Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Resistance Training for Professional String Musicians: A Prospective Intervention Study

Many professional musicians report performance- related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). Evidence shows that resistance training programs are preventive for musculoskeletal disorders, but only a few studies have been performed among musicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a functional resistance training program can increase isometric back endurance and isometric strength in the neck, shoulder, and wrist for professional string musicians and affect their perceived performance during instrumental play, as well as their muscle and joint mobility and the occurrence and intensity of pain. 24 professional string musicians from three Swedish symphony orchestras participated in the study, performing individually designed exercise sessions twice a week over an 11-week period. Isometric strength and isometric back endurance were measured pre- and postintervention with a hand-held dynamometer and the Biering-Sorensen test, respectively. A web-based questionnaire was used for assessing perceived performance during instrumental play, as well as mobility and occurrence and intensity of pain. After the training period, the group showed an 11% to 19% increase in isometric strength for neck and upper extremities and 25% improved isometric endurance in back extensors (p<0.05). Moreover, 29% to 59% of the group showed improvements in mobility, performance during instrumental play, and PRMDs, although these improvements did not reach statistical significance. This functional resistance training program seems to be a non-harmful and advantageous exercise method for professional string musicians, but randomized and controlled studies are needed to confirm the results.

A Report Based on Analysis of Posture and Occupational Health of Welders in Different Welding Units

Analysis of work posture of workers is an effective research area in manufacturing sector in India. Manufacturing plays a significant role to develop a country. Lots of human involvements are required to successfully execute the various operations involved in this area. Long manual working hours with traditionally designed tools and un-ergonomic work posture can cause musculoskeletal disorders and other occupational health problems among welders. Prolonged working hours exceed the physical capacity of the workers that causes' discomfort, physical fatigue, joints pain, swelling, strain, sprain of ligaments and soft tissues. Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in the form of repetitive motion injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, body fatigue and strain injuries are very common health problems of workers of different small & medium scale welding units in our country. The productivity and cost benefits of welding units are highly related with the physical comfort of the welders. The data of musculoskeletal disorder of workers of welding units was collected evaluated and validated by using RULA, OWAS and Discomfort Questionnaire and a design solution suggested.

Musicians injuries: Upper quarter motor control deficits in musicians with prolonged symptoms - A case-control study

Study DesignCase-control study. BackgroundA large number of student and professional musicians are affected by long term playing related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSDs) during their career, with prevalence rates above 80%. ObjectiveTo investigate if there were differences between musicians with and without prolonged symptoms of upper quarter PRMSDs in the presence of: (1) scapular dyskinesis; (2) cervical motor control and endurance deficits. MethodsSeventy-two musicians (24 males; 48 females) were matched based on sex, type of instrument and average hours played per week and assigned to one of two groups: A symptomatic group (mean age 23.3 ± 8.2 years) with history of prolonged PRMSDs (constant symptoms lasting more than one week) during the past year; and a control group (mean age 25 ± 10.5 years) with no history of PRMSDs lasting more than one week. Musicians completed a questionnaire and underwent clinical testing for the presence of scapular dyskinesis and cervical motor control and endurance deficits using the following tests: (1) cervical flexor endurance test; (2) scapular dyskinesis test; and (3) craniocervical flexion test. Assessor blinding as to group assignment was ensured. ResultsParticipants in the symptomatic group presented with a statistically significant higher prevalence of positive scapular dyskinesis (P < .0001; OR = 7.8) and lower scores for the craniocervical flexion test (P < .0001). ConclusionMusicians with prolonged symptoms of PRMSDs presented with higher prevalence of scapular and cervical motor control deficits detected by standard clinical tests when compared to the control group. Level of EvidenceTherapy, level 4. ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02267395.

