Risk Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

Utility of a Neuromuscular Activation Exercise Protocol on Surgeon Posture.

Surgeons are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders from ergonomic strain in the operating room. These deficits may stem from neuromuscular control deficits. Neuromuscular activation exercises (NMEs) may strengthen the brain-muscle connection. This study aimed to assess the utility of a surgeon-oriented NME protocol on posture. Surgeons, operating room staff, and medical students completed a professionally established NME routine. An electronic application, PostureScreen®, assessed participants' posture. A long-term cohort was assessed before and after a 2 to 6-week routine. A short-term cohort was assessed immediately before and after completion. All participants additionally completed a postintervention survey. After intervention, the short-term cohort (n = 47) had significantly reduced frontal and sagittal postural deviation (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in effective head weight was additionally demonstrated with decreased neck flexion and increased cerebral-cervical symmetry (P < 0.05).The long-term cohort (n = 6) showed a significant postintervention decrease in lateral and anterior shoulder translation (P < 0.05). Total anterior translational deviations demonstrated trend-level decrease (P = 0.078). This demonstrates that after intervention, participants' shoulders were more centered with the spine as opposed to shifted right or left. Survey results showed participants favored exercises that immediately brought relief of tension. A decrease in postural deviations associated with NME in both cohorts demonstrates NME as a potential mechanism to protect surgeon musculoskeletal health and improve well-being. Survey results demonstrate areas of refinement for NME protocol design.

Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Assessment in Modern Ready-Made Concrete Formwork Construction

Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Assessment in Modern Ready-Made Concrete Formwork Construction

Postural and ergonomic analysis of reading habits in elderly adults: a case study

Introduction: Proper posture is essential for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic problems in elderly adults. This study aims to analyze the reading posture of elderly residents in the Esposos Bishara seniors’ residence, located in Tachina Parish, Esmeraldas Canton, Ecuador. Methods: A quantitative methodology was employed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method to evaluate the reading postures of twelve elderly individuals aged between 63 and 99 years. Data were collected in designated reading spaces within the asylum. Results: The analysis revealed that the elderly participants exhibited medium to low risks of developing MSDs and ergonomic problems during reading activities. The predominant risk factors included neck flexion and prolonged static postures. Discussion: These findings align with existing literature that highlights the importance of ergonomic interventions in reducing MSD and ergonomic risks among elderly adults. The study underscores the need for ergonomic adjustments in reading environments to enhance postural health. Conclusion: The study concludes that while the risk levels are not alarmingly high, ergonomic modifications are necessary to mitigate potential MSDs in elderly readers. Future research should explore broader populations and varying reading environments.

Sedentary Lifestyle as a Leading cause of Some Diseases and Disability

The prevalence of inactive lifestyles has increased, leading to detrimental effects on health. Sedentary behavior refers to any action that involves extended periods of sitting, reclining, or lying down and requires minimal energy expenditure. Insufficient physical activity is prevalent among one-third of the global population aged 15 years and older, leading to adverse health effects. Nevertheless, there is a lack of awareness regarding the health hazards associated with sedentary behaviors. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyles is expanding globally due to limited opportunities for physical activity, the rise in sedentary work environments including office jobs, and the growing prevalence of television and video devices. As a result, the related health issues are increasing. Sedentary behaviors have a broad range of negative effects on the human body, including an increased risk of death from any cause, death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. They also increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders like arthralgia and osteoporosis, as well as depression and cognitive impairment. Therefore, minimizing sedentary behaviors and boosting physical exercise are both vital to promote public health.

Changes in Foot Biomechanics during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Scoping Review.

