Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

An integrative approach for evaluating work related musculoskeletal disorders

To develop a framework for evaluating the work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The proposed framework was tested on 15~jewellery manufacturing workers working at Chinchpokhli region in Mumbai, India and on 15 students studying in a management institute of Mumbai, India. The framework has been broken into three phases. Phase 1--Ergonomic-risk evaluation; Phase 2--Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation and Phase 3--Clinical examination. Ergonomic-risk evaluation determines the relationship between work relatedness and musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation tries to assess the presence of discomforts/disabilities in different body regions, through subjective evaluation tools. Ergonomic-risk evaluation involved QEC, PLIBEL and posture analysis by RULA. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation involved administration of self reported questionnaires. Clinical examination involved muscle grading by a physiotherapist and back strength measurement. The framework suggested that ergonomic risk evaluation techniques, self reported body part questionnaires and physical measurement of physiological/biomechanical transients may have a relationship and can be used for the evaluation of work related musculoskeletal disorders. The proposed integrative approach will help in developing stage wise intervention strategies for work related musculoskeletal disorders.

Risk Factors for Absenteeism due to Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Korean Employees

Risk Factors for Absenteeism due to Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Korean Employees

Ergonomic basket design to reduce cumulative trauma disorders in tea leaf plucking operation

Work related musculoskeletal disorders are seen as an indicating parameter of occupational stress among the women workers engaged in tea leaf plucking operation. The hand plucking (no mechanized plucking is practiced in Assam) being a highly repetitive task requires forceful exertions to reach to the distant periphery of the tea bushes and mechanical compression (pressing against hard surfaces). Specifically it aggravates with awkward positions adopted. The current research addresses to minimize the risk factors associated with CTDs and to ascertain the role of ergonomic design development in improving the situation. Women workforce engaged in tea industry in Assam suffer from back, shoulder, arm and finger pains. Workers perform the activity for 440 minutes in the entire shift with one hour lunch break in between in the garden itself. An ergonomic investigation aiming at studying the strain index of plucking operation in tea industry was conducted. While performing the operation workers were found to assume unnatural posture which is static as well as highly dynamic with a load (tea leaf collecting basket up to weight of 30 kg when filled with plucked leaves) at back. With gradual increment of load and pain though the load is released intermittently the strain level found to remain at a high level. The total QEC scores found for plucking activity was 110 out of 138. To improve the situation and to reduce the work related upper limb disorder (WRULD) an ergonomically designed basket was conceived and trial results showed improvements. The newly designed plucking basket fits the back curvature of the workers well, which keeps the basket in place unlike the existing round basket. The new basket is light in weight having more leaf capacity. Significant reduction in energy expenditure and MSDs suffered was observed while using improved basket over existing basket.

Effect of Ergonomic and Workstyle Risk Factors on Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among IT Professionals in India

'Workstyle' can be described as a mechanism by which ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors interact to affect the development, exacerbation and/or maintenance of upper limb pain and functional limitations. Workstyle is associated with the increase in the work demand. In today's life use of computer in the workplace is very common and it causes to increase the work demand among the workers who are working with computer. As work demand increase, according to the characteristic of workstyle, risk of the development of musculoskeletal disorders also increased. This study aimed at to findout the association between ergonomics risk factors, workstyle and WRMSD. Two hundred IT professionals participated in this study. Result revealed that most prevalenet body regions were lower back (20%), Upper back (16%) and shoulder (14%). Study result says that there is a positive association between workstyle score with musculoskeletal pain (r=0.85). Also it revealed that posture and regional pain is associated (r=0.62), per day use of computer and musculoskeletal pain (r=0.46), micro breaks and pain (r=0.87) and productivity and the pain (r=0.95). This study further validates these observations and extends support for the assessment of working postures and workstyle behaviors during the design of WMSD treatment.

