnia (25.0%), abdominal pain (18.1%), joint pain (38.9%), memory loss (19.4%), headache (15.3%), low back pain (47.2%), eyesight problem (19.4%), physical weakness (47.2%), and hypertension (19.4%) were all common symptoms among the workers. ConclusionOur study findings indicate that workers in LAB factories in Bangladesh are exposed to extreme temperatures, hazardous materials, and uncomfortable levels of noise, which can lead to serious health risks. To ensure the safety and well-being of employees, the LAB manufacturing sector in Bangladesh requires the immediate implementation of proper occupational health and safety standards.

Exploratory Assessment of the European Union Contries’ Climatic Profile

The paper subscribes to the broad strand of literature that examines the inter- play between banking activity and climate risk, by particularly focusing on identifying and classifying European Union countries into similar, homogenous groups based on their intrin- sic pattern related to climate vulnerability and readiness to cope with the negative effects of natural disasters. By applying an unsupervised learning clustering algorithm on a novel input dataset comprising six proxy indicators for the physical risk associated with climate challenges, we reveal the climate profile of the EU countries. A direct implication of our findings consists of ascertaining which banking systems are more exposed to environmen- tal risks arising from physical sources in the home country they headquarter or in the host countries envisaged for the conduct of transnational financial activity. Results indicate that the least vulnerable EU countries to physical risks, being at the same time best performers in the process of climate risk adaptation, prevention, and management are Denmark, Lux- embourg, Germany, Sweden, and Finland. Hence, their banking systems are less exposed to the adverse consequences of the physical risks. In contrast, banks operating in Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, and Romania are the most exposed to the ripple effects of these risks, due to countries’ increased vulnerability to climate risk and to the low degree of performance in implementing climate policies.

Basic Concepts of Disaster Management and Hazard Risk Vulnerability Profile of Gurgaon Based on District Disaster Management Plan 2020

To understand the process of disaster risk reduction and disaster management it is very important to know the usage meaning and difference between the basic concepts of disaster management. While hazard refers to probable event that can occur, disaster is actual occurrence of the event. Any event becomes a disaster after occurrence when it has very wide impact in terms of loss of life, injury to people, damage and destruction of physical structures and environment. Similarly, vulnerability is situation it can be physical, social or economic but risk is calculation of probable impact of disaster. Capacity improvement can lower the vulnerability, lower the risk and lower the total impact of disaster. Capacity improvement by building strong structures and creating awareness among communities will help in building a resilient society to cope with disasters. In this paper we tried to understand the meaning of these basic concept with illustrations from District Disaster Management Plan 2020 of Gurgaon District of Haryana

The Working Environment in Primary Healthcare Outpatient Facilities: Assessment of Physical Factors and Health Professionals' Perceptions of Working Environment Conditions.

The objectives of this study were to assess the adequacy of physical parameters/factors (temperature, relative humidity, noise, and illuminance levels) of the work environment in PHC facilities, to evaluate the association between the adequacy of these measured physical parameters and the physical characteristics of the PHC facilities and their surroundings and to assess the association between health professionals' perceptions about exposure to physical risks in the PHC work environment and the adequacy of physical parameters measured in the same facilities. The study monitored 23 PHC facilities in southern Brazil and interviewed 210 health professionals. Data analysis involved Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Spearman's correlation, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors. The significance level was set at 5% (p ≤ 0.05). The combination of temperature and relative humidity presented thermal comfort levels outside the adopted criteria for adequacy in consultation (outdoor relative humidity, p = 0.013) and procedure rooms (front door open, p = 0.034). Inadequate sound comfort (noise) levels in the morning shift were found in the vaccination (front door open, p = 0.021) and consultation rooms (movement of people, p = 0.016). In PHC facilities where reception rooms had insufficient lighting, internal curtains were opened less frequently (p = 0.047). The analysis of health professionals' perceptions of physical factors demonstrated that physicians more frequently perceive the physical risk of temperature and humidity (p = 0.044). The higher the number of nurses (p = 0.004) and oral health technicians in the PHC facilities (p = 0.031), the greater the general percentage of adequacy of monitored physical parameters. It was also confirmed that the higher the perception of moderate or severe physical risk among health professionals, the lower the general percentage of the adequacy of the physical parameters of the work environment of the PHC facilities evaluated (rs = -0.450, p = 0.031). This study's evidence contributes to a better understanding of physical conditions and future occupational interventions to ensure the comfort, safety, and well-being of PHC workers.

Hedging the climate change risks of China's brown assets: Green assets or precious metals?

