Work-related Musculoskeletal Pain Research Articles

Work-related musculoskeletal pain among physical therapists: A cross-sectional study in Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, Japan.

This study aimed to determine the actual working conditions and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among physical therapists in Japan, and the risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) and upper limb pain (ULP). A cross-sectional study of physical therapists in the Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey contents included questions regarding personal, work-related, and musculoskeletal pain factors. Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with LBP and ULP. Responses from 1,479 participants were included in the analyses. The prevalence of LBP at the time of the survey and in the past one year was 40.1% and 74.3% in female, and 37.8% and 69.9% in male, respectively. The prevalence of ULP was 34.8% and 64.2% in female, and 27.2% and 53.3% in male. The number of patients who performed manual therapy per day, worked using a fixed-height bed, performed manual therapy, had job dissatisfaction and stress, were over 40 years old, and slept less than 6 hours were associated with LBP and ULP. Assistance task was a risk factor only for LBP, and female only for ULP. The prevalence of LBP and ULP among physical therapists in Japan was as high as that in nurses and care workers. Work-related factors associated with LBP and ULP were identified among physical therapists. Thus, to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders, measures to reduce the physical burden from the perspective of occupational health are required.

Prevalence, characteristics and clinical impact of work-related musculoskeletal pain in echocardiography

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) is increasingly recognised in cardiac ultrasound practice. WRMSP can impact workforce health, productivity and sustainability. We sought to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and clinical impact of WRMSP.MethodsProspective electronic survey of 157 echocardiographers in 10 institutions. Data acquired on demographics, experience, working environment/pattern, WRMSP location, severity and pattern, the impact on professional, personal life and career.Results129/157 (82%) echocardiographers completed the survey, of whom 109 (85%) reported WRMSP and 55 (43%) reported work taking longer due to WRMSP. 40/129 (31%) required time off work. 78/109 (60%) reported sleep disturbance with 26/78 (33%) of moderate or severe severity. 56/129 (45%) required medical evaluation of their WRMSP and 25/129 (19%) received a formal diagnosis of musculoskeletal injury. Those with 11+ years of experience were significantly more likely to receive a formal diagnosis of WRMSP (p = 0.002) and require medication (p = 0.006) compared to those with 10 years or less experience.ConclusionWRMSP is very common amongst echocardiographers, with a fifth having a related musculoskeletal injury. WRMSP has considerable on impact on personal, social and work-related activities. Strategies to reduce the burden of WRMSP are urgently required to ensure sustainability of the workforce and patient access to imaging.

The effects of workplace intervention programs to manage work-related musculoskeletal pain among poultry slaughterhouse workers: A randomized controlled trial

Background: The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) among poultry slaughterhouse workers (PSW) has been reported in the shoulder, arm, and hand due to the involvement of repetitive and forceful upper limb movements. An intervention program is needed to reduce upper limb pain and improve upper limb functions among PSW. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of workplace intervention programs on musculoskeletal pain, upper limb functions, and work ability among PSW. Materials and methods: A total of 48 participants (21 males and 27 females) who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. The participants were allocated into two groups: The workplace intervention group (WIG, N=24; 10 males; 14 females) and the control group (CG, N=24; 11 males; 13 females). The WIG performed the exercise training with elastic resistance bands (ERB) and stretching exercises for eight weeks, and the CG did not perform any activity. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder reach flexibility test, active range of motion (AROM), the disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (KKU-DASH), and Thai Work Ability Index (Thai WAI) were used as outcome evaluations. The two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures (group x time) were used for statistical analyses, and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Approximately 79.1% (N=19) of the participants in WIG reported significantly decreased pain intensity of upper limb 3.06 (0.83 to -5.4) in the right side (p<0.01) and 1.96 (1.6 to -5.6) in the left side (p<0.001) after the 8-week intervention. Meanwhile, shoulder flexibility in WIG significantly increased (p<0.001) to around 3.55 cm. (0.67 to 8.20) on the right side and 5.61 cm. (2.0 to 10.67) on the left side. For AROM in WIG, neck flexion, lateral neck flexion, neck rotation, and left shoulder flexion significantly increased (p<0.05), as well as KKU-DASH and Thai WAI scores (p<0.001). There was no significant difference within-group in all variables in CG. Conclusion: The workplace intervention program significantly reduced upper limb pain and increased neck movement and shoulder flexion among PSW. The training programs also improved work ability and reduced disability with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions among PSW.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders in school teachers: risk factors, prevalence, and association with health-related quality of life in Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Introduction. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and correlations between associated risk factors, physical activity levels, stress, and quality of life among schoolteachers in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study using SPSS version 23.0 for the statistical analysis, was conducted using the Shapiro–Wilk test, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test to compare the quality of life scores and stress level scores based on variables. Results. In total, 342 teachers working in private and public schools were recruited. Our results showed a high prevalence of MSP among teachers. The most reported areas were the lower back, shoulder, and neck, followed by the upper back. The suggested causes are long hours spent on devices, as the average hours spent on devices range from 6 to 9 hours, heavy load of teaching from 16 to 30 classes per week, old age in most participants (35 years and above), and low physical activity. Moreover, quality of life is low among teachers with known chronic medical conditions and teachers working in private schools. Stress was moderate when all variables were tested. Conclusion. Work-related MSP are highly prevalent among schoolteachers in the UAE. A high prevalence is associated with older age, longer teaching hours, higher teaching load, poor quality of life, and moderate stress.