Lean production and work-related musculoskeletal disorders: overviews of international and Swedish studies

This paper aimed at summarizing the knowledge of the relationship between Lean and work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), and WMSD risk factors, in manufacturing companies. Literature search processes identified 23 publications studying this, in scientific journals. Eight included measurements of WMSD; three were mostly negative, two showed mixed results, one showed no results and two were mostly positive. Eighteen publications included measurements of WMSD risk factors; seven showed mostly negative results, eight showed mixed results, two showed mostly positive results and one was inconclusive. Three literature reviews were identified, which studied this question; two were mostly negative, while the third was inconclusive. Also, 12 publications of grey literature studying Lean and WMSD risk factors in Swedish organizations were identified; nine showed mixed results, two showed mostly positive results and one showed mostly negative results. Due to the varying quality and study design of the publications, together with the few identified studies, it is difficult to compare them. The context and the implementation also likely affect the results. The general conclusion was that a Lean implementation may increase the risk of WMSD and risk factors for WMSD, if it is not accompanied with an ergonomic intervention.

Ergonomic workplace analysis (EWA)

Work Related Musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) create a significant financial burden to both employer and employee that includes the cost of treatment and lost work time. There is a growing demand to implement early identification and effective prevention strategies, aimed at early intervention in employees prior to possible absenteeism due to foreseen sickness or disability. A wide range of conditions may be considered as MSDs, including myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, peripheral entrapment neuropathies (carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome), tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, and others. Several multidisciplinary rehabilitation centres such as RECOUP have developed a comprehensive, systematic and thorough medical examination protocol for WRMSD patients. The aim is to obtain anatomically precise clinical findings as a guide to therapy. These assessment protocols typically includes Questionnaire data, Physical examination protocol, Special Examination tests and Laboratory tests. A methodical medical evaluation protocol produces a patient-specific list of symptoms and coordinated physical findings. Such protocols provide a sounder basis for developing a biomechanical and ergonomic explanation for the WRMSD patient's injuries and for planning and monitoring therapy. Importantly for the WRMSD patient, it also provides a detailed explanation of symptoms that are experienced and a logical plan for alleviating them. MWRSD patients should not be dismissed as having vague or non physiologic complaints without this type of evaluation. This paper will discuss methods of identification of ergonomic risk factors among the workers engaged in video display terminal use which is practised at our tertiary level rehabilitation centre.

Ergonomic implementation and work station design for quilt manufacturing unit

Background:Awkward, extreme and repetitive postures have been associated with work related musculoskeletal disorders and injury to the lowerback of workers engaged in quilting manufacturing unit. Basically quilt are made manually by hand stitch and embroidery on the quilts which was done in squatting posture on the floor. Mending, stain removal, washing and packaging were some other associated work performed on wooden table. their work demands to maintain a continuous squatting posture which leads to various injuries related to low back and to calf muscles.Material and Methods:The present study was undertaken in Tarai Agroclimatic Zone of Udham Singh Nagar District of Uttarakhand State with the objective to study the physical and physiological parameters as well as the work station layout of the respondent engaged on quilt manufacturing unit. A total of 30 subjects were selected to study the drudgery involved in quilt making enterprise and to make the provision of technology option to reduce the drudgery as well as musculoskeletal disorders, thus enhancing the productivity and comfortability.Results:Findings of the investigation show that majority of workers (93.33 per cent) were female and very few (6.66 per cent) were the male with the mean age of 24.53±6.43. The body mass index and aerobic capacity (lit/min) values were found as 21.40±4.13 and 26.02±6.44 respectively. Forty per cent of the respondents were having the physical fitness index of high average whereas 33.33 per cent of the respondents had low average physical fitness. All the assessed activities involved to make the quilt included a number of the steps which were executed using two types of work station i.e squatting posture on floor and standing posture using wooden table. A comparative study of physiological parameters was also done in the existing conditions as well as in improved conditions by introducing low height chair and wooden spreader to hold the load of quilt while working, to improve the work posture of the worker. The average working heart rate values were found to reduced by performing the activity using improved technology followed by energy expenditure (6.99 kj/min), total cardiac cost of work (1037.95 beats), physiological cost of work (103.79 beats) and rate of perceived rate of exertion to the score of 2.6 Results of postural analysis that is change in motion at cervical region reveal that range of motion in case of extension was found beyond the normal range in existing setup where as it reduced to normal range in improved work station.Conclusion:The finding of the study concludes that to ensure safety and to reduce occupational health hazards while performing the activity, an ergonomically designed work station by introduction of improved technology option will be a right choice which also enhances the productivity.