Musculoskeletal disorders among surgeons working in several hospitals of Tehran, Iran (2015)

Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) have been described as one of the main health problems among healthcare workers. Adverse symptoms and disorders of the musculoskeletal system represent an important cause of occupational morbidity for employees around the world. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed with the aim to identify and characterize musculoskeletal symptoms in a sample including oral and maxillofacial surgeons In Tehran, Capital city of Iran. A cross-sectional identity self-reported Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was sent to 45 oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Study population completed the Standardized Nordic questionnaire. Results: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software. Of the study sample (n = 40), 63.0 and 37.0 of the participants were men and women, respectively. Musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back with 56.8 were reported to be the most incident symptom, followed by the neck, upper back, and shoulders with a rate of 84.6, 44.1, and 37.4, respectively. The most common symptoms were stiffness in the neck, pain in the lower back, numbness in the wrist/hand, weakness in the wrist/hand, and contusion in the shoulder as 84.0 , 64.3, 18.5, 29.0, and 42.0, respectively. As the weight of most of the participants was in the normal range, body mass index (BMI) was not associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Conclusions: This study showed a high incidence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in some body regions among Iranian oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This indicated the need for developing occupational health programs for managing MSDs among surgeons.

Knowledge of computer ergonomics and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India

Each year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with an illness directly related to poorly designed workstations, and among these are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are the repeated trauma and deterioration of the tissues, joint, tendons, and nerves that affect the muscles and supporting structures of the body, caused by the work nature or by an employee’s working environment (Bernard 1997). The prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD‘s) is increasing among Computer users throughout the world. Approximately 76% of Computer professionals from India reported musculoskeletal discomfort in various epidemiological studies. So, the present study was undertaken to study computer/laptop use pattern and knowledge of related ergonomic practices among students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India and to assess the prevalence and magnitude of computer/laptop use related MSDs among students. 120 students pursuing post-graduation were selected randomly from the four different disciplines namely College of Agriculture, College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities and College of Home Science of PAU. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were in the age group of 26-27 years. They were using computer/laptop for 3-4 years, for 3-4 hours daily and they used to sit in bed while working on computer/laptop. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge about the importance of work behavior while using computer/laptop. Most of the total respondents felt pain in the neck (88.32%), lower back (75.00%), mid back (73.33%) and upper back (72.50%) while working on computer/laptop. Overall bodily fatigue or tiredness, shoulder or back pain/stiffness and headache during or after working on the computer were the major symptoms as reported by respondents

Evaluation of work posture and quantification of fatigue by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), poor body postures, and low back injuries are the most common problems occurring in many industries including small-medium industries. This study presents assessment and evaluation of ergonomic postures of material handling worker. That evaluation was carried out using REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment). REBA is a technique to quantize the fatigue experienced by the worker while manually lifting loads. Fatigue due to abnormal work posture leads to complaints of labor-perceived pain. REBA methods were used to an assessment of working postures for the existing process by a procedural analysis of body postures involved. This study shows that parts of the body have a high risk of work are the back, neck, and upper arms with REBA score 9, so action should be taken as soon as possible. Controlling actions were implemented to those process with high risk then substantial risk reduction was achieved.

The Association between Mental Workload and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company

Background: One of the most important problems in modern industries is the high mental workload which can affect the health and hygiene of workers in these industries. This study was carried out to investigate the association between mental workload and work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a case study among workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2016. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 240 workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company participated. Data collection tools were the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and NASA-TLX mental workload questionnaire, filled out through interviewing participants in the work place. Data were analyzed by using independent-samples t-test and chi-square in SPSS19. Results: During the last 12 months, 75.8% of workers experienced musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Physical demand (P=0.002) and Effort (P=0.015) from the NASA-TLX questionnaire and shift work, among demographic features, (P=0.025) were significantly associated with MSDs prevalence in these workers. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders had a high prevalence in workers of Ahvaz Kavian Steel Company. Because of the significant relation between of some dimensions of mental the work load index and demographic characteristics with musculoskeletal disorders; creating proper working conditions, utilizing ergonomic based designed implements and providing more staff training programs, can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

WORK- RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG NURSE STAFF IN ISMAILIA, EGYPT