Physical and psychosocial work demands associated with pain and disability among skilled male Arab waiters.

Physical and psychosocial demands (e.g., serving, cleaning, fulfilling orders) can lead to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP). To assess the prevalence of WRMSP in the upper quadrant and lower back among skilled male Arab waiters; to evaluate the disability related to WRMSP; to evaluate the association between work demands and WRMSP with related disability. 100 skilled male Arab waiters working full-time, aged 18-60, participated in the cross-sectional study. Participants completed basic demographics and working conditions; the NDI; QuickDASH; the OswestryQ; workload, burnout, and job satisfaction at work; the adjusted NordicQ; and the TaskQ, compiled especially for this study. A 12-month pain prevalence, pain frequency, and work avoidance were high: neck- 42%, 60.5%, 89.5% ; shoulders -53%, 78.2%, 94.4% ; elbows- 46%, 78.6%, 83.3% ; lower back- 45%, 44%, 78.7%, respectively. Pain prevalence in at least one site was 83% . The OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI revealed mild-moderate pain and disability (14.85/50, 25.54/75, 13.74/50, respectively). Burnout score was positively associated with OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI. Job satisfaction was negatively associated with 12 months of pain in the lower back, hands, arms, shoulders, and hands (NordicQ). TaskQ was positively associated with OswestryQ. Male Arab waiters who work in physically and psychologically challenging conditions report high levels of WRMSP with a high frequency and related work avoidance. Many of them must keep their jobs as they are their families' primary or sole providers. It is possible that they are trying to prevent more severe disabilities in the future by ensuring temporary rest and pain prevention.

Work-Related Shoulder Pain Among Saudi Orthopedic Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Shoulder pain is one of the most frequently reported musculoskeletal conditions that approximately 6.9 to 26% of people experience. Numerous etiologies have been linked to causing shoulder pain, with the most frequent one being rotator cuff tendinopathy. Work-related musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in the medical field in general, but orthopaedic surgeons account for the majority of cases overall. The pain experienced is usually caused by many attributing factors that all relate to either the long hours and physically intensive procedures or the unnatural positions orthopaedic surgeons are put in during their surgeries. This study seeks to shed light on the prevalence, contributing factors, and effect of the complications of shoulder pain among orthopaedic surgeons, a topic unexpectedly understudied, particularly in Saudi Arabia. A survey has been developed to ask orthopaedic surgeons at various levels of their careers. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. It was a multi-centered study that included both governmental and private hospitals in Riyadh. The collected data included age, gender, BMI, sub-specialty, position, number of surgeries performed per week, and the average time per surgery. In our survey, we used the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) to assess shoulder pain. Ethical approval was obtained for this study by the Institutional Review Board of King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (IRB/1484/23). Fifty orthopaedic surgeons participated in this study most of whom were male (88%) and fell within the age range of 31-40 years (36%). Regarding their positions, a significant proportion were consultants (54%). In terms of workload, approximately (38%) of the surgeons performed three to four surgeries per week. As for the duration of surgeries, almost half of the participants spent between three and five hours per surgery (48%). When it comes to experiencing pain or difficulties during shoulder activities, a considerable number reported occasional occurrences (36%). Moreover, a substantial majority did not have a history of specific shoulder-related disorders, as (88%) of the participants had none of the mentioned conditions, such as shoulder trauma or disorders like adhesive capsulitis and impingement. Most participants reported difficulties in performing daily activities due to their work-related shoulder pain. Mild pain was the most common reported severity level in all assessed activities. The present study showed that orthopaedic surgeons in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, occasionally experience shoulder pain from their jobs. Most of our sample stated that mild shoulder discomfort made it difficult to conduct daily tasks. This study is limited by a relatively low response rate, which may be attributed to the demanding nature of orthopaedic surgery. To promote health among caregivers throughout the kingdom, more studies should be conducted about shoulder pain.