The effects of exercise reminder software program on office workers’ perceived pain level, work performance and quality of life

In direct proportion to current technological developments, both the computer usage in the workplaces is increased and requirement of leaving the desk for an office worker in order to photocopy a document, send or receive an e-mail is decreased. Therefore, office workers stay in the same postures accompanied by long periods of keyboard usage. In recent years, with intent to reduce the incidence of work related musculoskeletal disorders several exercise reminder software programs have been developed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the exercise reminder software program on office workers' perceived pain level, work performance and quality of life. 39 healthy office workers accepted to attend the study. Participants were randomly split in to two groups, control group (n = 19) and intervention group (n = 20). Visual Analogue Scale to evaluate the perceived pain was administered all of the participants in the beginning and at the end of the study. The intervention group used the program for 10 weeks. Findings showed that the control group VAS scores remained the same, but the intervention group VAS scores decreased in a statistically significant way (p < 0.01). Results support that such exercise reminder software programs may help to reduce perceived pain among office workers. Further long term studies with more subjects are needed to describe the effects of these programs and the mechanism under these effects.

The risk of developing repetitive stress injury in seamstresses, in the clothing industry, under the perspective of ergonomic work analysis: a case study

This study presents the sewing task with the approach of the ergonomic analysis of the work, in the seam activity in a clothing industry to identify the relationship between the use of different sewing machines and the activity of sewing pants and blouses, which brings larger risk for the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders. It was done a study of transverse and exploratory cut, in that was used a methodology control of multiple analysis of variables. The population objective was the workers that exercise the activity in the section of makings, with 93 workers, being 54,8% sewing auxiliary and 45,2% dressmakers. Most is single (75,3%), has the 2nd complete degree (58,0%) and the medium age was 25 years old. As results were observed that the machines serger, zig zag and traveti are classified as of high risk of developing work related to musculoskeletal disorders, that the postures assumed during the execution of the tasks were classified as bad or terrible, and that the workstations were just classified as reasonable. It was concluded then, that a relationship exists among the task of sewing pants and blouses, and the risk of the development of work related to musculoskeletal disorders.

Risk factors, clinical features and outcome of treatment of work related musculoskeletal disorders in on-site clinics among IT companies in India

Workrelated musculoskeletal disorders among the IT professional is a common area of concern worldwide. This study was taken up to analyze the prevalence of risk factors, clinical features and outcome of treatment in onsite clinics in vaious information technology companies in India. Result revealed poor office ergonomics (54%), lack of keyboard tray (25%), lack of mouse tray (35%), lack of foot rest (60%), improper monitor height (80%) were the major self reported risk factors. Major identified MSD were Myofascial Pain Syndrome (49.20%), Thoracic outlet syndrome (25.02%), Fibromyalgia syndrome (8.5%). Majorly affected body regions were neck (64.9%), shoulder (42.1%), lower back (56.5%) and thigh (34.2%). The results were comparable with the literature. Feedback of the participants also revealed most of the participants were well satisfied with SHARAN's protocol.

Analysis of urban cleanness agents' workstation on the appearance of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

This study had as objective to evaluate the workstation of the responsible for the collection of urban garbage in relation to the factors associates with the appearance or aggravation of WMRD, as well as identifying signals and symptoms of these illnesses in the related professionals. For this, was developed a form with open and closed questions, that approached item relative to the identification of the searched, to the organization and execution of the work and to the signals and symptoms of WMRD, e that was applied in 44 agents in a company of collection of urban residues in a Brazilian metropolis. As the results can be evidenced that between the factors that the cleanness' agents are susceptible to the appearance of WMRD can detach the lack of orientation of these professionals as the positions adopted in the work, the lack of training and qualification, as well as the repetitivity of tasks and not use of individual protection equipment. However, yet with the existence of innumerable factors of risk, evidenced a small incidence of pain.

