Work-related Musculoskeletal Discomfort Research Articles

Collaborating with mammographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort

Mammographers are an understudied group of health care workers, yet the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in mammographers appears to be elevated, similar to many occupations in health care. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identify needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce mammographers’ exposures to risk factors that lead to the development of MSK symptoms. In this paper, we present a number of those needs and several intervention concepts along with evaluations of those concepts from experienced mammographers. We include findings from a preliminary field test of a novel intervention concept to reduce the need to adopt awkward postures while positioning patients for a screening or diagnostic mammogram.Practitioner Summary: This paper discusses needs, opportunities and methods for working with mammographers in order to develop interventions to reduce their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Results from a field test of a novel intervention to reduce mammographers’ awkward work postures while positioning patients are presented.

Demographic, ergonomic and psychosocial factors affecting work related musculoskeletal discomforts in tobacco

Work related musculoskeletal disorders have been associated with demographic factors, work stresses and psycho-social stress symptoms. The study aimed to evaluate factors associated with MSDs in different body regions among Indian tobacco processing workers. A group of 450 tobacco processing workers participated in the study. A questionnaire comprising of demographic factors, work related exposures, psycho-social stress and musculoskeletal discomforts was administered. Self-reported prevalence of MSDs, correlation statistics and risk estimates were calculated. Females reported a higher prevalence of discomfort in the upper back, lower back and knees. The ANOVA showed that female workers perceived the work environment and physical activity to be more strenuous compared to their male counterparts. Correlation analyses suggest the influence of different work related aspects on pain in different regions. Physically demanding task situations, high physical activity and poor task clarity were associated with MSDs in both female and male tobacco processing workers. In males, poor job feedback and badly illuminated workspaces, and in females highly specialized job and high skill levels required were associated with MSDs. Psychosocial stress symptoms of workers were found to be associated with pain in different body parts Strategies need to be formulated to improve adverse working conditions to reduce pain related problems and to improve performance in the tobacco processing work.

3: Effect of different chairs on work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during vaginal surgery

3: Effect of different chairs on work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during vaginal surgery

Collaborating with cardiac sonographers to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorder interventions

For more than two decades, surveys of imaging technologists, including cardiac sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists, have consistently reported high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMSD). Yet, intervention research involving sonographers is limited. In this study, we used a participatory approach to identifying needs and opportunities for developing interventions to reduce sonographers’ exposures to WRMSD risk factors. In this paper, we present some of those needs. We include descriptions of two interventions, targeted for cardiac sonographers, that were developed, through an iterative process, into functional prototypes that were evaluated in pilot tests by practicing sonographers. One of these interventions is now in daily use. We would like other engineers and ergonomists to recognise this area of opportunity to apply their knowledge of biomechanics and design in order to begin to address the high prevalence of WRMSDs in sonographers, by working with sonographers to develop useful and usable interventions.Practitioner Summary: This paper discusses needs, opportunities and methods for working with sonographers in order to develop interventions to reduce their exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Results from field tests of two novel interventions targeting cardiac sonographers are also presented.

Operator work-related musculoskeletal disorders during forwarding operations in South Africa: an ergonomic assessment

Forest machine operators are still experiencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) despite extensive mechanisation and modernisation of harvesting systems. However, paucity of local ergonomics research and technology transfer problems may affect the use of mechanised systems in South Africa. Consequently, this study was a field-based ergonomic assessment of local forwarding operations. PG Bison's North East Cape Forests (NECF) Eastern Cape operations and Komatiland Forests (KLF) Mpumalanga operations were studied. The main aim of the study was to carry out an ergonomic assessment on local forwarder operator tasks, using Tigercat 1055 forwarders. The study specifically assessed WMSD prevalence and risk factors, investigated the frequency of awkward head postures and evaluated work organisation. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to survey WMSD prevalence and work organisation factors. Operators reported hourly, localised work-related musculoskeletal discomfort experienced during the shift. A video camera mounted in the cab was used to capture footage of awkward head postures. The video footage was also used for the WMSD risk assessment using the Health and Safety Executive (HSG60) upper limb disorder assessment worksheets. Operators reported having experienced WMSDs during the last 12 months mainly in the lower back, neck, shoulders and upper back. The studied operators reported lower repetition strain symptoms and higher lower-back disorders than in previous studies. Twenty-three percent of the awkward head postures adopted were extreme. The study results support the assertion that causal pathways of WMSDs are complex and multifactorial. Repetition, awkward head posture, duration of exposure, vibration, psychological factors and individual differences were identified as the main WMSD risk factors.

