Severity Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Articles

An Insight into the Impact of Ergonomics on the Clinical Practice of Dentists in Gujarat: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background and Objective: The role of knowledge, awareness, and practice of the principles of ergonomics in the dental profession needs to be highlighted to the dental fraternity as the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are increasing in higher numbers leading to a shortened clinical life span of the dentist. Materials and Methods: A valid close-ended questionnaire was designed and circulated as a Google Form, and 200 dentists all over Gujarat consented to take part in the cross-sectional study. Data were collected and analyzed statistically to understand the relation between understanding and practice of the principles of dental ergonomics. Results: The result revealed approximately 89% of the dentists who had <5 years of clinical experience faced pain in their lower back/shoulder/arm/neck area irrespective of their gender. It was observed that the association between understanding the importance between proper illumination and magnification on a daily routine in a neutral posture was highly statistically significant with 73.8% of dentists aware and practicing it. However, we need a larger sample size to be followed for a longer time to establish and highlight the risk factors for the prevention of work-related injuries. Conclusion: As oral care needs are increasing in the Indian population at an alarming rate, the need for a competent experienced dental fraternity will be a necessity for preventive as well as treatment-based dentistry. An ergonomically established dental setup in line with the practical implementation of the principles of ergonomics and lifestyle changes will lead to a reduction in MSD.

Characteristics of nurses with musculoskeletal disorders from Dr Soedarso Regional Hospital, Pontianak, Indonesia

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can have a significant negative impact on quality of life, resulting in reduced ability to work, absenteeism, and possibly switching occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the prevalence and severity of MSDs and the nurse characteristics (NCs) of nurses working in the Dr Soedarso Regional Hospital (DSRH) inpatient department. An analytical and descriptive cross-sectional methodology was used to examine 134 nurses from Inpatient Wards A and B. Total sampling was used to select the respondents. The level of exposure to the conditions investigated by the quick exposure check (QEC), namely, static and dynamic movements in the back, shoulders/arms, neck, and work-related stress, was significantly correlated with gender and neck (0.050), a history of education-related physical strain, such as back mobility (0.021), years of work-related strain on the neck (0.040), and work-related stress (0.033). There were no significant correlations found between age and static and dynamic movements of the back, shoulders/arms, and neck. Gender, education level, and employment duration all have a strong correlation with MSDs among DSRH inpatient nurses.

The Impact of Harvesting Height on Farmers’ Musculoskeletal Tissue

This study aimed to examine whether different agricultural work patterns may cause MSDs in different body areas and assess their severity. In previous studies, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been recognized as an occupational disease in agricultural workers. However, not all MSDs resulting from agriculture occur in the same body areas or have similar severity. This study conducted a questionnaire survey to inquire about the body areas and severity of MSDs among fruit farmers. A total of 212 valid answers were collected. Subsequently, their main harvesting postures were classified into three groups to examine the differences in MSD occurrence and severity among those groups. The results indicate that the harvesting posture did result in different severities of MSDs in certain body areas. Raising hands above the shoulders caused significantly higher MSD severity in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and elbows despite the same standing posture. Additionally, those who squatted, bent, or kneeled had a significantly higher severity of MSDs in the shoulders compared to those who stood but did not raise their hands above their shoulders. This study confirmed that the different harvesting heights of fruits can affect farmers’ posture, leading to differences in the body areas affected by, and severity of, MSDs.

A Study to Assess Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Practitioners

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental practitioners. The study seeks to understand the occurrence and severity of MSDs in different anatomical regions, identify associated risk factors, and propose preventive measures through ergonomic interventions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed, and a total of 500 dental practitioners from various institutions were recruited as the study sample. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sections on demographic information, work-related factors, and musculoskeletal symptoms. The presence and intensity of MSD symptoms in the neck, back, shoulders, and hands were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A subset of 50 participants underwent an objective musculoskeletal assessment to validate self-reported symptoms. Results: The study sample included a diverse representation of dental practitioners, with an average age of 39.5 years and an average of 12.8 years of experience in dental practice. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was found to be highest in the neck region (62%), followed by the shoulders (57%), back (45%), and hands (42%). The severity of pain was rated using the VAS, revealing the discomfort experienced by dental practitioners in specific anatomical regions. Discussion: The study highlights the significant prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental practitioners, with the neck being the most commonly affected area. The findings underscore the importance of addressing ergonomic issues and implementing preventive measures to promote the musculoskeletal health and well-being of dental practitioners. Further research is needed to explore the association between work-related factors and MSDs among dental professionals to devise targeted interventions. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need to assess and address MSDs among dental practitioners to enhance their occupational health and overall well-being. Implementing ergonomic interventions and promoting preventive measures are vital in reducing the burden of MSDs in the dental profession.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among building painters in South India