A large discrepancy exists between the dire impact of climate change projected by most natural scientists and the modest estimates of damages calculated by mainstream economists. In this article, we first measure the climate risk, including the transition and physical risks, in China using textual analysis. Then, considering the heterogeneity of climate change's effect, we investigate the impact of climate risks on the brown and green assets of China (including price, volatility, and correlation) for the period from February 2012 to April 2022. In addition, the performance of China's green assets and international precious metal assets is examined in hedging the climate risk exposure of China's brown assets. The results reveal that transition and physical risks lead to contrary changes in the prices of brown and hedging assets. Transition risk causes the volatility of brown and green assets to change in the opposite direction, while physical risk causes the volatility of the two types of assets to change in the same direction. Under extreme climate risk conditions, the correlation between brown and hedging assets decreases. Finally, the findings show that the performance of international precious metals in hedging climate risk exposure is better than that of China's green equity assets.

Association between lifestyle, metabolic syndrome and risk of Diabetes Mellitus in workers

Background: The multivariate assessment of lifestyle can contribute to the identification of factors that are associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: To evaluate the multivariate association of lifestyle, body composition, physiological measurements and sociodemographic information with DM and MS. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design, assessing 155 workers, with a mean age of 35.23 ± 10.22 years. We analyzed sex, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage (BF%), blood pressure, level of physical activity, risk of DM, readiness for physical activity (PAR-Q) and presence of SM. Result: The Multiple Correspondence Analysis showed that very high BF%, obesity (BMI), sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, and moderate risk of DM were correlated. However, regression analysis showed that workers with high WHR and obesity were, respectively, 9.22 (95% CI: 2.72-31.21) and 61.71 (95% CI: 6.68-569.9.21) more likely to have MS. According to PAR-Q, those who answered 'Yes' in the questionnaire were 12.52 (95% CI: 1.516-103.44) more likely to have a high risk of DM. Conclusion: There was a correspondence between the level of physical activity and risk factors for MS in the exploratory multivariate analysis.

Premature ovarian insufficiency

Key content: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome involving ovarian follicle depletion and defined by loss of ovarian function before 40 years of age. The diagnostic workup in women with suspected POI is in two steps: confirming the diagnosis and establishing its cause; it is important to understand the rationale for performing each diagnostic test, how to interpret results and appropriate multidisciplinary team involvement. Treatment options include various regimens and preparations of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), monitoring and surveillance, induction of puberty in those with very early POI, complimentary treatment and fertility treatment. Management of POI requires a comprehensive and personalised strategy that addresses not only the physical symptoms and disease risks, but also the psychosocial and reproductive health aspects, and it is important that women receive adequate counselling. Learning objectives: To raise awareness of early diagnosis of POI. To be able to discuss the implications of POI for the health of women affected and their families, as well as for different hormonal and non‐hormonal treatment options. To understand various fertility treatment options for POI. Ethical issues: It is important to consider the reproductive and diagnostic implications for women with chromosomal or genetic problems (e.g. Turner syndrome, Fragile X mutation carriers) and for their family members. A diagnosis of POI may have differing implications based on social and cultural factors, and healthcare providers should consider a patient's values, beliefs, cultural background and preferences.

Quitting intentions and behaviours among young Australian e-cigarette users.

With the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Australian youth increasing significantly in recent years, greater attention is being paid to encouraging and supporting cessation. However, research to inform such efforts is lacking. The present study sought to (i) measure desire to quit e-cigarette use and actual quitting attempts among young Australians and (ii) explore correlates of quitting-related cognitions and behaviours. This was a cross-sectional on-line survey conducted in Australia. The participants were 14-25-year-old e-cigarette users (n = 602; 53% women). Desire to quit vaping and attempts to quit vaping were the primary dependent variables. The independent variables included several individual (e.g. harm perceptions, perceived appeal of vapes), social (descriptive norms) and environmental (e.g. ease of e-cigarette access) factors. A majority of respondents (61%) expressed a desire to quit vaping, and just over half (55%) had made a quit attempt. Finding vapes easy to access was associated with both a lack of desire [odds ratio (OR) = 0.71] and attempts to quit (OR = 0.77), while self-reported addiction to vaping (OR = 1.42 and OR =3.11) and perceiving vaping to be associated with mental health risks (OR =1.30 and OR =1.40) were positively correlated with these variables. Perceiving that vaping is common among people of one's age (OR = 0.82) and finding vapes appealing (OR = 0.55) were associated with a lack of desire to quit, while perceiving vaping to have physical health risks was positively associated with quitting desire (OR = 1.58). School-based education on vaping was associated with reporting an attempt/s to quit (OR = 0.47). This survey of young Australian e-cigarette users suggests a high level of desire to quit using e-cigarettes and attempts to quit. Increasing knowledge regarding the physical and mental health risks associated with e-cigarette use may assist with promoting quitting-related intentions. Changing social norms, reducing the accessibility of e-cigarettes and reducing the appeal of the products also constitute potential means of increasing the desire to quit.

