Rapid Entire Body Assessment Score Research Articles

Ergonomic Workstation Design for Online Shop Live Streamers: Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders (Pt. Xyz Case Study)

This study was conducted at PT. XYZ to evaluate and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among host streamers through the design of ergonomic workstations. The research method used was a quantitative case study approach, with the population consisting of employees at PT. XYZ who worked as host streamers. Purposive sampling was employed to select 10 respondents who frequently experienced fatigue and complaints in specific body areas. Primary data were collected through observation, questionnaires, guidelines, and interviews. Posture measurements were taken using the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) methods. The results indicated that prior to the intervention, host streamers had REBA and RULA scores that signified a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. After implementing an adjustable live streaming workstation design, along with adjustments to lighting and microphone positions, there was a significant decrease in the REBA and RULA scores. The REBA score decreased from 10 to 1, and the average RULA score dropped from 7 to 3. This indicated a significant reduction in the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The conclusion of the study was that the design of an adjustable ergonomic workstation significantly reduced the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among host streamers at PT. XYZ, thereby enhancing worker comfort and health during live streaming.

Evaluating functional ability in older adults’ object retrieval behavior from kitchen furniture using OpenPose and REBA

The purpose of this study is to evaluate, through analysis, the ability of older persons to retrieve items from kitchen cabinets. To achieve this goal, data were collected from 128 valid questionnaires and supplemented with field research and user interviews. The study revealed that the elderly’s behavior in retrieving items from kitchen spaces is characterized by both high frequency and difficulty. For this experiment, a total of 42 participants, comprising 21 males and 21 females from the self-care elderly population in the Yangtze River Delta region, were recruited. Two different experimental settings were arranged: one with kitchen utensils arranged in a straight line and another with a purpose-made chest of drawers with varying heights. Video recordings using the Logitech C930C were utilized to capture the gestures and behaviors of the elderly while retrieving objects from the kitchen cupboards (cabinets). By employing a combination of the OpenPose model and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, which involves calculating human posture angles, REBA scores, and determining the risk level of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), a risk assessment framework for manual operations associated with WMSDs was developed. Using the angle data acquired from the user operation experiment as parameters, a gradient model of the elderly user’s operational capability was established. The findings indicated a significant impact of neck, trunk, and knee movements on the subjects (P < 0.001). The participants were able to distinguish between different levels of exertion, categorizing movements as ‘easy’, ‘moderate,’ or ‘strenuous.’ These results form the basis for a comfort gradient model for leaning over and retrieving items. Given the prevalent conditions of bone and joint degeneration and osteoporosis among the elderly population, it is evident that they face challenges when accessing items in the kitchen. Therefore, investigating the elderly’s execution abilities during the retrieval process becomes crucial. Understanding how different cabinet heights impact the joint angles of the elderly can be instrumental in optimizing cabinet designs for elderly users, thereby reducing their physical exertion in the kitchen and enhancing their comfort levels. This research holds significant value in improving the quality of life for the elderly population at home and fostering the advancement of elderly-friendly design principles.

Ergonomics Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorder During Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Venous Cannulation.

Acutely sick patients can receive emergency intravenous access through central venous cannulation to administer fluids and medicines, perform haemodynamic monitoring and extracorporeal therapies, including plasmapheresis or haemodialysis. Using the Seldinger procedure, access is gained by percutaneous puncture, frequently guided by ultrasonography into the femoral, subclavian or internal jugular veins. This study aimed to identify ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in operators performing ultrasonography-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation at various table heights and probe orientations. Sixty emergency medicine residents participated in a cross-sectional study conducted by the Emergency and Trauma Department of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Participants were instructed to perform the cannulation at two distinct table heights and with two distinct probe orientations. To compute the ergonomic risk score, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was used. The table height of 0.5 elbow factor with varied probe resulted in a median REBA score of 5.0, whereas the table height of 0.7 elbow factor with varied probe had a median REBA score of 4.0. All four positions exhibited medium risk for MSDs. This study showed that the table height of 0.7 elbow factor is more ergonomically favourable while still imposed medium risk for MSDs.