Adverse Health Effects and Perceived Musculoskeletal Pain in the Sawmill Workers of West Bengal, India.

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, unfavorable working conditions, and assessment of occupational injuries among sawmill workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, measurement of handgrip strength, working environment, and occupational injuries were assessed among 135 sawmill workers participating in the study. The data showed that sawmill workers complained of discomfort (pain) felt primarily in the low back region of the body followed by the shoulders, hands, knees, upper back, and wrist. This study indicated that sawmill workers had less handgrip strength due to more intense manual work than control subjects. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that sawmill workers were highly affected due to working in an awkward posture with manual material handling for an extended period of time and that these factors may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders as well as occupational injuries. Proper training, a proper work-rest schedule, and modifications of some working procedures may reduce injuries and work-related musculoskeletal pain.

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.

Development and efficacy evaluation of a personalised self-care programme for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among rubber farmers in Thailand

IntroductionWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), the most common causes of work-related pain, suffering, absenteeism, and disability, are a major health concern for rubber farmers. WMSDs are persistent and frequently recur, resulting in increased health burdens for workers. Fortunately, appropriate intervention may relieve discomfort. Specified interventions have been recommended to reduce incidences of WMSD. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a personalised self-care programme (PSCP) for relieving pain caused by WMSDs among rubber farmers. MethodsDemographic data and details concerning the prevalence of pain regions were collected using a questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (IOC 1.00). The evidence gained from modified questionnaires and special tests was used to develop the PSCP. The PSCP was verified by three experts (IOC 1.00). Based on the questionnaires, only participants with a pain score of 3 or higher were recruited for the study. The PSCP's efficacy was evaluated by comparing the results before application and after 28 days. A numerical rating scale was employed to estimate the degree of pain. The pathogeneses of WMSDs were confirmed with a special test performed by a physical therapist. Additionally, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were measured to determine the PSCP's effect on inflammatory molecules. The efficacy of the PSCP was analysed using a paired t-test. ResultsThe results showed that farmers experienced the greatest discomfort in the lower back, followed by the shoulders, legs, and neck. Therefore, this PSCP was designed to alleviate work-related musculoskeletal pain in these body regions. A reduction in pain by two degrees was observed after 28 days of the PSCP (x‾before = 5.26, SD = 1.96, x‾after = 2.40, SD = 1.64, p < 0.001). Special tests confirmed that the number of pain regions were also decreased (x‾before = 0.089, SD = 0.067, x‾after = 0.016, SD = 0.030, p < 0.001). In addition, IL-10 levels increased (p ≤ 0.001) following the PSCP, whereas IL-6 levels remained unaltered. ConclusionsAfter 28 days of use, the PSCP was effective at reducing pain levels, decreasing pain regions, and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding demonstrates that the PSCP could help alleviate work-related musculoskeletal pain among rubber farmers. The PSCP may be an appropriate intervention for alleviating pain.

Effect of a massage chair (BFR-M8040) on neck and shoulder pain in office workers: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundWith the increasing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, neck and shoulder pain among office workers has also increased. That said, this randomized controlled trial aimed to seek the potential effects of a massage chair (BFR-M8040) on neck and shoulder pain among office workers. MethodsThis was conducted at the Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Center from April 2022 to December 2022. Sixty adult participants were randomly allocated. The mean age of male participants was 39.63 ± 8.09 years while female participants was 43.52 ± 8.27; women participated the most (86.67%). The control group received basic physical treatments, including a 10-min heat treatment for deep regions and a 10-min hot pack for the areas on the neck and shoulder of the complained discomfort. The experimental group received the same treatment as the control group and added 20 min of the electric massage chair's PEMF Neck Mode (XD module 3) (BFR-M8040, Bodyfriend Co., Ltd.). The participants received treatments twice per week. The primary outcome was measured using the numerical rating scale and the Korean version of the neck disability index. And the secondary outcome was measured using pressure pain threshold, range of motion, the Korean occupational stress scale, the Korean version of the Euro-quality of life-5 dimension, and safety evaluation. ResultsFifty-eight participants completed a 6-week follow-up and analyzed (29 in the control group and 29 in the experimental group). There was a significant decrease in the experiment group in both scales for primary outcome measures. For secondary outcome measures, statistically significant increases were observed in pressure pain threshold. The experimental group only showed a slight increase in the quality-of-life measures. There were no reported adverse events. ConclusionThe benefit of using a massage chair (BFR-M8040) was verified to alleviate neck and shoulder pain among office workers; future studies could involve participants from other countries for further investigation.