Patient, supporter and primary healthcare professional perspectives on health risks in over 16s with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in England: a national survey study

BackgroundCurrent research suggests that people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at higher risk of physical and mental health disorders. This study aimed to explore these health risks in ADHD from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.MethodsThis study forms part of the ‘Managing young people with ADHD in Primary care (MAP) study’. A survey developed by the study team was distributed to over 16 year olds with ADHD, their supporters, primary healthcare professionals and health commissioners across England, via social media and through patient/clinical networks (September—October 2022). This survey contained two questions on health risks. Question one asked about views on health risks in ADHD (free text). Question two asked about advice given (options list and free text). Descriptive statistics summarised responses to questions one and two, and qualitative analysis (reflexive thematic analysis) was used to explore free text responses from question one.Results782 participants responded to the MAP survey. Of these, 206 healthcare professionals, 157 people with ADHD and 88 supporters answered question one. The most mentioned perceived risks were substance misuse, sleep disorders, weight management and smoking. More people with ADHD reported disordered eating as a health risk (n = 32) than healthcare professionals (n = 5). Generated themes included perceived health risks, impact of living with ADHD, lack of adequate healthcare, and need for ADHD awareness. In respect to advice given (question two), based on responses from 258 professionals, 162 people with ADHD and 100 supporters, the most common advice discussed in consultation was mental health (n = 149, n = 50 and n = 17 respectively). High numbers of respondents reported not giving/receiving advice on wider health (n = 38, n = 88 and n = 61 respectively).ConclusionsFindings demonstrate that respondents perceived a range of physical and mental health risks posed by ADHD. These related to difficulties with activities of daily living, as well as healthcare interactions and the impact of core features of ADHD (e.g. impulsivity, emotional dysregulation). These risks are not currently explicitly addressed in United Kingdom national guidance on ADHD. More work is needed to examine and address the broader health outcomes of people with ADHD.

Maritime Security and the Wind: Threats and Risks to Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Abstract Offshore wind energy production has seen a significant expansion in recent years. With technologies rapidly improving and prices dropping, it is now one of the key instruments in the green energy transition. The implications of offshore wind farm expansion for maritime security and ocean governance have, so far, received sparse attention in the literature. This article offers one of the first thorough analyses of the security of offshore wind farms and related installations, such as underwater electricity cables, energy islands, and hydrogen plants. The technical vulnerabilities of wind farm systems is reviewed and threats from terrorism, crime and State hostilities, including physical and cyber risk scenarios, are discussed. The expansion of green offshore energy production must keep pace with the changing threat landscape that follows from it. Prospective solutions for the protection of wind farms systems, including surveillance, patrols and self-protection are discussed. The current repertoire of maritime security solutions is in many ways capable of dealing with the threats and risks effectively if adjusted accordingly. The analysis builds important new bridges between debates in energy security and maritime security, as well as the implications of climate change adaption and mitigation for security at sea.

The effect of shale gas booms on environmental CSR activity

Using shale gas developments that are staggered across counties and time, we examine whether uncertain environmental risks affect firms' environmental CSR (corporate social responsibility). We find that firms headquartered in shale gas boom counties significantly increase environmental CSR compared with firms located in nonboom counties. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the impacts of shale gas booms on environmental CSR are more pronounced when firms' litigation risk is higher, when firms have more stakeholder interactions, and when firms' orientation is more long-term. Additionally, the increased environmental CSR driven by the shale boom is associated with subsequent firm value. Furthermore, evidence demonstrates that firms trade off the benefits and potential legal liability of internalizing physical environmental risk in environmental CSR decisions.