(1) Background: During pregnancy, changes in foot biomechanics affect structural stability and gait. (2) Objective: To map the available evidence for changes in foot biomechanics during pregnancy and the postpartum period. (3) Methods: Scoping review according to the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute through the relevant databases via EBSCO, MEDLINE with full text, BioOne Complete, CINAHL Plus with full text, Academic Search Complete, and SPORT Discus with full text. The search was conducted in SCOPUS and PubMed. (4) Results: Eight studies were included in the scoping review. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and synthesized data in narrative form. We found that changes in the length and volume of the foot occur during pregnancy and remain in the postpartum period. (5) Conclusions: During pregnancy, anatomical and biomechanical changes occur in the pregnant woman's foot, potentially contributing to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. However, more research is needed to determine whether these biomechanical changes can lead to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Changes needed to reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main contributor to disability levels, which are rising as populations age. Workplace hazard exposures are a major source of this problem, and current workplace risk management practices require substantial changes to tackle it more effectively. Most importantly, the current focus of risk management on "manual handling"tasks must broaden to encompass the whole job. This is necessary because a wide range of psychosocial hazards, most of which operate across the whole job rather than particular tasks, are significant contributors to risk. To ensure that risk-control actions are effective, a recurring risk management cycle that includes worker participation and addresses risk from both biomechanical and psychosocial hazards will be essential. Legislation that mandates workplace management of psychosocial hazards would be helpful. Amendment by regulatory bodies of MSD-related guidance and codes of practice so that they reflect current research evidence would also be helpful in communicating the need for change to workplace stakeholders.

Comparison of multi-task ergonomic assessment methods for risk of upper extremity and low back musculoskeletal disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder of upper extremity multi-task assessment methods (Revised Strain Index [RSI], Distal Upper Extremity Tool [DUET]) and manual handling multi-task assessment methods (Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation [RNLE], Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool [LiFFT]) were compared. RSI and DUET showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.933, p < 0.001) where increasing risk factor exposure resulted in increasing outputs for both methods. RSI and DUET demonstrated fair agreement (κ = 0.299) in how the two methods classified outputs into risk categories (high, moderate or low) when assessing the same tasks. The RNLE and LiFFT showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.903, p = 0.001) where increasing risk factor exposure resulted in increasing outputs, and moderate agreement (κ = 0.574) in classifying the outputs into risk categories (high, moderate or low) when assessing the same tasks. The multi-task assessment methods provide consistent output magnitude rankings in terms of increasing exposure, however some differences exist between how different methods classify the outputs into risk categories.

Reducing musculoskeletal disorders in iron ore mine operators: A fuzzy-based intervention approach.

This study focuses on evaluating the exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and association of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with various risk factors among dumper operators in the mining industry. Despite the issue's significance, prior research has been limited. The study introduces a novel fuzzy-based approach for identifying, selecting, and prioritizing safety measures to mitigate MSD risks. Data collection comprised face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scoring for posture assessment, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire for assessment of MSD prevalence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the contributing risk factors to MSDs and WBV exposure. These risk factors formed the basis for a practical approach to select appropriate safety measures based on fuzzy based aggregation method of expert's judgment aimed at mitigating the risk of MSDs. The results revealed that the risk factors such as poor work posture, WBV exposure and poor seat design were significantly associated with neck (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 4.81), upper limb and shoulder (aOR = 3.28), upper back (aOR = 5.09), and lower back pain (aOR = 3.67) at p < 0.05. Using these factors to formulate safety measures to reduce MSD risk, the minimization of sharp turns and abrupt changes in elevation in designing the haul roads, scheduled maintenance practices, and ergonomic seat design were found as important safety measures in this study. Our unique methodological approach in occupational health research could be highly beneficial for tailoring safety measures at the unit level with minimal effort.

Work-related injury or work-related pain? A qualitative investigation of work-related pain and injury management among rehabilitation professionals1.

Patient mobility tasks place rehabilitation professionals (Physical and Occupational Therapists) working in hospitals at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, when investigating engagement with a Safe Patient Handling and Mobility program (SPHM), administrative records at a level one trauma hospital showed that rehabilitation professionals reported zero work-related injuries over an eight-year period. As part of a qualitative study conducted to discover their unique work experiences, we explored some of the reasons that rehabilitation professionals might not report work-related injuries to their employers. Using a collective case study design, six focus groups were conducted with 25 members of the rehabilitation team within a level-one trauma hospital. Focus groups were recorded; transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes using first and second cycle coding procedures. Participants in this study denied experiencing work-related injuries but frequently described working in pain, often attributed to patient mobility tasks. These experiences were not reported to employers. Self-management of their pain through co-worker treatment, over-the-counter medications, or informal alteration in job tasks were reported as common. Administrative injury records may underrepresent injuries among rehabilitation professionals. This may be due to their perception of work-related pain as something different than work-related injuries, or that many of these rehabilitation professionals treat their own work-related pain and symptoms rather than report them. To get a more accurate assessment of injury frequency among rehabilitation professionals, researchers should gather information directly from the participants, and should inquire about work-related pain in addition to injury.