A participatory ergonomics intervention to re-design work and improve the musculoskeletal health of paramedics: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIn this paper, we present the protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a participative risk management intervention to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The aims of the study include to evaluate the implementation process and the impact of the intervention on work related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in paramedics over a 12-month period.MethodsThe intervention in this study is to implement A Participative Hazard Identification and Risk Management (APHIRM) toolkit in an ambulance service. Eighteen work groups containing eligible participants (registered paramedics) will be randomised into the intervention or wait-list control arm in one of three rolling recruitment periods. The APHIRM toolkit survey will be offered at baseline and 12 months later, to all current eligible participants in each work group allocated to the trial. The intervention work groups will receive the remainder of the APHIRM toolkit procedures. Identifying data about individual participants will not be collected in the survey, to protect participant privacy and encourage participation. Changes in primary (musculoskeletal pain and discomfort) and secondary (exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards at work) outcomes measured in the survey will be analysed comparing the baseline and follow up response of the cluster. A process evaluation is included to analyse the implementation and associated barriers or facilitators.DiscussionThis study is important in providing a comprehensive approach which focusses on both physical and psychosocial hazards using worker participation, to address WMSDs, a well-known and significant problem for ambulance services. The effectiveness of the intervention in work groups will be rigorously evaluated. If significant positive results are observed, the intervention may be adopted in ambulance services, both nationally and internationally.Trial registrationISRCTN77150219. Registered 21 November 2021.

WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONGNURSESOF GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITAL IN AL-MEDINAH, SAUDI ARABIA:A CROSS-SECTIONALSTUDY

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) considered to be one of the most common public health issues these days. Studies have addressed the issue of increasing prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among different occupations. However, contributing factors to MSK pain have not been fully investigated among Nurses. Thus, this study aimed to approximate the prevalence and predictors of MSK pain among the nurses working in governmental hospitals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Methods: cross-sectional study took place on nurses of King Salman Medical city (KSAMC). The Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms was utilized in our study. Results were analyzed descriptively using a Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odd ratio of experiencing disabling musculoskeletal symptoms. Results:Nearly 55% of the subjects were between ages 31 and 40 and 85% of the sample comprised of females. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed being a female nursesseem to have high odds and significant association with Neck pain OR = 5.5 (2.18-13.76, p&lt;.001) Conclusion: Health care workers, particularly nurses, are at a heigh risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), and therefore, it is imperative that measures are taken to manage this global issue. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in this regard.

The humanistic and economic burden of work-related musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional survey of workers in the United Kingdom.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) lower body pain on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity in a large sample of workers in the United Kingdom, as well as evaluating the potential economic impact of MSK pain. Participants with self-reported work-related MSK pain were recruited from an online panel maintained by a third party (Qualtrics LLC). Participants completed three validated instruments online: the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Assessment of Quality of Life Instrument (AQoL-4D), and the 6-item Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Sociodemographic details, work patterns and healthcare resource utilisation were also reported. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests were used to explore differences between variables. Linear regression was applied to determine the impact of work-related MSK pain on HRQoL. All 1035 recruited participants completed the survey (57.4% female; mean age 43.4 years). Participants reported spending all (25.2%) or most (53%) of their time at work on their feet. Mean pain severity was 4.63 (standard deviation: 2.07); mean pain interference was 4.37 (2.49). There was a linear relationship between length of shift, time on feet and pain. Mean AQoL-4D scores were 0.609 (0.254). A mean of 4.12h was lost per week due to pain. Absenteeism (last 7 days) was 9.5% (20.7%), and presenteeism 33.3% (24.9%). An average 1.55 visits were made to family practitioners (total cost: £19,866) and 1 hospital visit (£37,320) due to work-related MSK pain. This study demonstrated that work-related lower body pain has a significant impact in terms of individual HRQoL and as an economic societal burden.

