Work-related Musculoskeletal Discomfort Research Articles

Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Musculoskeletal Injuries in Firefighters of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service

Objective The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries is reported to be noticeably high amongst firefighters, which augments the dangers of the job and the difficulties that firefighters must face daily. Therefore, this study aimed to firstly determine the prevalence and characteristics of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) and musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and, secondly, to determine the relationship between MSD and MSIs in firefighters. Methods Using random systematic sampling, 309 firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service were recruited to participate. A researcher-generated questionnaire was used to retrieve data on musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort. Data was analysed using the T-tests, Cochran-Armitage trend test, Jonckheere-Terpstra test, and Binary logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results Male (p = 0.036) and older firefighters (p<0.001) with more years of experience (p = 0.002) were most likely to report a musculoskeletal injury. Falls, jumps, slips, and trips were the most common injuries (39.7%), which most often occurred on the fireground (41.1%). Most firefighters (73.3%) reported experiencing discomfort 1-2 times a week of moderate (60.1%) severity that interfered slightly with their ability to work (58.2%). Multivariable analysis showed that the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-65 years and the rank of station commander increased the risk for MSIs by a factor of 2.39, 2.67, and 3.83, respectively. In addition, MSD was associated with an increase in the likelihood of firefighters reporting MSIs (p <0.001). Conclusion Older male firefighters with more years in service were most likely to experience MSIs. Regular physical activity and work-related training should be implemented to increase the fitness for duty and to reduce the prevalence of injuries in firefighters.

Hidden risk factors and the mediating role of sleep in work-related musculoskeletal discomforts

ObjectiveMusculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs) are prevalent occupational health issues that are associated with a wide range of risk factors. This study aimed to investigate some of the occupational hidden risk factors and the mediating role of sleep in work-related musculoskeletal discomforts.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, the role of job stress and shift work as two hidden risk factors and sleep problems as the mediator in work-related musculoskeletal discomforts was investigated in 302 healthcare workers using the path analysis models. For this aim, healthcare workers’ Occupational Stress and musculoskeletal discomforts were evaluated using the Health and Safety Executive questionnaire and Cornell questionnaire, respectively. Moreover, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to examine the sleep characteristics of participants. Shift work and job stress as predictor variables and sleep characteristics as mediating variables were analyzed.ResultsThe results showed that the path coefficients of job stress on indexes of quality sleep and insomnia severity were significant. Also, the path coefficient of shift work on quality sleep index was significant. In return, the path coefficients of shift work on the insomnia severity index were not significant. Additionally, there was a mutually significant association between indexes of quality sleep and the severity of insomnia and musculoskeletal discomforts. The direct effect coefficient of job stress on MSDs was significant, whereas the direct effect coefficient of shift work on MSDs was insignificant. This means that shift work alone does not significantly impact these disorders.ConclusionIt would seem that shift work and job stress as two occupational hidden risk factors can mediate sleep indexes and indirectly play a critical role in the incidence of musculoskeletal discomforts. Moreover, sleep disorders and musculoskeletal discomforts are mutually related and have a bidirectional relationship.

Musculoskeletal discomfort and wrist flexor tendonitis among street sweepers and associated risk factors.

Street sweepers are reported to suffer from high rates of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort worldwide, especially in their wrists. The study aimed to 1) determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and 2) specifically determine the prevalence of wrist flexor tendonitis and its associated risk factors among street sweepers. Three hundred and eighty-five sweepers employed by the Faisalabad Waste Management Company (FWMC) participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data: the first section provided demographic information, the second assessed musculoskeletal disorders, and the third section assessed the wrist flexor tendonitis among street sweepers. The mean age of the sweepers was 38.34 years. Out of 385 street sweepers, the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was reported in 265 (68.83%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in sweepers reported during COVID-19 according to the past 12 months, the highest three prevalence rates were 46.5% in the wrists/hands, 37.9% in the shoulders and 35.1% in the lower back. The three highest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal discomfort in sweepers according to the last 7 days were 29.6% in the wrists/hands, 24.4% in the lower back and 24.2% in the shoulders. Out of total 385 participants, prevalence of wrist flexor tendonitis was reported in 103 (26.8%) sweepers. Significant association was found (p < 0.05) between wrist flexor tendonitis and gender (p < 0.003), age (p < 0.05), working experience (p < 0.003), street sweeping distance (p < 0.01), number of brooms used per month (p < 0.002) and getting tired at the end of work (p < 0.001). The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort and wrist flexor tendonitis seen during COVID-19 is high among sweepers, with wrist/hand being the most commonly reported region for pain. This study emphasizes the importance of providing guidelines about effective precautionary healthcare measures for street sweepers.