The main objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and risks among building painters in South India. Cross-sectional data were collected from 120 male building painters in South India using a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) survey. The question includes demographic information, psychological factors, medical history, work-related information, MSDs symptoms and severity of MSDs. The statistical analyses reported the highest prevalence of MSDs among building painters was reported as 70.8%. The highest prevalence rate has been found in the shoulder region (69.5%) and neck region (65.4%). It is also evident that the chief painters experienced the highest discomfort (72.0%) than assistant painters (68.4%). The repetitive task, awkward postures, forceful exertions and work height above shoulder level were reported as highly contributing factors of MSDs among building painters. The building painters who participated in this research were found to exhibit both MSDs and ergonomic hazards. Results suggest that further studies are needed to establish different preventive measures and ergonomics interventions to reduce the risks of MSDs among building painters.

Workplace physiotherapy for musculoskeletal pain-relief in office workers: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among office workers and causes high costs to the public health system. Strategies including education and exercise are recommended, with major benefits when conducted by physical therapists in the occupational environment. However, the required investment is uncommon among companies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal physiotherapy intervention to relieve musculoskeletal pain in office workers.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study employed a single group study with a pre-post study design and was conducted at Universidad San Jorge in 2018. Outcome variables were: workplace ergonomics (INSHT Guide), existence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), musculoskeletal pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), and Clinical Global Impression Scale. Office workers in a university setting (n = 24, 19 females) were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks of in-person sessions and following 3 weeks of autonomous performance. The physiotherapy program included education, ergonomic supervision, self-treatment, strengthening, and stretching exercises. A repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman test (with post hoc comparisons) and Chi-squared test were used to compare the study variables.RESULTS:At baseline, cervical spine (54%), shoulder (42%), and lumbar regions (37.5%) were the most symptomatic regions according to the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Even if the proportion of symptomatic areas did not decrease significantly after the intervention, a great reduction of musculoskeletal pain intensity was observed after the program in the cervical (P < 0.001), lower back (P = 0.005), shoulder (P = 0.006) regions, and in the overall pain level (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:These results support that a multimodal physiotherapy program can relieve work-related musculoskeletal pain in office workers and serve as a basis for future controlled trials.

Work-related injuries, postural stress, and musculoskeletal disorders among the railway track maintainers in India.

The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate work-related injuries (WRI) and the self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 742 railway track maintainers. The second aim of this study was to investigate the potential factors related to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in track maintainers. This study also tried to do planning and implementing ergonomic intervention programs to improve track maintainer's health. Modified Nordic questionnaires were administered to assess the prevalence of MSDs. Detailed posture analysis by rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method was performed to assess the risk level of concerned postures. The injury data for 12 months were collected by conducting a survey and personal interviews with the affected railway track maintainers. To assess the prevalence of MSDs, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were computed along with critical χ 2 values. Analysis of variance was performed to determine significant differences between the MSD present and absent among the track maintainers of the Indian railway. The result of this study showed that neglect of safety precautions is the main reason for injury, followed by slipping and falling and lack of awareness. Sprain injury is one of the main injuries, followed by cut, snakebite, abrasion, and fracture. Low educational levels of workers are also reasons for WRI. In conclusion, the prevalence and severity of MSD, particularly in the low back, knees, wrist, and shoulder and WRI were found to be very high among the track maintainers. The recommendations of this research are ergonomic interventions, such as track maintainers proper training, following the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health -recommended weight limit for manual material handling, modification in hand tools, job rotation, performing stretching exercise, and avoiding awkward and static posture are needed.