Smart Sensing Chairs for Sitting Posture Detection, Classification, and Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review.

Incorrect sitting posture, characterized by asymmetrical or uneven positioning of the body, often leads to spinal misalignment and muscle tone imbalance. The prolonged maintenance of such postures can adversely impact well-being and contribute to the development of spinal deformities and musculoskeletal disorders. In response, smart sensing chairs equipped with cutting-edge sensor technologies have been introduced as a viable solution for the real-time detection, classification, and monitoring of sitting postures, aiming to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and promote overall health. This comprehensive literature review evaluates the current body of research on smart sensing chairs, with a specific focus on the strategies used for posture detection and classification and the effectiveness of different sensor technologies. A meticulous search across MDPI, IEEE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases yielded 39 pertinent studies that utilized non-invasive methods for posture monitoring. The analysis revealed that Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) are the predominant sensors utilized for posture detection, whereas Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are the leading machine learning models for posture classification. However, it was observed that CNNs and ANNs do not outperform traditional statistical models in terms of classification accuracy due to the constrained size and lack of diversity within training datasets. These datasets often fail to comprehensively represent the array of human body shapes and musculoskeletal configurations. Moreover, this review identifies a significant gap in the evaluation of user feedback mechanisms, essential for alerting users to their sitting posture and facilitating corrective adjustments.

Design and Development of Automatic Universal Chain Type Vegetable Transplanter

Many vegetable crops are best grown by growing seeds in a controlled environment and then transplanting seedlings to the field. Transplanting methods have dramatically improved in recent years, but are still very labour intensive. Mechanization of Feeding of the seedlings on vegetable transplanter face many restrictions due to non-uniformity in shape and size of the seedings and different transplantation spacing requirement, since the yield of various crops are determined by spacing of the seedlings. Even today, many transplanting methods rely on human labour to place seedlings directly into a planting mechanism and to determine the correct spacing. Manual Transplantation involve repetitive prolonged awkward posture which pose high risk of musculoskeletal disorder. There exists a need of universal transplanter which is economical, effective, ergonomically fit and transplant the seedlings at uniform predefined spacing irrespective of shape and size. Chain Type vegetable transplanter could be the solution to the above discussed problems. The designed transplanter enables the farmers to plant the seedling tape of any shape/size at desired plant to plant distance and to do so rapidly, thereby quickly disposing the seedlings at precise depth, properly oriented and at correctly spaced intervals. This can be achieved in certain steps, which involves the steps of unwinding the honeycomb arranged plant tape in seedling tray, making furrow in the ground, cutting the tape &amp; placing it in furrow in the ground, and pressing it firmly in furrow. There is also provision to adjust the plant-to-plant spacing using the gear shifter and number of cutting blades to adjust the distance between two simultaneous seedlings drop in furrow. Transplantation speed of 71 Plants per minutes can be achieved thus saving time of transplantation, labour need and cost of transplantation.

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.

An assembly organization's approach to conducting ergonomics assessments of nutrunners in the absence of standards

Repetitive use of handheld nutrunners contributes to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among assembly operators. Tool-using organizations control the physical exposures resulting from nutrunners through their own, company-specific methods and recommendations. The aim of this study was to explore an automotive organization's current practice when conducting ergonomics assessments of nutrunner use. Fourteen employees representing different professional roles within the automotive manufacturing organization were interviewed about their involvement in, and approaches to, ergonomics evaluations of nutrunners. Findings show that the objective criteria tightening torque and tool type are combined with the operators' subjective assessments of the load to identify MSD risks associated with nutrunner use. This way, the effects of factors such as working posture could be integrated into the assessment. Further, it was found that information and knowledge availability could influence the resulting exposures estimates, where for example information about how to appropriately select tool settings is not readily available. In addition, there are negotiating criteria such as quality considerations which need to be balanced with health and safety management, influencing the physical demands associated with power tools. Relevance to industryBy providing insight into an automotive manufacturer's approach to managing and assessing handheld tightening tools, policy-makers can form recommended limits and methods for standardized assessments of reaction load exposure from nutrunners.