Yoga for musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, perceived stress, and quality of sleep in industry workers: a randomized controlled trial.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort are due to repetitive, unnatural, continuous movements and postures. Yoga therapy is beneficial for pain and disability in occupational settings. The current study aims to investigate the effect of yoga on musculoskeletal pain, stress, and sleep quality among industry workers. The study was conducted as a parallel randomized controlled open-label trial. An allocation ratio of 1:1 was followed for randomization. A health survey was used to recruit 90 male workers in machinery manufacturing industries from Bengaluru. A specially designed yoga module was administered five days a week for eight weeks to yoga group. The waitlisted control group received lifestyle suggestions. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered at baseline, at the fourth week and eighth weeks. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) was conducted to elicit the group*time interactions. Ninety participants (Yoga = 45, Control = 45) with age 40.57 ± 6.85 were randomized. Significant interactions were found in CMDQ, VAS, PSS and PSQI scores. Further, between group comparison demonstrate significant difference between the groups at the end of 8weeks for CMDQ, VAS and PSS scores. Yoga can be used to reduce musculoskeletal pain, discomfort, perceived stress and improve sleep quality among industry workers. CTRI/2022/03/040894.

Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators

Objective: Work-related discomfort is a pervasive issue among ultrasonography users. The Sonography Work Systems (SWS) framework was constructed as a means of examining relationships within and across components of the sonography work systems, work processes, and work/worker outcomes. A database of ultrasonography users was established as a foundation for a longitudinal survey study to examine worker health and well-being and explore the most salient work systems and process factors associated with work-related discomfort. Materials and Methods: An estimated 100 000 unique ultrasonography users were invited to complete the online questionnaire through an e-mail campaign. Snowball sampling occurred through social media posts and encouragement for respondents to share the survey link with colleagues. The questionnaire included items that examined participant demographics, selected constructs from the SWS, and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, visual discomfort, and headaches. Individual and multi-factorial regression models were conducted to examine SWS factors associated with the likelihood of experiencing the three types of work-related discomfort. Results: A total of 3659 valid responses were included in the analysis, with 86% of respondents reporting that they regularly experienced musculoskeletal discomfort that they directly attributed to their work. About half (54.2%) of the respondents have engaged in sonography-related ergonomics training, and respondents indicated using adjustable equipment approximately 74% of the time. Workplace culture was rated as primarily positive, but respondents indicated that employers implement only two of seven commonly recommended ergonomic policies and procedures. Working in an organization with more policies, using adjustable equipment more frequently, taking more work breaks, engaging in a positive work culture, and minimizing interruptions to workflow were key factors associated with reduced likelihood of work-related discomfort. Conclusion: This study provides a new framework for examining and addressing factors that contribute to ultrasonography users’ experience of work-related discomfort. Despite increased participation in ergonomics training and the use of adjustable equipment, the prevalence of work-related discomfort remains high among ultrasonography users. The findings highlight the need for attention to be directed at organizational factors and work processes to identify and implement evidence-based solutions to improve the health and well-being of medical ultrasound users.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in laparoscopic surgeons: an international multispecialty survey.

As laparoscopic surgery is used more widely across the globe and within multiple surgical specialties the potential impact on surgeons is yet to be fully quantified. Maintenance of uncomfortable body positions may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in surgeons, with potential knock-on effects. An international open online survey of multispecialty laparoscopic surgeons was carried out, designed and reported in accordance with the CHERRIES checklist for internet e-survey research. There was no paid advertising and no incentives offered. A total of 259 surgeons from 9 specialties and 32 countries answered the survey, with 90% reporting pain attributable to performing laparoscopic surgery. All training grades were represented. Longer average operative duration and a greater number of years in practice were both associated with a significantly higher prevalence of pain. Surgeons with a pre-existing injury were significantly more likely to report pain than those without. Twenty per cent of surgeons would consider early retirement owing to pain. The impact on surgeons of performing laparoscopic surgery is significant, even given the limitations of an open survey. Innovations such as robotic surgery and improved ergonomic education may reduce the incidence of WMSD in surgeons, to mitigate both the personal effects on surgeons and the wider effect on the future surgical workforce.