Mine health and safety: influence of psychosocial factors on musculoskeletal disorders among miners in Pakistan

Mine health and safety is considered to be one of the fundamental determinants of sustainable mining. The purpose of this study was to analyse the severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to investigate the influence of psychosocial factors on its development. The data from 252 coal miners were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression modelling was performed to examine the association between MSDs and psychosocial factors. The results showed that miners face moderate to severe risks of MSDs. The elbow, lower back, and knee were the most commonly reported complaints. Job demands and control at work were the psychosocial factors that increase the risk of developing MSDs. Whereas, monotonous work and commitment to the organisation reduce the chance of developing MSDs. The findings of this study will be a significant endeavour to formulate preventive management programs to promote miners' health and safety.

Quality of metabolic control, serum potassium, and aging are the major determinants of severity of musculoskeletal disorders in hospitalized diabetic patients

Diabetes is strongly associated with numerous musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and may be considered as another group of diabetic complications. We explored the association of diabetes type, duration, quality of metabolic control, applied therapy, and serum electrolytes, with prevalence and extent of musculoskeletal disorders as well as radiographic and EMG changes. The case-control clinical study involved 80 patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes hospitalized at General Hospital Berane and Clinical Center Podgorica, Montenegro, in 2013. More than half of the diabetics had MSD. Peripheral nerve disorders were diagnosed by EMG. The musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated using the translated Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire. The statistical methodology involved T-testing, χ2 test, Spearman’s multiple correlation, and ordinal logistic regression. The incidence and the severity of MSD were significantly related to patients age, duration of diabetes, quality of metabolic control, serum potassium, radiographic, and EMG findings. However, in the regression analysis, only aging, mean blood glucose levels, and serum potassium were associated with the significant risk for development of MSD. Advanced age, metabolic control, and hypokalemia are the main determinants of both prevalence and extent of musculoskeletal disorders in diabetics. Along with the strict glycemic control, an additional effort should be taken to avoid potassium depletion associated with diabetic ketoacidosis and to maintain optimal potassium homeostasis in diabetic patients receiving insulin, diuretics, or suffer gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Physical activity among dentists in neo-capital area of a South Indian State: A cross-sectional study

Background: Sedentary work, which the dental profession demands, causes repeated strain in muscles, tendons, and other body tissues, which could lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The prevalence and severity of MSDs can overcome by performing regular physical exercises. Aim: To assess the physical activity among dentists in neo-capital area of Andhra Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with the help of a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire was conducted in dental clinics and dental institutions of capital area of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 200 dentists were included in the study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and Spearman's correlation coefficient, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the data, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study sample consists of 119 (59.5%) males and 81 (40.5%) females, with 50% of individuals belonging to 31–40 years of age group. Majority of individuals belonged to the category of normal (43.5%) and overweight (43.5%) categories of body mass index (BMI) scores. The prevalence of physical activity among the study population was 57.5%, and 53 (26.5%) individuals had suffered from MSD. There was a statistical significance between age groups and BMI scores (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The demanding and busy life of a dentist should not be perceived as a deterrent to physical activity. Dentists should be at forefront in doing physical activity because of its positive effect on the physical stress and strain, which, in turn, can have effect on delivering services.

The association between musculoskeletal disorders and driver behaviors among professional drivers in China

The main objective of this study is to explore correlations between the severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and aberrant driving behaviors among professional taxi drivers. Questionnaires were administered to 162 taxi drivers in a Chinese city. Drivers with more severe MSDs reported more general and dangerous error behaviors and negative moods. Interestingly, MSDs affect drivers’ error behaviors through negative moods. The study also examined the effects of age, driving experience, traffic accidents, mood states, safety awareness and driving skills on aberrant driving behaviors. The results showed that age and driving experience were significant predictors of aberrant driving behaviors. Anger was a significant predictor of aggressive violations and dangerous errors. Additionally, drivers who reported higher levels of safety awareness also reported fewer aggressive violations, and drivers with higher levels of driving skills reported fewer dangerous error behaviors.