Framework for Quantifying the Impact of Exoskeleton on Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Reduction

Framework for Quantifying the Impact of Exoskeleton on Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Reduction

Analysis of working posture risk of office employees in one of the ports companies using the ROSA method

Ports are one of the logistics sector industries that is experiencing rapid growth from year to year. One of the ports in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, is experiencing a rapid increase in activity, which is supported by the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). This condition also causes an increase in the activities of office workers in the managerial and administrative fields at the port. Office area workers generally spend most of their time in front of computers. Therefore, office area workers are at risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) because they are in a static and monotonous position. This research was an observational study using a cross-sectional approach. This research aimed to assess work posture ergonomically using the ROSA method to determine the risk of MSDs owned by office area workers. Assessment of work posture is carried out by observation using the ROSA sheet. The research results showed that most workers (58.33%) had a risk of MSDs in the warning level category, and the remainder (41.67%) had a risk of MSDs in the Necessity of Intervention Measures category. The causes of the high risk of MSDs in office workers are less ergonomic workstations and low awareness among workers regarding ergonomic working posture. Therefore, port companies, in this case, need to make improvements by rearranging workstations, creating health information media about ergonomics, and providing ergonomics training to workers.

Patterns of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Staff Nurses in the Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The physically demanding and high-stress environment of Emergency Departments (EDs) significantly contributes to the heightened risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among ED nurses. Despite this known association, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the prevalence rates and contributing factors within ED settings in Saudi Arabia, necessitating further investigation.Purpose: This study delves into the prevalence and potential predictors of MSDs among nurses in this critical healthcare setting.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2023 using convenience sampling of 177 ED nurses across 16 public hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed, with SPSS analyses covering frequency and percentage of pain prevalence via cross-tabulation, and logistic regression to identify risk factors.Results: Over the past year, 68.9% of participants reported lower back pain affecting normal activities in 55.4% of cases. Neck pain was more likely in individuals aged 20-29 and former smokers accounting for 47.6% of the variance (p=0.001). Shorter shifts under 8 hours reduced neck pain risk, whereas a schedule with 50% of night shifts heightened the risk, contributing to 28.4% of the variance (p=0.001). Nurses aged 40-49 and those with significant childcare duties faced higher shoulder pain risk (p=0.024), and adult caregiving duties was linked to upper back pain explaining 40.6% of the variance (p=0.017). No significant links were found for other musculoskeletal pains.Conclusion: The study reveals a significant prevalence of MSDs among the evaluated ED nurses, significantly influenced by specific demographic and work-related factors. Addressing these through ergonomic interventions, optimal scheduling, and wellness programs is crucial for nurse well-being and patient care. Future research should focus on creating holistic wellness programs that support nurses musculoskeletal health.

Hand-Arm-Vibrationsdosis und arbeitstechnische Voraussetzungen für die Berufskrankheit Nr. 2103 – Eine epidemiologische Fall-Kontroll-Studie

Hand-arm vibration dose and work-related requirements for occupational disease no. 2103 – An epidemiological case-control study Background: An epidemiological case-control study of dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders of occupational disease no. 2103 (BK 2103) was carried out in order to provide evidence-based recommendations for the recognition of BK 2103. Methods: Male cases and controls were recruited and standardised personal interviews were conducted between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2021. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, work histories regarding the use of hand-operated and hand-held technical tools that can induce hand-arm vibrations were recorded in detail. To quantify the individual vibration exposure, a database of industrial hygiene measurements of vibration values of over 700 technical power tools was established (vibration register). The vibration measurements recorded in the database allows quantification of the daily dose and lifetime dose of the vibration exposure. The dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders as defined by BK 2103 were quantified for the various dose models using conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 209 cases and 614 controls were recruited. Compared to controls, cases suffered more frequently from gout, arm fractures, hip osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, spinal osteoarthritis and trauma injuries or inflammatory conditions of the finger, elbow and shoulder joints. After adjusting for relevant confounders, the study analyses demonstrate consistent and statistically significant dose-effect relationships between hand-arm vibration exposure and musculoskeletal disorders as defined by BK 2103. A vibration dose of Dhv = 142.331 m2/s4 x day or Dhw = 38.724 m2/s4 x day is associated with a doubling of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities as defined by BK 2103. Conclusions: These dose values serve as a guide and could also be applied in an assessment of the work-related requirements for the recognition of BK 2103. Sensitivity analyses indicate that an exposure duration with a defined threshold daily dose is not suitable for guiding the recognition of BK 2103. Keywords: hand-arm vibration – musculoskeletal disorders – dose-effect relationship – epidemiology – risk-doubling dose