Analyzing musculoskeletal system discomforts and risk factors in computer-using office workers

Objective:This study analyzed the prevalence of work-related computer-user musculoskeletal discomforts, personal and computer-related risk factors.Methods:A cross-sectional survey on 395 office workers was made between July-September 2015. Musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were evaluated for participants’ demographics and job attributes on the 21-item questionnaire and the Turkish-Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.Results:Participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck (67.85%), back (66.33%), lower back (59.49%), right shoulder (45.32%) and left shoulder (43.54%) during the past week and work interference was 33.6%, 28.5%, 30.6%, 31.3% and 31.9%, respectively. Musculoskeletal discomfort risks were being male, increasing daily computer usage, feeling computer-usage discomfort, hours working at desk and having knowledge about ergonomic exercises.Conclusion:Musculoskeletal symptoms are common in Turkish office workers and indicated the need for more attention to musculoskeletal disorders and designing effective preventive interventions.

Relative benefit of a stage of change approach for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort: a cluster randomised trial

ObjectivesTo examine the benefit of a psychological Stage of Change (SOC) approach, relative to standard ergonomics advice, for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (MSPD).MethodsA cluster randomised trial...

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort and its impact on activity: A survey of beverage factory workers in Eastern Nigeria.

Bottling workers maintain awkward postures while performing machine paced repetitive motions in many of their job tasks and therefore are predisposed to work related musculoskeletal discomfort (WMSD). There is a paucity of literature on prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal discomfort among this occupational group. This study was conducted among Eastern Nigerian beverage factory workers to investigate prevalence of WMSD as a first step towards risk factors investigation and ergonomic future intervention. A total of 301 workers (8 workstations) completed a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire in this cross sectional survey. Twelve month prevalence of WMSD was 91.4% and 65.1% had been prevented from doing activity at home or workplace by WMSD in the past 12 months. Shoulder, neck and upper back in that order were the most common complaints. Prevalence of WMSD in body regions were associated with age but not with gender except for neck, upper back, shoulder, and ankle/foot complaints. WMSDs are very high among beverage bottling workers. Investigation into the prevailing risk factors especially the work posture and work organization/work psychosocial factors for possible risk exposure in these workers is essential for ergonomic intervention towards work injury prevention.

Work Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort (WRMSD) among Physiotherapists

Work Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort (WRMSD) among Physiotherapists

Tele-operated ultrasound scans using a robotic probe and an ADSL or satellite link. Application to abdominal, pelvic, vascular, fetal and cardiac organs

The ratio of experienced work-related musculoskeletal discomfort among obstetric sonographers has been reported to be as high as 80–90%. Risk factors are excessive probe contact forces long reach and static positions. Robot Assisted Ultrasound has potential to reduce the risks but in order to design such solutions, a critical need exists for a deeper understanding of the related risk factors. This involves quantification of the imposed transducer contact forces during obstetric scans. Thus, the objective of this study was to provide more accurate probe-contact force information through the recording of probe contact forces during scans of 40 pregnant women. Factors addressed were operator experience, subject Body Mass Index (BMI), foetus size, gestational age and the purpose of the scan. The BMI of the pregnant women had a significant correlation with the mean and maximum contact forces. The mean and maximum axial contact forces were 9.05 N and 37.63 N, respectively. The dependency of the applied transducer contact force versus the operator experience was found significant. The study results provide design information about required contact forces for robotic solutions to the ergonomic challenges of the sonographers.