Postural analysis and ergonomic intervention of unorganized workers in indian construction sectors.

In India's fast-growing economy, the construction sector offers significant developments with huge employment opportunities but poses risks due to poor working environments and uncomfortable postures. Traditional methods, such as manual material handling, can lead to health hazards and musculoskeletal disorders such as overexertion, low back pain, etc. The purpose of this study was to analyze the working postures of unorganized employees engaged in residential buildings using Ergofellow software and to recommend changes in their unsafe working postures. Participants' working positions were video recorded and the postures were analyzed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Ovako Working Posture Analysis (OWAS). Paired sample t-tests were used to analyze significant differences between the RULA and REBA scores after the ergonomic interventions were implemented. From the analysis of RULA, REBA and OWAS, the working postures showed a high risk of potential injury and required an immediate change in employees' working postures. The RULA and REBA scores were subsequently lower after the ergonomic interventions, which were based on ergonomic and safety principles. The paired sample t-tests with p-values of less than 0.05 demonstrated decreased risks after ergonomic interventions. Working postures of the construction workers exposed to musculoskeletal disorders were examined and the ergonomic interventions were implemented. According to the recommendations, working positions were changed, and employee well-being was enhanced by reduced operational risks.

Fish Transfer Workers Posture Analysis at the Sadeng Beach Fish Auction Place

At the Fish Auction Place (TPI) of Sadeng Beach, Gunung Kidul, fish are manually transferred using wooden bearers and pieces of plastic drums used as fish containers. The weight of the fish moved ranged from 90 - 110 kg for each transfer. The transfer of fish carried out on the shoulders of two workers who have different heights and ages. The worker's posture is characterized by flexion, inclination, and torsion. The Nordic Body Map (NBM) survey revealed reports of stiffness and pain in the shoulders, lower back, and knees. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential risk of injury in the process of transferring fish. The evaluation uses the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique. The findings indicated that both workers activities fell into the high-risk category, with the REBA score of 14.00, with a very high risk category.

Mewujudkan Pembelajaran Kejuruan yang Nyaman: Implementasi Kaidah Ergonomi dalam Praktek Pengelasan di SMK Negeri 1 Purworejo

Various welding positions and extended durations of welding practice sessions can contribute to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) complaints among Vocational High School (SMK) students. MSDs encompass conditions that manifest symptoms affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and the spinal cord. The implementation of an ergonomic welding table may assist welding operators in working on projects for prolonged periods with a reduced risk of MSDs complaints. This article reports on the community service activities conducted by the Vocational and Mechanical Engineering Education research group at Universitas Sebelas Maret in developing and implementing an ergonomic welding table at SMK Negeri 1 Purworejo. Ergonomic parameters used for reference include the Nordic Body Map (NBM), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and Rapid Under Limbs Assessment (RULA). The pre and post experiment analysis indicates a decrease in NBM, REBA, and RULA scores following the implementation of the ergonomic welding table, suggesting the potential for minimizing MSDs complaints.

Work-Related Psychosocial Factors and Their Effects on Mental Workload Perception and Body Postures.

The perception of work is closely linked to body reactions that facilitate task performance. Previous studies have shown that psychosocial work factors significantly impact employee health on both psychological and physical levels, though their cross-sectional designs limit causal interpretations. In this study, participants performed sitting and standing tasks under four different levels of mental workload. The NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) assessed mental workload perception across six dimensions, while Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores evaluated body postures for standing and sitting tasks, respectively. This study examined the effects of alarms, distractions, and time constraints-common psychosocial factors in healthcare environments-on human behavior. We compared NASA-TLX scores with corresponding REBA/RULA scores to evaluate how perceived mental workload affects body postures. One-way ANOVA assessed the impact of experimental conditions on response variables, and Pearson correlation analyses explored the relationships between psychosocial factors and these variables. Results indicated that alarm conditions most negatively impacted mental workload perception and body postures. Temporal demand and effort scores were particularly affected by psychosocial factors in both tasks. Gender influenced physical demand and performance scores (higher in females) for the standing task but did not affect REBA and RULA scores. These findings suggest that organizational and psychosocial factors significantly influence healthcare workers' behavior, health, and patient safety. Further research is needed to evaluate the specific effects of psychosocial factors on both physical and mental workload to understand the relationship between overall task workload and occupational disorders.