Application of the predicted biomechanics approach in assessing work-related musculoskeletal discomfort among female brickfield workers in West Bengal, India.

Manual brick manufacturing units in West Bengal, India are mostly unorganized sectors employing many migrant female workers in manual material handling tasks as brick moulders and brick carriers. The study estimated the biomechanical postural stress developed due to manual load handling, carriage and brick transportation. Body Part Discomfort Scale was used to assess the subjective pain felt by 18 adult female brick moulders and 12 brick carriers during work. Video recordings were taken during the actual field work and the images were analyzed for two-dimensional prediction kinetics and kinematics. Results show that the horizontal distance of the load from the body was 59.95±3.74 cm during the initial lifting of bricks by the brick carriers and so their biomechanical trunk angle inclination was significantly detrimental. The bending moment at the lumbosacral disc was much higher during the squatting posture while initial brick lifting. Moreover, the trunk and the neck pain of the brick carriers were caused by carrying 18% of body weight load. The brick carriers were the more vulnerable group in terms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, ergonomic interventions such as relay brick carrying and pole supported balanced brick carrying, may be implemented to reduce the prevalence of pain. This study is the first of its kind that validates the extent or the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the female brickfield workers through approaches of predicted biomechanics.

Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To determine the proportion of otolaryngologists with work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMD) and to review objective ergonomic data that contribute to WRMD. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of the literature identified 1121 articles for initial review of which 19 (3563 participants) met criteria for qualitative discussion and eight (2192 participants) met criteria for meta-analysis. Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate the proportion of otolaryngologists reporting WRMD. The overall proportion (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of general otolaryngologists reporting WRMD was 0.79 (0.66, 0.88) for any symptoms; 0.54 (0.40, 0.67) for neck symptoms; 0.33 (0.20, 0.49) for shoulder symptoms; and 0.49 (0.40, 0.59) for back symptoms. Surgeons performing primarily subspecialty cases had a lower estimated overall prevalence of WRMD versus those performing general ENT cases, however the odds ratio (OR) was not statistically significant (OR [95% confidence interval] 0.53 [0.22, 1.25]). 23%-84% of otolaryngologists underwent medical treatment for WRMD. 5%-23% took time off work and 1%-6% stopped operating completely as a result of WRMD. 23%-62.5% of otolaryngologists believed WRMD negatively impacted their quality of life. Objective measures of ergonomic posture indicate moderate to severe risk of injury during the routine clinic and surgical procedures with none found to be low risk. Ergonomic stressors among otolaryngologists contribute to a high rate of WRMD across all subspecialties with notable impact on productivity, longevity, and quality of life. Laryngoscope, 133:467-475, 2023.

Musculoskeletal discomfort in veterinary healthcare professions.

Veterinarians appear to be at risk for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), based on surveys conducted outside the US. This study provides new information about MSD prevalence in veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the US. Cross-sectional survey and observation. A survey of 56 veterinarians and 38 veterinary technicians in Ohio found 12-month prevalence of MSD exceeded 60% in the neck, low back, and legs/feet. More than 85% of participants reported that work activities exacerbated discomfort in at least one region. Less than one-third of participants reported symptom-related lost work time. Personal and work-related burnout scores were higher for veterinary technicians, compared with veterinarians. Nine percent of observed work activities performed by veterinarians and 43% performed by veterinary technicians were rated high or very high risk. High prevalence of MSD and low lost work time suggest many individuals are working in pain. Increased adoption of existing ergonomics solutions (equipment and process changes), in addition to further investigation of unmet needs, could improve working conditions and reduce musculoskeletal stress in veterinary health professions.

The role of at home workstation ergonomicsand gender on musculoskeletal pain.

The recent mandate for university faculty and staff to work-from-home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced employees to work with sub-optimal ergonomic workstations that may change their musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. As women report more work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WMSD), this effect may be exacerbated in women. The purpose of this study was to describe university employee at-home office workstations, and explore if at-home workstation design mediates the effect of gender on musculoskeletal pain. University employees completed a survey that focused on the WFH environment, at home workstation design and musculoskeletal pain. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the responses. 61% of respondents reported an increase in musculoskeletal pain, with the neck, shoulders and lower back being reported most frequently. Women reported significantly greater musculoskeletal pain, but this relationship was significantly mediated by poor ergonomic design of the home workstation. Improper seat-height and monitor distance were statistically associated with total-body WMSD. WFH has worsened employee musculoskeletal health and the ergonomic gap between women and men in the workspace has persisted in the WFH environment, with seat height and monitor distance being identified as significant predictors of discomfort/pain.