Contribution of positioning to work-related musculoskeletal discomfort in diagnostic medical sonographers

Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort due to work exposure is experienced by 90% of sonographers. Survey research has provided a wealth of information to document this problem, but few studies have attempted to directly measure and identify the source of these disorders. This pilot observational study was conducted to obtain direct measures of the relationship of sonographers to their environment during the completion of sonographic examinations. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to evaluate the positions of five sonographers during 24 sonographic examinations. The observed positions were compared among the various examinations and the association of these observed postures to discomfort, sonographer height, and exam table height was evaluated. All participants reported an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort at the end of the workday. Overall RULA scores ranged from 3.11 to 5.00 with upper extremity venous Doppler and transvaginal pelvic examinations averaging the highest. Increasingly poor upper extremity positioning was positively associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort (r=0.53, p< 0.01). Regardless of the examination being performed, sonographers are working in positions that require further evaluation and intervention. Longitudinal studies are needed that evaluate the inter-relationship of biopsychosocial risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries.

Developing computer competencies for eWorkers within call centres

High rates of work related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMSD) associated with long-hours of computer work are considered a significant occupational health problem. However, to date few training programs aim to develop the multidisciplinary skills required for self-management of WRMSD risk factors. This paper seeks to provide a background to, and illustrate the significance of, this issue. Management strategies, training elements and methods recommended within the literature to build the required work skills for increased self-management of WRMSD are discussed. The inclusion of two case studies investigating the impact of training methods on levels of WRMSD illustrates how the application of new training strategies may improve WRMSD outcomes. The first case-study trialling a pre-existing office ergonomic checklist revealed training improved knowledge and awareness, but failed to change work behaviours or effect levels of WRMSD. The second case study investigated the impact of training providing additional knowledge and demonstrating 'how-to' apply recommendations at the workstation. Outcomes of this skill-based program included the collaborative development of training elements, increased trainee engagement, and a significant reduction in reported levels of WRMSD. These findings suggest training designed to develop multidisciplinary work skills or competencies may be a strategy for the management of occupational musculoskeletal discomfort amongst computer operators.

A LISREL Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers

A survey of 2,346 office computer users was analyzed using structural equation modeling to identify self-report individual, work characteristics, technology, and postural risk factors, determined by observation, for self-reports of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort for the neck, shoulders and arms/hands and also somatic symptoms (eyestrain, headache). The final structural equations were Somatic symptoms= 0.68*Individual factors + 0.14*Postural risk factors, with an error variance of 0.89 and explained variance of 11%; and Discomfort = 0.64*Somatic symptoms with an error variance of 0.25 and explained variance of 62%. Analysis showed that somatic symptoms mediate the effects of individual and postural risk factors on musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms.

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries in Australian optometrists

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries are reported by optometrists. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process used to investigate work-related discomfort in Australian optometrists. A multistage project was conducted which included questionnaires, interviews and onsite observations. Participants, with and without self-reported discomfort, included clinical optometrists, optometry students and clinical teachers. The various stages of the study developed over the course of the project, primarily in response to results collected at various stages. A multistage approach proved valuable for confirming results and testing hypotheses, and for investigating different groups of workers (clinicians, teachers and students). General guidelines to reduce the risk of work-related discomfort in optometrists can be developed from this project. Specific recommendations and teaching curricula have been identified in this project as areas of future research and development.

Identification of awkward postures that cause discomfort to Liquid Petroleum Gas workers in Mumbai, India