Influence of Work Posture and Work Duration on the Incidence of Low Back Pain Among Batik Artisans: a Cross-sectional Study

Background: Batik artisans, particularly those involved in the "nyanting" process, are susceptible to lower back pain due to non-ergonomic working postures. These craftsmen sit for long durations as they meticulously apply wax to fabric. They utilize dingklik, which compels them to sit in a slightly hunched position. The repeated adoption of such postures can heighten the risk of lower back pain. This research aims to investigate the relationship between work posture, years of service, and the incidence of low back pain among "nyanting" batik artisans in Pulorejo Village Methods: This observational analytical research employed a cross-sectional approach with 42 "nyanting" batik artisans chosen through a total sampling technique. Conducted in Pulorejo Village in January 2024, the research assessed work posture using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) instrument, while the occurrence of low back pain was evaluated through history taking and physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 software. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between years of service and the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) (p=0.002; r=0.471). The risk of LBP increases with the length of service. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between working posture, as indicated by the REBA score, and the occurrence of LBP (p=0.010; r=0.395). A higher REBA score corresponds to a greater risk of LBP. Conclusions: the Years of service and the working posture were associated to the incidence of low back pain (LBP) among "nyanting" batik artisans in Pulorejo Village.

A comparative study of biomechanical assessments in laboratory and field settings for manual material handling tasks using extractor tools and exoskeletons.

To enhance physical capabilities of workers who regularly perform physically demanding tasks involving heavy lifting and awkward postures, various tools and occupational exoskeletons can be used. Most of the studies aiming to explore the efficiency of these tools and exoskeletons have been performed in confined and controlled laboratory spaces, which do not represent the real-world work environment. This study aimed to compare the outcome of biomechanical assessment of using a back support exoskeleton and assistive tools (Lever and Jake) in the procedure of a high demanding manual material handling task versus the results found by performing the same task in a laboratory. Ten able-bodied participants and ten able-bodied utility workers performed the same manhole removal task in-lab and in-field, respectively, with the aid of an exoskeleton and Lever and Jake tools. Muscle activity and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores were recorded using surface electromyography and inertial measurement units, respectively and compared between in-lab and in-field trials. The field experiments indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in normalized muscle activity across most muscles when compared to laboratory data. These results revealed how muscle activity is affected by the controlled lab setting compared to real-world field conditions. However, REBA scores indicate similar ergonomic implications regardless of the utilization of exoskeletons or tools. These findings underscore that real-world field assessments are crucial for evaluating ergonomic risks and effects of occupational exoskeletons and tools to account for environmental factors and workers' skills in ergonomic evaluations of this nature.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Training on Ergonomic Risks of Measuring Blood Pressure.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occur as a result of long-term exposure to inappropriate working postures and repetitive use of body postures, leading to harmful consequences for patients, employees, and employers. Evaluating distinct working postures can contribute to effective interventions. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine ergonomic risks of MSDs during repeated blood pressure measurement processes and to evaluate the effectiveness of a training on this topic. Methods: A pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design studied 64 nurses in a training and research hospital in Turkey. Participants were evaluated for the prevalence and risk of MSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Extended Version and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Checklist, and by photographing them performing the procedure. Nurses with high risk for MSDs received an ergonomics training program and were followed up twice in 3 months. Results: Reduction in prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulder, and hip/thigh areas, and in mean REBA scores after the training were statistically significant. Conclusion: Nurses should be trained about correct posture for specific high-risk activities that may cause MSDs, and offered exercise programs that support the musculoskeletal system.