Do work-family conflict or family-work conflict mediate relationships between work-related hazards and stress and pain?

Previous research has identified associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and health outcomes (e.g., musculoskeletal pain). This study investigated whether WFC and family-work conflict explain relationships between exposure to work-related hazards and musculoskeletal pain and stress for workers undertaking some or all of their work at home. Possible differences by home workspace location were also explored. Longitudinal survey data were collected from workers in Australia engaged in work from home for at least two days per week. Data was collected at four timepoints approximately 6 months apart (Baseline [October 2020] n = 897; Wave 1 [May/June 2021] n = 368; Wave 2 [October/November 2021] n = 336; Wave 3 [May 2022] n = 269). Subjective measures of work-related psychosocial hazards, occupational sitting and physical activity, musculoskeletal pain, and stress were collected via an online questionnaire. Mediation analyses were conducted using the R package "mediation." Analyses were also conducted with the data set stratified by home office location, using R version 4.1.3. Both WFC and family-work conflict acted as mediators between psychosocial work-related hazards and musculoskeletal pain and stress. WFC mediated more relationships than family-work conflict. Location of home workspace was important, particularly for those working in a space at home where they may be subject to interruptions. Addressing WFC is a legitimate means through which musculoskeletal pain and stress can be reduced. Organizational risk management strategies need to address all work-related risks, including those stemming from work-life interaction.

Prevalence, characteristics, consequences, and awareness of work-related musculoskeletal pain among cardiac sonographers compared with other healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional study.

Evidence related to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) among cardiac sonographers is incomplete. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, consequences, and awareness of WRMSP among cardiac sonographers compared with other healthcare workers in different healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-based study. An electronic self-administered survey using a modified version of the Nordic questionnaire was distributed to cardiac sonographers and control participants of other healthcare professions exposed to different occupational hazards. The χ2 test and logistic regression were performed to compare groups. In total, 308 participants completed the survey (mean age: 32.1±8.4; females: 207(68.1%)): 152(49.4%) sonographers and 156(50.6%) controls. WRMSP was more prevalent among cardiac sonographers than controls(84.8% vs 64.7%, p<0.0001), even after adjustment for age, sex, height, weight, BMI, education, years in current position, work-setting, and regular exercise(odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.0[1.54, 5.82], p = 0.001). Pain was more severe(p = 0.020) and lasted longer among cardiac sonographers(p = 0.050). The most affected body regions were the shoulders(63.2% vs 24.4%), hands(55.9% vs 18.6%), neck(51.3% vs 35.9), and elbows(23% vs 4.5%; p<0.01 for all). Pain in cardiac sonographers interfered with daily and social activities and interrupted their work-related activities(p<0.05 for all). More cardiac sonographers had plans to change profession(43.4% vs 15.8%; p<0.0001). A higher proportion of cardiac sonographers were aware of WRMSP(81% vs 77%) and its potential risks(70% vs 67%). However, cardiac sonographers infrequently utilised recommended preventative ergonomic measures for improving work practices, received insufficient ergonomics education and training on the risks and prevention of WRMSP, and had insufficient ergonomic work environment and support from employers. WRMSP was more frequent and more severe in cardiac sonographers than in controls and adversely impacted their daily, social, and work-related activities, and future employment plans. Despite high awareness of WRMSP and its potential risks, cardiac sonographers infrequently utilised recommended preventative ergonomic measures and had insufficient ergonomic work environment and support from employers.

Exploring the Efficacy of a Set of Smart Devices for Postural Awareness for Workers in an Industrial Context: Protocol for a Single-Subject Experimental Design.