Outcome measures and prognosis of WRMSD

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are widespread in many countries, with substantial costs and impact on quality of life. WRMSDs create a significant financial burden to both employer and employee that includes the cost of treatment and lost work time. There is a growing demand to implement early identification and effective prevention strategies, aimed at early intervention in employees prior to possible absenteeism due to foreseen sickness or disability. Outcome measure of the WRMSD gives an understanding about the severity and the intensity of the problems. Before starting of the treatment it is very important to understand the gravity and seriousness of the WRMSD. Once we understand the gravity of the WRMSD the level of the treatment can be decided and optimum prescription can be made for that particular WRMSD. This will discuss various outcome measures through which prognosis of the WRMSD can be determined and final prescription of treatment regiment can be formulated.

Evaluating the effectiveness of ergonomics application

The effectiveness of ergonomics application is achieved in the course of this research by reviewing ergonomics literature, Internet searches and case studies of a number of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD's) and other ergonomic related workplace incidence rate. The results of ergonomic intervention control measures such as engineering controls, administrative controls and personnel protective equipment were also studied. The findings in this paper may help to development model for analysing and solving ergonomic problems in the workplace. It concludes on the need for management to support ergonomics intervention programme for effective cost saving, litigation avoidance and better productivity.

Reliability of thermal readings of the skin surface over the anterior deltoid during intermittent, overhead tapping tasks

Alternative techniques to quantify exposures to risk factors to further our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) development are needed. Exploratory studies of thermal imaging indicate that it is sensitive to changes in work task demands. The objective of this study was to quantify the reliability of skin thermal readings over the anterior deltoid during an overhead task. Twenty four participants completed six test sessions of a simulated overhead tapping task common in automotive assembly. Thermal images were recorded using an infrared camera. Correlations of thermal readings between days and its relationship with subjective discomfort ratings, along with effects of duty cycle (33%, 66% and 100%), gender, and day on thermal parameters were assessed. The overall reliability of thermal rate of change between days was found to be moderate to good with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.56 and an ICC of 0.72. Significant moderate correlations were also found between thermal readings and subjective discomfort ratings with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of −0.55 for the rates of changes. Duty cycle affected all the dependent variables with each duty cycle differing from the other. Gender differences were found for both temperature and discomfort rate of change. Relevance to industry This study suggests that thermal imaging is a reliable method for assessing work task demand effects on the musculoskeletal system for the shoulder during overhead work and may be useful in assessing risk for upper extremity WMSDs.

Symptom Based Analysis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Assembly Line Workers Using ANOVA with Orthogonal Array

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a type of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is the most commonly work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) that can lead to temporary as well as permanent disabilities. The CTS is marked by pain and paresthesia. Present study has been conducted on the 60 workers comprising of 46 men (mean age of 34.43 ± 8.40 years, range 18-52 years) and 14 women (mean age of 34.78 ± 9.14 years, range 22-50 years) engaged in Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (E.P.D.M.) assembly unit. Symptoms present are nocturnal pain, numbness, tingling and low hand grip strength. The study has been done in actual industrial environment through health surveillance, Phalen’s and Tinel’s Tests, hand grip strength tester, and weighing machine. The aim of this study is to do analysis to check the susceptibility of CTS symptoms amongst men and women on the basis of repetitive and non repetitive work. The F-Test and ANOVA using orthogonal array have been applied for statistical data analysis in order to quantify and evaluate the importance of possible symptoms on CTS risk factor. Analysis shows that the women workers are more susceptible to CTS symptoms than their male counterparts. It also reveals that grip strength below 35 Kg and high tingling prevalence ratio are the most alarming symptoms for CTS occurrence among workers in E.P.D.M assembly unit.