Robotic assisted surgery reduces ergonomic risk during minimally invasive colorectal resection: the VOLCANO randomised controlled trial

PurposeMinimally invasive surgery benefits patients but poor operating ergonomics causes musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons. This randomised controlled trial aims to assess whether robotic-assisted surgery with the open-console Versius® system can reduce surgeons’ ergonomic risks during major colorectal resections.MethodsProspectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05262296) in March 2022. Adult patients requiring a minimally invasive colorectal resection were potentially eligible. Photographs taken at 2-min intervals were analysed using the objective Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) posture analysis scale to calculate intraoperative surgeon ergonomic risk. Secondary outcomes included team communication (Oxford NOTECHS II), surgeon cognitive strain (modified NASA-TLX scale), and clinical outcomes.ResultsSixty patients were randomised in a 2:1 ratio (40 robot, 20 laparoscopic). Mean age was 65yrs and 34 (57%) were male. Body Mass Index did not differ between the 2 groups (overall mean 29.0 ± 5) and there were equal proportions of left and right-colonic resections.REBA was significantly lower in the robotic arm (median robot REBA score 3 vs lap REBA 5 [p < 0.001]), equating to an injury risk category drop from “medium” to “low risk”. There were no significant differences in team communication, operative duration, or patient outcomes. Surgeon cognitive strain was lower in robotic cases (mean robot 32.4 ± 10.3 vs lap 45.6 ± 14.3 [p < 0.001]).ConclusionsThis trial demonstrates that robotic surgery with an open-console system reduces ergonomic risk scores and cognitive strain during colorectal resections, with no apparent detriment to team communication. This may therefore be a safe & feasible solution to the increasing problem of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons.

Preclinical Performance of the Combined Application of Two Robotic Systems in Microsurgery: A Two-center Study.

Recent advancements in the development of robotic devices increasingly draw the attention toward the concept of robotic microsurgery, as several systems tailored to open microsurgery are being introduced. This study describes the combined application of a novel microsurgical robot, the Symani, with a novel robotic microscope, the RoboticScope, for the performance of microvascular anastomoses in a two-center preclinical trial. Six novices, residents, and experienced microsurgeons (n = 18) performed five anastomoses on 1.0-mm-diameter silicone vessels with a conventional versus combined robotic approach, resulting in 180 anastomoses. Microsurgical performance was evaluated, analyzing surgical time, subjective satisfaction with the anastomosis and robotic setup, anastomosis quality using the anastomosis lapse index score, microsurgical skills using the Structured Assessment of Microsurgery Skills score, and surgical ergonomics using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment score. All participants significantly improved their performance during the trial and quickly adapted to the novel systems. Surgical time significantly decreased, whereas satisfaction with the anastomosis and setup improved over time. The use of robotic systems was associated with fewer microsurgical errors and enhanced anastomosis quality. Especially novices demonstrated accelerated skill acquisition upon robotic assistance compared with conventional microsurgery. Moreover, upper extremity positioning was significantly improved. Overall, the robotic approach was subjectively preferred by participants. The concept of robotic microsurgery holds great potential to improve precision and ergonomics in microsurgery. This two-center trial provides promising evidence for a steep learning curve upon introduction of robotic microsurgery systems, suggesting further pursuit of their clinical integration.

Work posture risk comparison of RULA and REBA based on measures of assessment-score variability: A case study of the metal coating industry in Thailand

This study examines the work posture risk comparison of RULA and REBA based on measures of assessment-score variability. During the metal coating process, chemicals were frequently employed, necessitating a heightened level of caution among the employees. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) revealed the manifestation of physical discomfort among employees. In this study, the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) were used to identify ergonomic concerns related to the work of employees in the black oxide coating department of a metal coating firm. The sensitivity of risk assessment between the two methods was investigated, considering the mean and variability of the assessment scores. Consideration was given to the diverse and crucial work positions of employees at each station, focusing exclusively on the standing working posture. In the black oxide coating section, there were 12 steps that 20 workers had to complete. Under the same working postures, the overall average RULA score was determined to be at a high-risk level, whereas the overall average REBA score was at a moderate-risk level. As a result, the RULA method had a greater capacity for risk warning than the REBA method. Levene's test was also applied to determine whether the variances of the risk scores computed using the two techniques were equal. The results of the analysis showed that the variances in the scores using the two methods were not significantly different.