Study of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and discomfort in sculptors in the north of Mexico

BACKGROUND: The sculpting craft must adopt awkward postures that lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MD) and its associations with postural risk factors, demographics, and work characteristics among sculptors. They were determined the differences between MDs during the weeks of the study. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted; MD was investigated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Posture was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method (RULA). Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models analyzed associations with different factors. ANOVA was used to test for differences in MD prevalence. RESULTS: The analysis included 585 responses by body region. The prevalence of MD was high in the lower and upper limbs among sculptors (67.6%), with the lower back, upper arm, neck, and knees being the four most affected regions. Gender (female) (OR = 2.15), marital status (married) (OR = 1.80), health risk (obesity), the dual of a secondary job (OR = 1.94), job stress (OR = 2.10), duration of work (OR = 2.01), and difficulty keeping up with work (OR = 2.00) were significant predictors contributing to the occurrence of MD in different body regions. Only shoulder MD prevalence showed significant differences between study weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Sculptors suffer from MD. Demographic and work characteristic factors influence MD prevalence. Postural training, improved adaptation of work organization, and intervention guidance on ergonomic risks may reduce the prevalence of MD and the risk of MSDs in this population.

Prevalence study of musculoskeletal disorders among bank workers

Background: A formal worker is anyone who works for a business entity that has been registered at a government office. Those who work in the formal sector are identical to office work, with long duration of work, tend to be in a static position, and there are repetitive movements, thereby increasing the potential of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This can interfere with work productivity and work outcomes expected of formal sector workers. Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional approach with purposive sampling technique. Data was collected in June 2022 using a personal data questionnaire and the Nordic body map (NBM) questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed on the data using IBM SPSS 26 software. Results: Musculoskeletal complaints were found in the upper neck 8.8%, lower neck 6.8%, left shoulder 6.8%, right shoulder 5.4%, back 7.3% and waist 8.3%. Twelve people experienced moderate pain in the waist, 7 people experienced pain in the upper neck, and 2 people experienced very painful feeling in the waist. There were 35 respondents have a low MSD risk level 87.5% and 5 respondents have a moderate MSD risk level 12.5%. Conclusion: The respondents mostly had complaints around the upper neck, lower neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, back, and waist. There were risks of MSD in formal sector workers of risk of the MSD complaints experienced is predominantly low. The ergonomics approach can be applied to respondents with a higher level of risk. Keywords: Formal worker, musculoskeletal disorder, nordic body map, posture

Sitting versus standing work postures during simulated laparoscopic surgery: in terms of user preferences, comfort, performance and biomechanics

Prolonged standing in surgery has been linked to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether sitting could serve as an alternative work posture in laparoscopic procedures. Twenty medical students in their third and fourth years were recruited. Sitting and standing were compared at two task complexity levels on a laparoscopic surgery simulator. Measured variables included user posture preferences, perceived discomfort, performance and biomechanics. Electromyography data from the upper trapezius and erector spinae muscles were analysed. Results showed that posture did not affect surgical performance and erector spinae muscle activation. Sitting showed higher muscle activation at the trapezius muscles; however, perceived discomfort was unaffected. Most participants preferred sitting for the difficult task and standing for the easy task. Findings showed that sitting, with appropriate seat design considerations, could serve as an alternative or even as a preferred work posture for simulated laparoscopic procedures.