WORK POSTURE RELATIONS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN DUMP TRUCK OPERATOR AT PT HARMONI PANCA MAIN

Improper work posture may affect waist and back pain as well as disruption of the muscularkeletal system. The results of estimates published by NIOSH show that the cost of compensation for musculoskeletal complaints has reached 13 billion dollars annually. This study aims to determine the relationship of work posture with lumbar pain and severity of Muskuloskeletal Disorder at Dump Truck Operators Production Part at PT Harmoni Panca Utama Site East Kalimatan. This research is an analytic survey research with cross sectional design. The population of this research is the dump truck operator in the production section of PT Harmoni Panca Utama Site East Kalimantan totaling 150 people. The number of samples is determined by Purposive Sampling Technique. The instruments used in this study were questionnaires, Nordic Body Map Questioner questionnaires, Video Record and Work Posture Images, a low back pain complaint questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is Spearman rank associative test. Characteristics of respondents in the form: age, employment and BMI have no relationship with the severity of musculoskeletal disorders. The result of spearman rank test analysis between work posture and severity of musculoskeletal disturbance was obtained on peaceful site (p = 0.47) and site singlurus (p = 0.43). Keywords: Work posture, Low back pain, Musculoskeletal

A research framework for the development and implementation of interventions preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Objectives Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are highly prevalent and put a large burden on (working) society. Primary prevention of work-related MSD focuses often on physical risk factors (such as manual lifting and awkward postures) but has not been too successful in reducing the MSD burden. This may partly be caused by insufficient knowledge of etiological mechanisms and/or a lack of adequately feasible interventions (theory failure and program failure, respectively), possibly due to limited integration of research disciplines. A research framework could link research disciplines thereby strengthening the development and implementation of preventive interventions. Our objective was to define and describe such a framework for multi-disciplinary research on work-related MSD prevention. Methods We described a framework for MSD prevention research, partly based on frameworks from other research fields (ie, sports injury prevention and public health). Results The framework is composed of a repeated sequence of six steps comprising the assessment of (i) incidence and severity of MSD, (ii) risk factors for MSD, and (iii) underlying mechanisms; and the (iv) development, (v) evaluation, and (vi) implementation of preventive intervention(s). Conclusions In the present framework for optimal work-related MSD prevention, research disciplines are linked. This framework can thereby help to improve theories and strengthen the development and implementation of prevention strategies for work-related MSD.

Relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and anthropometric indices among bus drivers in Zahedan city

Introduction. Most work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are associated with improper postures and poorly designed workstations. This study is an attempt to examine the prevalence and severity of MSDs as well as anthropometric dimensions among city bus drivers. Methodology. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 male bus drivers. A body discomfort chart was used to evaluate MSDs. Spearman correlation was employed to examine the relationship between body size and the severity of discomfort. Results. Data analysis showed that discomfort reported in the lower back (33.3%), upper back (18.3%) and knee (15%) was severe and there was a direct and significant correlation between the body mass index and the severity of discomfort in the shoulder, arm and hip (p < 0.05). However, the results showed that eye sitting height and sitting height had significant inverse relationships with discomfort in the ankle and elbow (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of the study can be used to address ergonomic risk factors and reduce their associated disorders. The findings of the study can be used in training programs to educate drivers how to decrease the risk associated with work-related MSDs by adopting appropriate behavior strategies.

Assessment of Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Crane Operators in a Steel Plant: A Data Mining-Based Analysis

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among industrial workers is often measured through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) survey that captures the MSD complaints across different body parts. The outcomes of such a survey are reported in terms of relative frequency of MSD complaints for the body parts affected and are analyzed through t test, analysis of variance, or logistic regression. The study augments the analysis of NMQ data using relative risk, a statistical measure of prevalence, and classification and regression tree (CART), a data mining–based decision tree. The integrated analysis is done for 76 crane operators of a steel plant in India that considers operators, task, and workplace characteristics as predictors of MSD. The relative risk indices for each of the predictor categories compare the risk of prevalence of MSD. The outcomes of CART-based analysis are objective importance scores that quantify the contributions of the predictors toward the occurrence and severity of MSD. A risk priority index is computed to prioritize the predictor variables with categories in terms of their contribution. The study shows that the lower back and neck and shoulder are the most affected and account for 78.75% of the MSD complaints. CART shows that crane height contributes the maximum for MSD occurrences of both lower back and neck and shoulder. However, for MSD severity, while crane height contributes the most for neck and shoulder, cabin feature (static or movable) contributes the maximum for the lower back.