Ergonomic risks and problems of the musculoskeletal system for physiotherapists: comparison of employees in the fields of pediatric and adult care

ABSTRACT Objectives. The aim of this study is to compare the ergonomic risk levels, musculoskeletal complaints and quality of life of physiotherapists (PTs) according to their field of work. Methods. A total of 107 volunteer PTs participated in the study, whose information was recorded. Ergonomic risk levels were determined using rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Complaints about the musculoskeletal system of PTs were evaluated with the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and quality of life was evaluated by the Nottingham health profile. Results. PTs who worked with pediatric patients (Grouppediatric; n = 47) were younger (p<0.001). PTs who worked with adult patients (Groupadult; n = 60) had a higher daily number of patients (p<0.001). The REBA score did not make a difference between the groups (p = 0.379). The difference was found in the upper back region of the CMDQ (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups for quality of life (p>0.05). Conclusions. Grouppediatric may be working in ergonomically demanding positions, although there is no statistical difference. The injury sites of the musculoskeletal system can differ. However, the reflection of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life does not show any difference between the groups of PTs.

Association of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers

Objective: To find the association between ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among school teachers. Methods: 40 subjects were selected for the study, to assess the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) with the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) and evaluate for ergonomics in class and while working on computers/smart phones, and awareness of the same was noted with the help of checklists and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper limb Assessment (RULA) tools. Results: REBA scores revealed that majorly, teachers were at medium risk levels of getting MSDs, with 72.72% of primary teachers, and 75.86% of secondary teachers for tasks performed, whereas RULA scores concluded that 48.27% of secondary teachers and 45.45% of primary teachers were in the medium risk level of getting MSDs. Conclusions: The research revealed an association between ergonomics and the prevalence of MSDs in school teachers, and demonstrated the sites involved in the MSDs.

Improved REBA: deep learning based rapid entire body risk assessment for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders

Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is crucial in reducing their impact on individuals and society. However, the existing mainstream 2D image-based approach is insufficient in capturing the complex 3D movements and postures involved in many occupational tasks. To address this, an improved deep learning-based rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method has been proposed. The method takes working videos as input and automatically outputs the corresponding REBA score through 3D pose reconstruction. The proposed method achieves an average precision of 94.7% on real-world data, which is comparable to that of ergonomic experts. Furthermore, the method has the potential to be applied across a wide range of industries as it has demonstrated good generalisation in multiple scenarios. The proposed method offers a promising solution for automated and accurate risk assessment of WMSDs, with implications for various industries to ensure the safety and well-being of workers.

An Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Ophthalmology Residents Using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Scale.

The healthcare industry has one of the highest rates of work-related injuries. Ophthalmologists are at particularly high risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are often the result of repetitive movements, such as performing slit lamp examinations. Previous studies used the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scale to determine the ergonomic risk of a particular task.Higher REBA scores correlate with increased risk of injury, which ranges from negligible risk (1) to very high risk (11+). Given the long-term implications of repetitive examinations by ophthalmologists, this study aims to describe the average ergonomic risk posed to residents using the REBA scale. This descriptive case study assessed four ophthalmology residents performing slit lamp examinations between September 2022 and February 2023. Photographs were taken of residents performing slit lamp examinations. Total REBA scores, Score A, Score B, and the REBA scores for each participant were calculated and compared. The average REBA score across all participants was 4.59 (SD±0.89). The highest score was 7.00 and the lowest was 3.00. The average Score A, representing posture for the head, leg, and trunk, was 3.54 (SD±0.74) and the average Score B, representing posture for the upper arm, lower arm, and wrist, was 3.18 (SD±1.22). Our study found that residents are at increased risk for developing MSDs. Furthermore, variation in REBA scores between residents indicates that not all residents are at equal ergonomic risk. This highlights an opportunity for ophthalmology residency programs to implement ergonomics training into their curriculum.