Occupational injuries and patient lift usage among physical rehabilitation therapists

Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Determine the prevalence and exposure risk factors for work-related injuries (WRIs) among rehabilitation PTs and PTAs. A cross-sectional research survey was conducted among 170 PTs and 67 PTAs at 51 free-standing rehabilitation hospitals and rehabilitation units embedded in general hospitals in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The prevalence of WRIs and significant risk factors for developing WRIs were determined for PTs and PTAs. The 1-year prevalence of WRIs among PTs and PTAs working in physical rehabilitation was 29.5%. Multifaceted causes were identified including frequently bending/twisting, over-exerting force during patient handling activities, inadequate lifting devices, and lack of ongoing training for mechanical lifting device usage. Equipment usage barriers point to a critical need for technology creation, research, and education to advance worker safety while simultaneously enhancing patient outcomes.

The association between works related musculoskeletal body discomfort and ergonomic risk level among female sewing machine operators in Sri Lanka.

Background: Work related musculoskeletal discomfort can occur in any region of the body. It affects sewing machineoperator’s activities of daily living and quality of life directly or indirectly. Poor ergonomics is a major contributor towork related musculoskeletal discomfort that develops over time. It is important to find out the association between workrelated musculoskeletal body discomfort and ergonomic risk level among female sewing machine operators of selectedgarment factories in western province, Sri Lanka.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was preceded, with a study population of one hundred and thirty-seven(137) female sewing machine operators within the age of 18-50 years at selected garment factories in the western provinceof Sri Lanka.Conclusion: Of the total sample, 72.99% operators presented with musculoskeletal discomfort. Qualitative and quantitativedata were obtained using a pre-validated questionnaire; Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire and RapidEntire Body Assessment (REBA). The mean age of study population was 33.55±1.64years. The highest prevalence ofdiscomfort was reported in neck (53.94%) and lower back (69.2%) regions. The mean ergonomic risk level was 8.42±0.16which is 50.36% in study population. The majority of the sewing machine operators were in high ergonomic risk levelin western province of Sri Lanka and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was more in the lower back and neckregions where the ergonomic interventions should have implemented.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain and the associated factors in mobile phone technicians: A cross-sectional study

Background: In this digital era, the role of mobile phone technicians is very important. Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most frequent occupational health concerns in both developed and developing nations, and it comes at a substantial cost to employers in terms of reduced productivity and higher health care expenses. Material and Methods: The aim was to study the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal discomfort among mobile phone technicians in Nagpur, India. An observational cross sectional study was conducted on 1000 repair technicians satisfying the inclusion criteria. Perception of barriers and facilitators was estimated as a percentage along with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The prevalence was high (78%). Work related musculoskeletal pain in the age range between 25 and 33 years (51%) was more common. The present study found that the severity of pain according to the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for the majority of the study participants(55%) was moderate. The result indicates that the most discomfort of the body regions is in the neck (36%), followed by the lower back (30%). Conclusion: Work related musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant burden for mobile phone repair technicians. They may suffer musculoskeletal problems as a result of their prolonged work hours and heavy exertion. This study found a link between the emergence of musculoskeletal discomforts in mobile phone technicians and the factors that cause them.

Survey of Canadian vascular surgeons and trainees finds work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort is common

BackgroundOccupational injuries and disability are a source of surgeon morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical toll of working in operating rooms by Canadian vascular surgeons. ObjectiveTo assess workplace musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints and challenges faced by Canadian vascular surgeons and trainees and their implications on surgical practice and occupational longevity. MethodsAn online survey was distributed to resident and surgeon members of the Canadian Society of Vascular Surgery. The survey collected data on demographics, operative volume, and work-related MSK symptoms. ResultsThe survey was distributed to 188 surgeons and trainees. After three e-mailings, 109 surveys were returned (58% response rate). Of the responders, 87% were male, 51% were 45 years or older, and 56% had been in practice for 10 or more years. Workplace MSK symptoms were reported by 83% of the responders. The most common locations were the low back (78%), neck (74%), and shoulder (30%). Most responders (83%) believed that these symptoms were related to their operative environment. Almost half (48%) sought medical care. As a result of these MSK symptoms, 25% experience chronic pain with 8% reporting time off work as a consequence. Another 11% reported an impact on their operative performance with 14% considering early retirement. A lack of operating room system changes to prevent workplace injury and disability was noted by 85% of the responders although only 3% reported their disability to their department. ConclusionsOccupational MSK symptoms and disability are common among Canadian vascular surgeons. Further research is needed to create programs to improve surgeon morbidity.