Background:Awkward, extreme and repetitive postures have been associated with work related musculoskeletal discomfort and injury to the lower back. Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) workers in India; that is the delivery men carry heavy cylinders on their shoulders and back. The cylinders come in commercial and residential form which range in weight from 14.2kgs, 16.2kgs, 19.2kgs, 32kgs, 40 kgs etc. They have a tedious schedule of 8 h/day and mostly associated with loading and unloading of the cylinders. Their job demands a high intensity of strength and power. They are exposed to high level of physical demands and relatively lesser amount of rest which makes them vulnerable to various injuries over a period of time.Materials and Methods:100 LPG workers (delivery men) were interviewed using the Ovako work assessment system OWAS posture code and action category system developed by ISMAIL et al.[10] was used. A battery of questions with specific stress was constructed and validated in the Department of Physiotherapy, Padmashree Dr D.Y Patil University, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India.Results:This study presented an ergonomic assessment of LPG workers. The results show that the workers work in awkward postures. They transfer the cylinders in poor postures with high velocity and motion repetitiveness thus subjecting their spine to greater amounts of compressive forces. Regarding to work discomfort survey questionnaire, the postures cause ill effects on their various body segments. Among them 90% fall in category 4 while loading the cylinder, that is the load by those postures have a very harmful effect on musculoskeletal, system-corrective action for improvement required immediately. And while unloading 70% fall in category 3, which are postures that have harmful effect on musculoskeletal system. Corrective actions should be done as soon as possible. Majority of workers also complained of severe injury to back-34%, shoulder-20%, knee-20%, neck-16%, and toes-10%.Conclusion:These findings provide a prima facie evidence of higher occupational stresses among the LPG workers because of identified specific stressors prevalent in their jobs and explore the possible intervention strategies for its reduction.

Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort of dairy farmers and employed workers

BackgroundDairy farming is physically demanding and associated with a high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This study investigated and compared work-related MSD, ergonomic work factors and physical exertion in farmers and employed farm workers on dairy farms in Sweden.MethodsThe study comprised 66 dairy farmers, and 37 employed dairy farm workers. A modified version of the general Standardised Nordic Questionnaire was used for analyses of perceived MSD in nine different parts of the body. Perceived physical discomfort was assessed using questions concerning ergonomic work factors. A rating scale was used for analyses of perceived physical exertion. Information about participant demographics was also collected. The response rate amounted to 70%.ResultsThe most frequently reported MSD in farmers and farm workers were located in the lower back (50% and 43%, respectively) and the shoulders (47% and 43%, respectively). MSD were also frequently reported in the neck (33%) among farmers, and in the hands/wrist (41%) among farm workers. MSD in the elbows (23%) and feet (21%) were significantly more frequently reported by farmers than farm workers (5%). Female farmers and farm workers both reported significantly higher frequencies of MSD in the neck (48% and 56%, respectively) and hands/wrists (44% and 61%, respectively) than their male colleagues (24% and 5%; 10% and 21%, respectively). In addition, female farm workers had significantly higher reported frequencies of MSD in the upper and lower back (39% and 61%, respectively) than their male counterparts (5% and 26%, respectively). Milking was perceived as a weakly to moderately physically demanding work task. Repetitive and monotonous work in dairy houses was the ergonomic work factor most frequently reported as causing physically discomfort among farmers (36%) and farm workers (32%), followed by lifting heavy objects (17% and 27%, respectively). Female workers had significantly more reported discomfort from repetitive and monotonous work than their male counterparts (50% and 16%, respectively).ConclusionDespite the technical developments on modern dairy farms, there is still a high prevalence of MSD and discomfort from ergonomic work factors, particularly among female workers.

Effect of Body Mass Index on work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress of computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup

BackgroundWork urgency, accuracy and demands compel the computer professionals to spend longer hours before computers without giving importance to their health, especially body weight. Increase of body weight leads to improper Body Mass Index (BMI) may aggravate work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational-psychosocial stress. The objective of the study was to find out the effect of BMI on work related musculoskeletal discomforts and occupational stress of computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup.MethodsA descriptive inferential study has been taken to analyze the effect of BMI on work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational-psychosocial stress. A total of 100 computer workers, aged 25-35 years randomly selected on convenience from software and BPO companies in Bangalore city, India for the participation in this study. BMI was calculated by taking the ratio of the subject's height (in meter) and weight (in kilogram). Work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress of the subjects was assessed by Cornell University's musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and occupational stress index (OSI) respectively as well as a relationship was checked with their BMI.ResultsA significant association (p < 0.001) was seen among high BMI subjects with their increase scores of musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress.ConclusionFrom this study, it has been concluded that, there is a significant effect of BMI in increasing of work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational-psychosocial stress among computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup.