In manufacturing industries, tasks requiring poor posture, high repetition, and long duration commonly induce fatigue and lead to an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Smart devices assessing biomechanics and providing feedback to the worker for correction may be a successful way to increase postural awareness, reducing fatigue, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, evidence in industrial settings is lacking. This study protocol aims to explore the efficacy of a set of smart devices to detect malposture and increase postural awareness, reducing fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders. A longitudinal single-subject experimental design following the ABAB sequence will be developed in a manufacturing industry real context with 5 workers. A repetitive task of screw tightening of 5 screws in a standing position into a piece placed horizontally was selected. Workers will be assessed in 4 moments per shift (10 minutes after the beginning of the shift, 10 minutes before and after the break, and 10 minutes before the end of the shift) in 5 nonconsecutive days. The primary outcomes are fatigue, assessed by electromyography, and musculoskeletal symptoms assessed by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include perceived effort (Borg perceived exertion scale); range of motion of the main joints in the upper body, speed, acceleration, and deceleration assessed by motion analysis; risk stratification of range of motion; and cycle duration in minutes. Structured visual analysis techniques will be conducted to observe the effects of the intervention. Results for each variable of interest will be compared among the different time points of the work shift and longitudinally considering each assessment day as a time point. Enrollment for the study will start in April 2023. Results are expected to be available still in the first semester of 2023. It is expected that the use of the smart system will reduce malposture, fatigue, and consequently, work-related musculoskeletal pain and disorders. This proposed study will explore a strategy to increase postural awareness in industrial manufacturing workers who do repetitive tasks, using smart wearables that provide real-time feedback about biomechanics. Results would showcase a novel approach for improving self-awareness of risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders for these workers providing an evidence base support for the use of such devices. PRR1-10.2196/43637.

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.

Evaluation of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain and Work Posture in Ultrasonologists Working in Mumbai

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are common occupational problem observed in jobs which involves repetitive motion and assuming awkward positions for prolonged period of time. Ultrasonologists job activities involve holding the transducer head in a proper plane of scanning, one-sided static working position, prolonged pinch gripping of the ultrasound transducer, abduction at the shoulder during transducer placement and insufficient recovery time. Maintaining these awkward postures for a prolonged period of time increases their risk of having work related musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: To assess musculoskeletal pain, work posture and level of risk of injury during the work. Method: A sample of 60 ultrasonologists working in urban area fulfilling the selection criteria were screened for work related musculoskeletal pain using The Short form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SFMPQ) and for work posture and level of risk of injury using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Results: Majority of the ultrasonologists complained of upper back pain (27%) followed by low back pain (19%), shoulders (16%), neck (16%), wrist (11%) and knees (11%). 93.3% of the study population fall under medium risk, 3.30% fall under low risk, and 3.30 % fall under high risk of injury related to work.. Conclusion: This study concludes that most of the ultrasonologists had upper back pain and moderate risk of musculoskeletal injuries related to work. Keywords: Rapid Entire Body Assessment, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Short form McGill Questionnaire, ultrasonologist.

Haemodialysis nurses' occupational health and work-related musculoskeletal hand pain after work: A cluster analysis.

To identify clusters based on haemodialysis nurses' self-rated work ability, work engagement and self-reported work hours and to compare the identified clusters regarding hand pain after work. Cross-sectional survey. Data based on the Work Ability Index, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and hand pain severity after work were collected through a web-based survey among 503 haemodialysis nurses working in SwedenandDenmark. A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify homogenous groups of cases within the dataset, followed by comparative analyses of the clusters. Four distinct clusters were identified, illustrating differing profiles of haemodialysis nurses' work ability, work engagement and working hours. Nurses who worked part-time and reported moderate work ability and average work engagement had significantly higher ratings of hand pain after work. Haemodialysis nurses are a heterogeneous group as regards work ability, work engagement and self-reported work hours. The four distinct clusters of nurses indicate a need for customized interventions for retaining each subgroup at work.

Using EMA and Physiological Data to Explore the Relationship between Day-to-Day Occupational Stress, Musculoskeletal Pain and Mental Health among University Staff: A Study Protocol.

Exposure to work-related stressors is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes for workers. The role of chronic stressors on health outcomes has been explored, but less is known about the potential role of exposure to day-to-day stressors on health. This paper describes the protocol for a study that aims to collect and analyze day-to-day data on work-related stressors and health outcomes. Participants will be workers engaged in predominantly sedentary work at a university. Self-report data on work-related stressors, musculoskeletal pain, and mental health will be collected three times per day for 10 work days through ecological momentary assessment via online questionnaires. These data will be combined with physiological data collected continuously via a wristband throughout the working day. The feasibility and acceptability of the protocol will be assessed via semi-structured interviews with participants and adherence to the study protocol. These data will inform the feasibility of using the protocol in a larger study to investigate the relationship between exposure to work-related stressors and health outcomes.