The Healthy LifeWorks Project

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a comprehensive workplace wellness program on the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders in a Canadian government department. The Healthy LifeWorks program was developed, implemented, and evaluated over a 4-year period. A total of 233 employees completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire before and after the program to determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders. There was an approximately 10% decrease in the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, ranging from 4% for hip/thigh problems to 12% for lower and upper back problems. The proportion of people reporting that a musculoskeletal disorder interfered with their normal work during the past 12 months decreased from 83% to 46%. Comprehensive wellness, including educational sessions on posture, ergonomics, and joint health, results in improved musculoskeletal health.

The occurrence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders in Swedish military personnel during peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan

Not much is known about musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in peacekeeping missions and to what extent such conditions are disabling. The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and severity of MSD in Swedish military personnel on 6months duty in Afghanistan. When returning from Afghanistan 440 individuals received a questionnaire including questions about pain conditions during their mission abroad. A manikin was used to mark the area(s) in pain and which body area had bothered them the most. A modified version of chronic pain questionnaire was used to assess pain and disability. The response rate was 78% (n=344). Any MSD during the 6months was reported by 70% (95% CI 65-75). The three most bothersome areas were lumbar spine [17% (95% CI 13-20)], shoulders [17% (95% CI 13-21)] and lower extremities [14% (95% CI 11-18)]. 57% (95% CI 49-65) had grade I pain (low pain/low disability), 36% (95% CI 28-45) had grade II pain (high pain/low disability) and 5% (95% CI 3-10) had grade III pain (any pain/high disability). Of all MSD, more than half were new episodes since arrival and gradual onset was common. Musculoskeletal pain was common during peacekeeping mission and gradual onset was dominating. Most often, it did not affect the daily activities. Nevertheless, it may be of important to consider broadening the medical disciplines onsite to provide preventive measures and treatment at an early stage, and thereby reducing the risk of chronicity.

The CADEUS study: burden of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) utilization for musculoskeletal disorders in blue collar workers

The aim of this study was to compare patterns of utilization of NSAIDs for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) by occupation in a general employed population. This was a secondary analysis of the CADEUS cohort study on 5651 actively employed patients, who submitted at least one claim for the reimbursement of a NSAID dispensation for a MSD between August 2003 and July 2004, in the French National Healthcare Insurance database. Questionnaires were sent to prescribing physicians to obtain diagnoses and the medical history, and to patients for their occupation, height and weight and smoking status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the determinants of a heavy use of NSAIDs defined as 'over four dispensations in one year with less than two months between any two'. Factors associated with heavy use of NSAIDs were age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.8 (ten years), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-1.9), osteoarthritis (versus back pain) (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5-2.1), body mass index (superior to 30) (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5-2.2), and occupation (blue collar versus white collar workers) (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6). Blue collar workers also had a 20% higher prevalence of 5-year history of dyspepsia. No difference was observed between sexes or in the use of COX-2 selective inhibitors between occupations. Factors associated with occupational constraints that contribute to the severity of MSDs, may explain the heavier use of NSAIDs among blue collar workers in spite of a concurrent and past medical history of adverse reactions to this type of medication.

Case Study for Underground Workers at an Electric Utility: How a Research Institution, University, and Industry Collaboration Improved Occupational Health Through Ergonomics

This article describes a collaboration between a research institution, a university, and a medium-sized electric power utility. Two ergonomics teams were created at the host utility to identify tasks with risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and propose ergonomic interventions for these tasks. Both ergonomics teams focused on tasks performed by underground workers: one team focused on manhole-vault tasks, and the other team focused on direct-buried cable job tasks. Several of the ergonomic interventions were tested in the ergonomics laboratory at the university. The results of one of the laboratory experiments indicated that a 2nd class lever tool reduced muscle forces required to remove and replace a manhole cover as compared with a T-handle attached to a hook and chain. The results of another laboratory experiment demonstrated that a battery-powered cutter reduced muscle forces to cut cable as compared to a manual cutting tool. A collaborative ergonomics effort is an effective method for identifying problematic tasks for workers in a particular industry, evaluating those tasks, and developing best work practices for that type of industry. This approach could be used by other industries in their effort to reduce the incidence, cost, and severity of MSDs in the workplace.