NURS-03. NEED FOR PROGRAMS FOCUSING ON CAREGIVERS FOR YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND The physical, emotional, social, developmental, and economic risk experienced by survivors of childhood brain tumors and their families is well documented, as is the acceleration of those risks as survivors transition into young adulthood. Further, the impact of the lack of services in the community is compounded by insufficient investigation of interventions to support survivor functioning and their caregiver’s management of their medical and psychosocial needs.The purpose of this study was to describe maternal caregivers’ perspectives about key components of potential interventions to support maternal caregivers of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. METHODS Data were obtained from 21 at-risk maternal caregivers (based on the Family Management Style Measure) of young adult survivors aged 18-29 years old who were not partnered, were presently living at home, and who participated in a pilot randomized trial Training in Problem Solving (TIPS) for Caregiver of Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors. Caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured qualitative interview guide constructed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science. Codes, categories, then themes were identified by means of directed content analysis. RESULTS All caregivers agreed these services were absent and the most effective timing would be at the transition to survivorship with ongoing follow-up. Key components of potential interventions identified by maternal caregivers were skill-building, motivational interviewing to increase readiness to change long-standing patterns of family management, use of validation of their efforts as parents and caregivers to build confidence in trying new approaches and shifting their perspectives on ongoing caregiving for a childhood brain tumor survivor to find hope in even small changes. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers endorsed the importance of targeted psychosocial support throughout survivorship for caregivers within the context of their family, facilitating their roles as both parents and caregivers to young adult childhood brain tumor survivors.

Travel Constraints and Willingness to Pay During a Global Crisis: Lessons from South African Domestic Tourism

Academic inquiry into the impact of crises on the behaviour of domestic tourists is still relatively new, which justifies further research into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourism. The following study explores the potential mediating effect of travel constraints experienced by South African tourists and their willingness to pay for tourism services on how pandemic-induced risks affect their tourism motivations. Data collected from 427 respondents indicate that the crisis caused by the pandemic has brought about a shift in the psychographic characteristics of South African domestic tourists, as evidenced by a statistically significant partial serial mediation of intrinsic constraints and willingness to pay in the relationship between pandemic-induced physical risk and outdoor recreational tourism motivations. The findings provide baseline data for a demand-driven domestic tourism policy and can be used to develop a strategy for the short-to-medium term.

A survey of body-seat dimensions as physical risk factors of common musculoskeletal complaints among academics of a Ghanaian higher education institution.

A survey of body-seat dimensions as physical risk factors of common musculoskeletal complaints among academics of a Ghanaian higher education institution.

Wearable Assistive Rehabilitation Robotic Devices—A Comprehensive Review

This article details the existing wearable assistive devices that could mimic a human’s active range of motion and aid individuals in recovering from stroke. The survey has identified several risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain, including physical factors such as engaging in high-intensity exercises, experiencing trauma, aging, dizziness, accidents, and damage from the regular wear and tear of daily activities. These physical risk factors impact vital body parts such as the cervical spine, spinal cord, ankle, elbow, and others, leading to dysfunction, a decrease in the range of motion, and diminished coordination ability, and also influencing the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADL), such as speaking, breathing and other neurological responses. An individual with these musculoskeletal disorders requires therapies to regain and restore the natural movement. These therapies require an experienced physician to treat the patient, which makes the process expensive and unreliable because the physician might not repeat the same procedure accurately due to fatigue. These reasons motivated researchers to develop and control robotics-based wearable assistive devices for various musculoskeletal disorders, with economical and accessible solutions to aid, mimic, and reinstate the natural active range of motion. Recently, advancements in wearable sensor technologies have been explored in healthcare by integrating machine-learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to analyze the data and predict the required setting for the user. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the importance of personalized wearable devices in pre- and post-clinical settings and aids in the recovery process.

Workload, general perceived stress, body function, musculoskeletal pain, and their mutual relationships in nurses - a pilot study.

Both physical and psychosocial risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders occur in the professional nursing group, and previous literature suggested that their interaction may increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain among nurses. The aim of the study was to examine perceived workload and stress as well as physical findings and musculoskeletal complaints in nurses. The participants consisted of 42 female nurses, age range 23-60 years. They marked on a pain drawing the site/sites that was/were painful at the moment of testing, its duration and intensity. Thereafter they were examined using the movement and respiration domains from the Global Physiotherapy Examination (GPE). Furthermore, a subjective workload measure was made using the paper version of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index and stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Almost the entire study group declared that pain experienced in at least 1 location was chronic, i.e., had lasted ≥1 year (97%). The most frequent locations of pain were low back (22.4%) and cervical/head (21.6%) regions. In the GPE, most scores indicated restricted and reduced movement, with the subdomain flexibility having the highest deviation from the predefined standard. Furthermore, the results indicated hampered respiration, especially visible in standing position. Out of all workload scores, the highest was obtained for temporal demand. Perceived stress level was found to be moderate and significantly associated to chronic chest/ thoracic pain. Interestingly, the compression of thorax test positively correlated with mental (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and physical demand (r = 0.35, p < 0.05), whereas the elbow drop test and temporal demand correlated negatively (r = -0.37, p < 0.05). To sum up, the majority of nurses participating in this study had long-lasting pain and limited flexibility of the body and hampered respiration, which both may enhance intensity of experienced musculoskeletal pain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):257-70.