A learning curve-based method to implement multifunctional work teams in the Brazilian footwear sector

This paper presents a method for implementing multifunctional work teams in a footwear company that followed the Taylor/Ford system for decades. The suggested framework first applies a Learning Curve (LC) modeling to assess whether rotation between tasks of different complexities affects workers' learning rate and performance. Next, the Macroergonomic Work Analysis (MA) method (Guimarães, 1999, 2009) introduces multifunctional principles in work teams towards workers' training and resources improvement. When applied to a pilot line consisting of 100 workers, the intervention-reduced work related accidents in 80%, absenteeism in 45.65%, and eliminated work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), medical consultations, and turnover. Further, the output rate of the multifunctional team increased average 3% compared to the production rate of the regular lines following the Taylor/Ford system (with the same shoe model being manufactured), while the rework and spoilage rates were reduced 85% and 69%, respectively.

Agricultural Safety Clothing: Implications for Making and Selecting Clothes

Objective: The study was performed to suggest factors to consider when making or selecting protective clothing to enhance farmers’ health. The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the agricultural safety technology on clothing including hat, gloves, and shoes. Background: The farmers’ work clothing has to meet a multitude of requirement. Risk factors in farm-work were identified by previous researches. Agricultural safety clothing needs to be introduced. Method: We reviewed previous papers regarding the agricultural workers’ health, safety clothing to protect body from excessive heat and humid environment, ultraviolet(UV) protection, and hazardous body working postures. Also the UV cut effect, pesticideproof clothing, and preventable farm work related musculoskeletal disorders were discussed. Results: The agricultural safety clothing needs to be developed to provide comfort and to be resistant against heat. The UV protection function on skin and eyes has not been fully researched in safety clothing studies yet. Conclusions and Application: The farmers’ work-related body posture needs to be studied in order to make and design agricultural safety clothing. The safety issues on agricultural work shoes are also needed to be included in future studies.

P2-547 Tile: musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among nurses in Sri Lanka

IntroductionWork related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have significant impacts in labour intensive occupational groups. Lifting, moving, transferring and repositioning of patients and long hours spent standing during work makes nurses vulnerable...

Insole effects on impact loading during walking

Impact loading during walking has been associated with overuse related musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis. This study was designed to determine the effect of two shoe insole designs on impact-related loading during walking. In total, 22 healthy adults walked along a 10-m walkway in three different insole conditions: (i) no insole; (ii) flat material insole; (iii) heel-cup insole. Impact forces at the ground were determined and estimated at the knee in a subset of participants (n = 14). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant reduction in peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) with the flat material insole compared with the no insole and heel-cup conditions (p = 0.001). No differences between conditions were observed in vGRF loading rate (p > 0.05). Peak impact force at the knee was reduced with flat material insoles and heel-cup insoles (p < 0.05). These data indicate that reductions in impact forces during walking are dependent upon insole design. Statement of Relevance: This study provides new evidence that impact loads are reduced with shoe insoles during walking. High impact loads are implicated in the development and progression of knee pathologies, including osteoarthritis. Thus, these findings indicate that insole use may be beneficial for various musculoskeletal disorders, including key public health problems such as osteoarthritis.

The Analysis of Factors Influencing the Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of Oil Drillers

To investigate the morbidity and influence factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in oil drillers. The modified Nordic Standardized Questionnaire for WMSD was used to perform the epidemiological investigation in 860 oil drillers. The predominant sites of WMSD in the oil drillers were waist (50.6%), neck (29.8%) and shoulder (23.4%), respectively. There were significant differences of the WMSD morbidities in all body sites except for wrist and hip among groups with different working years (P < 0.05 of P < 0.01). The WMSD morbidities in the neck, shoulder, back and waist of oil drillers working for more than 40h a week were significantly higher than those of oil drillers working for less than 40 ha week (P < 0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that some occupational factors, i.e. keeping stoop and stand for long time, repeating trunk bend, keeping awkward lift posture and lifting the heave objects, were the risk factors for WMSD at waist (P < 0.05), also some management factors, i.e. overtime work and inadequate rest, were the risk factors for WMSD at waist (P < 0.05). The WMSD appears to be a serious ergonomic problem in oil drillers, it is necessary to correct working posture, reduce working load, improve organizational management, and encourage a workplace health program with regular work and rest.