Incidence of work-related musculoskeletal pain among dentists in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Dentists commonly experience musculoskeletal pain during the course of their career. This study investigated the incidence and mechanism of work-related musculoskeletal pain among practising dentists in Kwa-Zulu Natal. A descriptive survey was conducted among 94 dentists, who voluntarily consented to participate in an occupational, epidemiological retrospective study. Subjects’ biographical, occupational, epidemiological and exercise history information was collected by using a validated questionnaire. All dentists in Kwa-Zulu Natal were contacted telephonically and those volunteering to participate in the study were subsequently interviewed. During the interview, subjects’ body mass and stature were measured using a portable Detecto. Subjects’ waist and hip girths were measured using an anthropometric tape measure around their anterior sacro-iliac crest (waist) and their greater trochanter (hip). In addition to collecting the anthropometric data, the dentists completed a questionnaire. The results indicated that the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort among dentists was 54.26%. The most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal pain sustained by dentists was the vertebrae (49.32%), wrist (18.75%), shoulder (16.66%) and lower leg (12.5%). The mechanism of the musculoskeletal pain was attributed to the poor ergonomic work posture and work position adopted by dentists in relation to their patients. Interestingly, 45.74% of the cohort did not experience work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. The dentists in the present study exercised regularly. It is concluded that vertebral musculoskeletal pain is most prevalent among dentists practising in Kwa-Zulu Natal.Key words: Musculoskeletal pain, dentists, vertebrae.

Tasks considered by veterinarians to cause them musculoskeletal discomfort, and suggested solutions

AIM: To describe veterinarians' perceptions of the causes of, and reasons for, work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), and to summarise their suggestions for ways to reduce the risk of MSD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study administered online asked 2,112 veterinarians registered in New Zealand to indicate, using free-handed text, the three tasks that “will most likely lead to musculoskeletal aches and pains (MSD)”, reasons “why are these tasks likely to be the most risky?”, and “any solutions that you apply or know of”. RESULTS: Complete questionnaires were returned by 828 veterinarians, a response rate of 39%. The tasks considered by veterinarians most likely to lead to MSD were lifting, surgery, rectal palpations, and animal handling. The main reasons why tasks were perceived to be most likely to lead to MSD were awkward posture, repetitive activities, and physical activity. The solutions suggested by veterinarians included provision of appropriate assistance and/or adequate staff, attention to correct manualhandling techniques, provision of facilities to allow work to be carried out at a comfortable height, and regular rotation of jobs. Of the 39 solution categories, 16 (41%) could be categorised as those requiring a change in design of the work environment, and 15 (38%) involved training. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that veterinarians perceive the causes of work-related MSD to be related to physical rather than psychosocial factors. We propose that the findings reported in this study provide a useful starting point for the application of a participatory ergonomics approach for addressing the problem of MSD amongst veterinarians in New Zealand.

Flexible workspace design and ergonomics training: Impacts on the psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, and work effectiveness among knowledge workers

A macroergonomics intervention consisting of flexible workspace design and ergonomics training was conducted to examine the effects on psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, and work effectiveness in a computer-based office setting. Knowledge workers were assigned to one of four conditions: flexible workspace ( n=121), ergonomics training ( n=92), flexible workspace+ergonomics training ( n=31), and a no-intervention control ( n=45). Outcome measures were collected 2 months prior to the intervention and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Overall, the study results indicated positive, significant effects on the outcome variables for the two intervention groups compared to the control group, including work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, job control, environmental satisfaction, sense of community, ergonomic climate, communication and collaboration, and business process efficiency (time and costs). However, attrition of workers in the ergonomics training condition precluded an evaluation of the effects of this intervention. This study suggests that a macroergonomics intervention is effective among knowledge workers in office settings.