Probe contact forces during obstetric ultrasound scans - A design parameter for robot-assisted ultrasound

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.

Frequency Of Low Back Pain and Other Associated Musculoskeletal Disorders In City Bus Conductors of Guwahati city, Assam, India

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort, especially low back pain (LBP) leads to substantial economic loss to individuals as well as to the community. Musculoskeletal disorders not only lead to loss of health but also loss of wealth. Bus conductors who are an important population in the community are at an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms. Their jobs involve prolonged standing and walking inside the bus for whole day which have been identified as risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Materials and methods: A survey of 100 bus conductors from different bus routes between the age group of 20 to 50 years, having at least 1-year working history and standing for 5 h/day, was conducted in Guwahati city of Assam state. Those with a history of trauma, preexisting medical conditions, or musculoskeletal deformities were excluded. Prevalence of LBP was assessed using Oswestry disability low back Pain Questionnaire, musculoskeletal discomfort was assessed by using Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation and percentage was calculated for analysis. Result: The mean for Oswestry disability low back pain score is 23.26 and SD is ±9.8786. According to Oswestry disability LBP interpretation score it falls under 21- 40 percent- moderate disability. CMDQ scoring shows the mean SD is higher in lower back, neck and both the knees. The result of the study shows that bus conductors have a higher susceptibility to the back, neck and knees. Conclusion: The bus conductors work continuously for long periods and their severe workload results in the development of disability in lower back. The conductors suffer from MSD in different parts of their body, particularly the lower back, neck and both knees, regions which hinders their normal work activities. Thus, it can be concluded that the bus conductors are highly stressed in their occupation due to the hazardous working condition and work behaviour, which also affects their health and overall work performance. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, Musculoskeletal disorder, Work related musculoskeletal disorder, Bus conductors, Oswestry disability low back pain questionnaire, Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire.

Ergonomics Among Craniofacial Surgeons: A Survey of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury.

Surgical procedures with loupe magnification, headlights, and microscopes expose craniofacial surgeons to mechanical stress that can increase risk of long-term musculoskeletal pain and injury. Identifying the prevalence and cause of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort may guide preventative strategies to prolong well-being, job satisfaction, and greater duration of surgical careers. A 29-question online survey was distributed to the surgeon members of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. Eight hundred seventy-three surveys were distributed, and the anonymous responses were recorded using Google forms. One hundred ninety-six unique responses were recorded (22.5% response rate). A total of 64.2% reported experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms during their career, with neck, lower back, and shoulders being the most common problem areas. Multivariate analysis demonstrated surgical loupes (odds ratio 2.36, P = 0.03) and length of surgical practice >15 years (odds ratio 1.95, P = 0.04) were independently associated with greater odds of developing symptoms. Headlights (median pain = 3, P < 0.001), loupes (median pain = 3.5, P < 0.001), and operative microscope use (median pain = 2, P = 0.02) were all associated with higher pain while operating. A total of 52.5% respondents sought medical treatments, 50.5% were concerned musculoskeletal discomfort would affect their careers, 56.6% reported a colleague that required an operation, and 30.2% reported a colleague on temporary or permanent disability. Craniofacial surgery often involves long procedures, use of surgical adjuncts, and ergonomically straining postures, which can lead to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury. This under-reported and important phenomenon merits candid conversation and active preventative strategies to prolong surgical careers, improve professional satisfaction, and maximize patient safety.