Introduction: Nursing career is considered one of the most physically laborious professions which are associated with high prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Although the latter is of major concern worldwide; limited epidemiological studies on WMSDs among nurses for referencing in Egypt. Aim of work:1) Assessing the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) among nurses in Suez Canal University Hospital and Ismailia General Hospital, 2) determining the associations between personal and occupational characteristics, physical risk factors with MSSs of back, neck, knee, wrist and shoulder and, 3) determining the relationship between presence of musculoskeletal symptoms and its sequel. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study is implemented on 135 female nurses with full history taking including medical and occupational histories. A modified form of Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and medical history checklist for symptoms of WMSDs from Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety is used for detection and assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: About 113(83.7%) of the participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms: 91.4% in inpatient and ICU and 77.90% in outpatient. The most prevalent site was lower back (79.3%, 58.4%) in inpatient, ICU and outpatients respectively, working in awkward positions and presence of work related symptoms with (OR:22.259, CI:4.58-108.10)(p<0.05), concentration for long periods(OR:0.25, CI:0.07-0.95) (p<0.05) presence of work shifts(OR:0.1.25, CI:1.14-1.38) (p<0.05) are the most perceived predictors for MSSs. Conclusion: A high frequency of Egyptian nurses reported WMSDs at some body sites; with the low back being the most injured site. Nurses in inpatients and ICU departments were more affected than outpatients. Working in awkward positions for long periods, presence of working shifts and concentration for long periods were the most perceived job risk factors.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Jimma Zone Public Hospitals, South West Ethiopia

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Jimma Zone Public Hospitals, South West Ethiopia

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Postural Stress of the Women Cultivators Engaged in Uprooting Job of Rice Cultivation.

Aims:A large number of workers including women are involved in the informal sector in India. A majority of them are engaged in agricultural sectors. The agricultural workers have to perform their jobs by putting manual labor and are exposed to different occupational stresses. The present study was aimed to evaluate postural stress and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) of women cultivators engaged in uprooting job of rice cultivation.Settings and Design:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 166 women cultivators from different districts of West Bengal state, India.Materials and Methods:Prevalence and intensity of MSDs of the cultivators were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire and 10-point body part discomfort scale. Work rest pattern and postural pattern were studied by direct observation method. Postural stress was assessed by OVAKO Working Postures Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Quick Exposure Checklist (QEC) methods and as well as by measuring center of gravity.Results and Conclusions:MSD was highly prevalent among the study participants. Lower back, hip, wrist, shoulder, and knee were highly affected. Higher prevalence of MSDs among the cultivators may be because of prolonged working hours and awkward postures. The women cultivators had to start their day before dawn to finish off their household chores such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, etc., before they moved off to the fields, which altogether impose them under additional stress. It may be suggested that ergonomic interventions such as modifying work-rest schedules, improving work postures, and introducing new design hand tools should be considered for improving work condition of the women cultivators.

An Ergonomic Approach for Modifying the Workstation Design of Food Processing Enterprises

Present observational study was conducted to assess the workstation and thereby modify it according to the requirement of workers by using the ergonomic guidelines. The study was conducted in six micro, three small and two medium scale enterprises. Workers were observed while working on their existing workstation and their images and videotapes were prepared for analysis. Quick exposure checklist (QEC) was used to assess the risk of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) to the workers while working on particular workstation. On the basis of analysis, the workstations with improper design were identified and modifications were suggested on the basis of ergonomic principles. It was observed that workers were working for long hours on an inappropriate workstation which may lead to various musculoskeletal discomforts. Therefore, modifications were suggested to design a sit-stand workstation, modified packing and washing workstations to simplify the work in micro, small and medium scale food processing enterprises.

Experimental study of the physical impact of a passive exoskeleton on manual sanding operations

Every year, companies spend millions of euros for Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). In order to reduce this cost and pain at work, they started to integrate Physical Assistance Device (PAD) such as exoskeletons. These new products aim to provide physical assistance to the operator but their integration is facing many barriers such as morphological adaptability, bad usability and a negative perception among workers. Exoskeletons are bringing a new type of interaction with human that is crucial to understand. This paper addresses the emerging issue of the impact of PAD on the hardness of manufacturing working tasks and on the usability satisfaction of workers. The use case focuses on a sanding operation on a catamaran hull, with an upper body passive exoskeleton provided by our partner Skel-ex. Experimental measurements such as cardiac cost, posture analysis and usability tests are carried out on a set of participants during finishing tasks. In order to better understand how exoskeletons support able-bodied people at work and reduce fatigue, we present results that show a positive impact of the assistance on physical workload.