Managing ergonomic risk assessment among assembly operators in the small‐scale fabrication sector

AbstractIn the small‐scale fabrication sector, employee health and safety are the most important aspects for improving productivity and quality. There is a lack of risk assessment and limited information on human handling and ergonomic approaches in the working environment of the small‐scale fabrication sector. This study aims to analyze the association of human handling risk factors with work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) symptoms among assembly operators and to evaluate the proposed ergonomic intervention for a high‐risk work task using ergonomic risk assessment tools such as Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). A questionnaire survey and observation were conducted across seven work categories. The analysis using RULA and REBA revealed that cleaning, fitting, and assembling have a high‐risk level that requires ergonomic intervention. The virtual design of the proposed ergonomic workstation for high‐risk work tasks was created using CATIA software and evaluated using RULA and REBA analyses. Job and organizational factors were found to be the main contributors to WMSD, while individual factors, awareness levels, and ergonomic risk assessment had insignificant effects on WMSD. Based on RULA and REBA scores, the proposed ergonomic intervention significantly reduces risk by 30%–47%, improving overall health and safety for operators in diverse work activities.

Ergonomics in Craniofacial Surgery: Can We Do Better? A Quality Improvement Study.

Many plastic surgeons experience musculoskeletal strain and injury from poor ergonomics during surgery. This is associated with reduced performance, shortened careers, and decreased quality of life. This study compared the ergonomics of the conventional operating table headrest and the Mayfield headrest in craniofacial surgery. A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing craniofacial operations between November 20, 2022 and April 26, 2023, within a single craniofacial surgeon's practice. The authors obtained data on the total duration of the operation and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores for the primary surgeon and assistant. Four operations (mean: 147 ± 60.9 min) were included in the regular headrest group, and 8 in the Mayfield headrest group (mean: 61±53.4 min). Four hundred fifty-five regular headrest time points and 851 Mayfield time points were recorded. Eight hundred thirty-five regular headrest time points and 538 Mayfield time points were recorded. The mean REBA score for the regular headrest was 5.79 ± 1.9, which was higher than the Mayfield (5.01 ± 2.0; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed the mean REBA score for the primary surgeon (5.89 ± 2.0) was higher than the assist (5.48 ± 1.6) in the regular headrest group (P < 0.0001), whereas the converse was true for the Mayfield headrest (primary surgeon: 4.67 ± 1.8, assist: 5.65 ± 2.15, P < 0.0001). Ergonomic scores were better using the Mayfield headrest than the regular headrest. The primary surgeon scored better with the Mayfield headrest, whereas the assists had better scores with the regular headrest.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Assessment during Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Compressive Bands among Physiotherapists.

Complete decongestive therapy is the standard treatment for lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage and short-stretch multilayer compression bandaging are two daily stages of complete decongestive therapy during which physiotherapists work with patients. The aim of this study was to assess the risks of musculoskeletal disorders to which physiotherapists are exposed during these two phases. Five physiotherapists performed five 20 min manual lymphatic drainages, followed by the compression bandaging phase. From the video recordings, 8477 postures defined by 13 joint angles were grouped into clusters using hierarchical cluster analysis. The risk of musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapists' postures was assessed using ergonomic tools. Seven clusters, called generic postures (GP), were identified and defined throughout the mean joint angle values and standard deviation. Four seated GPs were found for the drainage phase, and three standing GPs were identified for the bandaging phase. This phase corresponded to a quarter of the total duration. The GP's ergonomic scores ranged from 4.51 to 5.63 and from 5.08 to 7.12, respectively, for the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). GP1, GP3, and GP4 presented the highest ergonomic scores (RULA scores: 5.27 to 5.63; REBA scores: 6.25 to 7.12). The most affected areas were the neck (flexion > 20° for all GPs), trunk (flexion between 25 and 30° for GP2, and GP7 during the bandaging phase and GP4 during the drainage phase), and shoulder (flexion and abduction >20° for all GPs except GP5). These results highlighted that the two complete decongestive therapy phases could be described as a combination of GP. Ergonomic assessment showed that compression bandaging as well as drainage phases expose physiotherapists to moderate musculoskeletal disorder risks that require "further investigation and change soon".