Determination of the anthropometry of processors for designing ergonomically improved dewatered cassava mash (DCM) sieving machine

Traditional dewatered cassava mash sieving device developed by local craftsmen in Nigeria exposes users to work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WMSD), among other drawbacks such as low throughput capacity, high energy, and time input. This research seeks to develop an improved manual dewatered cassava mash (DCM) machine which alleviates this exposure as well as enhance productivity. Anthropometric parameters of 150 cassava processors from three senatorial districts of Rivers state were collected and analyzed. From the data of body parts of processors measured, an improved manual DCM machine was developed. The result of the measurement analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the male and female parameters measured within a zone and between the three zones investigated. The measured parameters yielded the following mean values for the 5th, 50th and 95th percentile of the generated data: elbow height sitting (D) of 15.00, 19.23 and 22.67; lower leg length (E) of 38.80, 44.03 and 48.87, elbow to fingertip (F) of 38.27, 48.23 and 52.43; thigh clearance (H) of 9.83, 13.17 and 18.00; hip breadth (J) of 28.33, 32.83 and 42, respectively in centimeters for the three zones. Also, the ergonomic dimensions for a more comfortable posture for the machine were recommended: 72cm for machine height, 53 cm for machine width, 68cm for machine length, and a sitting range of 36-50 cm.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Occupational Health of Clinicians: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Clinicians in the present scenario are always exposed to constant and sustained levels of physical and mental stress. As they form the backbone of healthcare setup, the health of clinicians themselves is a very significant factor towards providing good health to all. Aim: To determine the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Work Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort (WMSD) and Occupational Stress (OS) in clinicians. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study with inferential design was conducted on 200 clinicians working in Out-Patient Department (OPD) clinics of various departments of our Medical College, various private hospitals and clinics of Jalandhar with approximate duration of study being one year. BMI was calculated as ratio of Weight (kg) to the square of height (m). WMSD and OS were determined through reliable and valid questionnaires and their values were associated with demographic variables via statistical tests of Chi-square, ANOVA and Student t-test to infer their inter-relational significance. Results: High BMI was reported more in above 40-year-old clinicians with higher incidence in surgical doctors than medical doctors. Majority (n=115) 57.5% of the clinicians were found to have mild musculoskeletal discomfort followed by no discomfort (23%) while 19.5% of them exhibited moderate to severe discomfort. Female clinicians showed more level of discomfort than male clinicians. BMI has high significance in relation to the questionnaire score. Clinicians with BMI &gt;25 also showed high percentage (57.1%) of moderate and severe levels of OS. Conclusion: BMI is positively related to physical as well as mental well-being of clinicians, especially in the middle age group. This information serves as an awareness and warning signal for the clinicians to safeguard their own health.

Lifestyle behaviors and their influence on work-related musculoskeletal discomfort: A web-based survey during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Background: Healthy lifestyle choices have a great impact on individuals' health. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created an unprecedented work from home (WFH) situation. This recent trend has led to computer users in WFH having limited access to health-care options, ergonomic workstations and social participation like a visit to a gym or walking in the park, or any other meaningful engagements which people adopt to improve their health and well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the health and lifestyle behaviors and work-related discomfort reported by employees in WFH situations due to COVID-19 lockdown through a self-reported survey and to study if there is an association between reported discomfort and lifestyle behaviors. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional survey. Methods: A web-based, E-mail, cross-sectional survey was designed having three sections: demographic characteristics; work-related discomfort and its rating on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); and scoring on the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ). Completed questionnaires and the responses from employees in WFH were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Demographic data showed that the majority of the respondents were male (n = 190 [78%]). One hundred and ninety-five (80%) respondents reported symptoms of musculoskeletal discomfort. The SLIQ score showed 1 (1%) of the studied population in the healthy category, 70 (29%) in the intermediate healthy category, and 173 (70%) in the unhealthy category. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated for the individual scores in each category with the VAS score. Exercise and VAS score showed a significant negative correlation (ρ = −0.146; P = 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.261 [LL], −0.005 [UL]) while the VAS score with smoking (ρ = 0.362; P = 0.000; 95% CI: 0.227 LL, 0.466 UL) and stress level (ρ = −0.140; P = 0.029; 95% CI: −0.286 LL, −0.003 UL) showed a significant positive correlation. Conclusion: WFH has led to an overall reduction of participation in healthy lifestyle behaviors, with a substantial percentage of people classified in the unhealthy category. Survey also elicits a significant association where higher levels of exercise in people correlated with a lower reported work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Similarly, smoking and higher stress levels correlated positively with reported musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms. Thus, awareness measures to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and stress management should be incorporated among computer users working from home settings.