Assessment of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manufacturing Industry

Results of study show that experience workers having more reported pain in upper body parts due to poor work station design. This study is focused on measuring the Risks for WMSDs (Work related musculoskeletal disorders) among workers in a manufacturing company, by applying ergonomic tools like QEC (quick exposure checklist), RULA (rapid upper limb assessment) scores and Nordic questionnaire. A cross-sectional study was conducted among workers aged between 18 to 45 years with a total number of 48 workers selected through random sampling with in the duration of 12 weeks. Validated version of QEC, RULA score sheet and Nordic questionnaire was used to measure the risk level and number of reported pain in body parts among workers. The results showed that the mean score of QEC and RULA was 73.6 and 4.6 respectively. However, results showed that experienced workers reported more pain in different body parts, indicating more chances of WMSDs among them. 79% workers of total sample had reported pain in different parts of body according to Nordic questionnaire, out of which 86% workers had pain in upper part and 14% had pain in lower part of the body that was also verified from QEC and RULA score sheet.

Prevalance of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder among the Car Mechanics of Indo-Pak Boarder City of Punjab

Prevalance of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder among the Car Mechanics of Indo-Pak Boarder City of Punjab

Inhibiting the Physiological Stress Effects of a Sustained Attention Task on Shoulder Muscle Activity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate if a breathing technique could counteract the effects of hyperventilation due to a sustained attention task on shoulder muscle activity. Background: The trend towards higher levels of automation in industry is increasing. Consequently, manufacturing operators often monitor automated process for long periods of their work shift. Prolonged monitoring work requires sustained attention, which is a cognitive process that humans are typically poor at and find stressful. As sustained attention becomes an increasing requirement of manufacturing operators’ job content, the resulting stress experienced could contribute to the onset of many health problems, including work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Methods: The SART attention test was completed by a group of participants before and after a breathing intervention exercise. The effects of the abdominal breathing intervention on breathing rate, upper trapezius muscle activity and end-tidal CO2 were evaluated. Results: The breathing intervention reduced the moderation effect of end-tidal CO2 on upper trapezius muscle activity. Conclusions: Abdominal breathing could be a useful technique in reducing the effects of sustained attention work on muscular activity. Application: This research can be applied to highly-automated manufacturing industries, where prolonged monitoring of work is widespread and could, in its role as a stressor, be a potential contributor to WRMSDs.

Evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in nurses: A systematic review

Nurses exposure many risk factors in the hospital setting. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is a common health problem between work related disabilities and injuries in nurses. The aim of this review was to examine the prevalence of MSDs in nurses and also summarize risk factors, outcomes, solutions. An electronic search was conducted in Pub Med in January 2017. Publications in the last ten years were researched using the key words: “Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders” and “Nurses”. The initial electronic search identified 111 papers. Some articles were excluded since they were not related to our study topic (7 articles were review, 15 of them were related to the roles of nurses in some musculoskeletal disorders, 14 articles were about nurses who working outside the hospital or new graduated/student, 28 articles addressed work related other health problems, 3 of them were related to hospital ergonomics and risk factors and 7 articles were interventions studies). Three papers were not reached to full text or abstract. The total number of remaining articles was 34 and all of them were included the study. It was considered that reported musculoskeletal disorders in nurses were limited to the past 12 months. It had been found that the prevalence of MSDs varied between 33.0% and 88.0%. The most commonly affected body regions were lower back, shoulder, neck, knees, wrists/hands. Lower back pain complaints were found to vary between 49.0% and 84.0%. The findings indicated that the work related musculoskeletal disorders associated with cumulative trauma and repetitive tasks included: lifting, transferring or repositioning, prolonged standing and also awkward postures (stooping, bending and reaching). These work-related health problems in nurses were significantly associated with age, gender, body mass index, ward, shift working and working in a hospital. Studies showed that musculoskeletal disorders were most seen among the operation room nurses and intensive care nurses. Also, MSDs were found to be the main causes of absenteeism, demanding a change of duty or job and visiting a physician. The MSDs was more prevalent occupational health problem among nurses. The prevalence of MSDs was associated with both demographic characteristics of nurses and hospitals’ organizational factors. It was confirmed that making ergonomics interventions could improve the working environment in the hospital.

Physiological workload of farm women in paddy storage activity of Assam

Storage of paddy grains is one of the most drudgery prone post harvest activity of Assam, which is predominantly performed by rural women. Assessment of exposure to physiological workload, postural stress and work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) risk factors can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics programmes. In developing countries like India the workers suffer from assorted health problems due to awkward postures and carrying heavy loads (Mukhopadhyay, 2008; Sett and Sahu, 2008). They concluded that WMSDs resulted from frequent trunk bending, twisting and repetitive handling of load at a time and women have a higher prevalence rate of WMSDs than that of men. An attempt was made to assess physical fitness of participants, to determine physiological workload involved in storage of paddy grains and to ascertain muscular and postural stress involved in the activity. Thirty subjects in the age group of 25-35 years who are having normal, non-pregnant, and non-lactating having normal blood pressure and without any major illness were selected for the purpose of the study. Electronic tread mill was used for assessing physical fitness of the respondents. Heart rate was recorded with heart rate monitor and postural stress in different region was measured with inclinometer. For postural analysis Ovaku Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS) method was used. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was calculated by using 5 point rating scale developed by Varghese et al. (1994). Body map was used to identify the body part discomfort (BPD) in different parts of the body. The findings on physical characteristics of the respondents revealed that mean age of the respondent farm women was 32 years of age. Average height of the respondent farm women was 151.42 cm, average weight was 45 kg. Lean body mass (LBM) of the respondents was 32.35 kg. Body mass index (BMI) of the selected respondents was 20.87 and Vo2 max (ml/kg-1. min-1) was found to be 26.73, respectively. Fat percentage of the respondents was 28. Most of the respondents (47 %) belonged to ‘ectomorphic’ group. Thirty three per cent of farm women had ‘very good’ level of physical fitness. The physiological workload of farm women in storing paddy was categorized as ‘heavy’ activity. It was found that work postures have a distinctly harmful effect on musculoskeletal system of the farm women. The angles of average flexion was highest in upper arm (90.620) and extension was in thoracic and it was observed to be 115.300 indicating deviation of body parts. The farm women perform the storage activity under acceptable level of temperature and humidity except illumination. Ergonomic Interventions is necessary for lowering physiological loads and for improving productivity and comfort to the farm women.

Prevalence and associated factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among commercial milling machine operators in South-Eastern Nigerian markets.

Milling machine operators perform physically demanding tasks that can lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), but literature on WRMSDs among milling machine operators is scarce. Knowledge of prevalence and risk factors of WRMSDs can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing ergonomics intervention programs in the workplace. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and associated factors of WRMSDs among commercial milling machine operators in Enugu, Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey involved 148 commercial milling machine operators (74 hand-operated milling machine operators (HOMMO) and 74 electrically-operated milling machine operators (EOMMO)), within the age range of 18-65 years, who were conveniently selected from four markets in Enugu, Nigeria. A standard Nordic questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of WRMSDs among the participants. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. There was a significant difference (p = 0.001) related to prevalence of WRMSDs between HOMMOs (77%) and EOMMOs (50%). All body parts were affected in both groups and shoulders (85.1%) and lower back (46%) had the highest percentage of prevalence. Working in awkward and same postures, working with injury, poor workplace design, repetition of tasks, vibratory working equipments, reduced rest, high job demand and heavy lifting were significantly associated with the prevalence of WRMSDs. WRMSDs are prevalent among commercial milling machine operators with higher occurrence in HOMMOs. Ergonomic interventions, including the re-design of milling machines and appropriate work posture education of machine operators are recommended in the milling industry.

English

English

Investigation on musculoskeletal discomfort and ergonomics risk factors among production team members at an automotive component assembly plant

Musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) is very common condition in automotive industry. MSD is affecting the worker’s health, well-being and lower down the productivity. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of MSD and ergonomics risk factors among the production team members at a selected automotive component manufacturer in Malaysia. MSD data were collected by conducting structure interview with all participants by referring to the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (CMDQ). Those production team members who achieved a total discomfort score for all body regions more than 100 was selected for job task assessment. The physical exposure risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) has evaluated by using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) techniques. The results of the study identified the severe MSD associated with production assembly team members. It is expected that the prevalence of MSD for those production assembly team members was lower back (75.4%), upper back (63.2%), right shoulder (61.4%), and right wrist (60%). The QEC analysis discovered that about 70% of job tasks had very high risks for neck posture and 60% had high risks for the back (in moving condition) and shoulder/arm postures. There were 80% of respondents have produced a high score for exposure risk to vibration. As a conclusion, the main implication of the current study is that special attention should be paid to the physical and psychosocial aspects in production team members with musculoskeletal discomfort to improve their safety, health, and well-being, maintain work ability and productivity.