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Grünwald JA, Licka TF. Health Promotion for Students of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Study on Active Microbreaks and Ergonomics Education. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101641. [PMID: 37238071 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational hazards, such as psychosocial stressors, physical injuries from human-animal interactions, and physically demanding work tasks, are common in the veterinary profession, and musculoskeletal discomfort and pain (MDP) may already be present in veterinary undergraduates. This preliminary study investigates the effects of very short, active interventions, called microbreaks, in 36 veterinary students. At the start, participants had a high prevalence of MDP, especially in the neck and lower back. Within a 12-week observational period, 6 weeks of active intervention comprised teaching microbreaks (nine strengthening, stretching, and relaxation exercises; 30-90 s each) and a weekly veterinary-specific ergonomics education and discussion. After the intervention, participants reported fewer painful body regions and an increase in their self-efficacy in potentially painful, risky, or dangerous human-animal interactions. After the 12-week observational period, participants had increased self-efficacy in the maintenance of physical health and self-protection but decreased self-efficacy in healing injuries after veterinary human-animal interactions. Participants felt to have increased and decreased control over dangerous situations with dogs and horses, respectively, although self-efficacy in handling horses increased. Participants integrated microbreaks well into their undergraduate activities and rated the topic relevant to their (later) profession. This should encourage the inclusion of similar programs in undergraduate curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Andrea Grünwald
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Franziska Licka
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
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Annandale A, Fosgate GT, Eksteen CA, Kremer WDJ, Bok HGJ, Holm DE. Electromyographic Analysis of Muscle Activation Patterns During Bovine Transrectal Palpation and the Development of the Bovine Pregnancy Diagnosis Improvement Exercise Program. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 48:686-697. [PMID: 33657330 DOI: 10.3138/jvme-2020-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The unusual and tiring physical activity of bovine transrectal palpation (TRP) requires a novel approach to improve students' TRP and pregnancy diagnosis (PD) skills. It has been shown that students who participated in an exercise program and students who had a grip strength (GS) of more than 30 kilograms performed better in bovine PDs. Participation in the exercise program increased students' sensitivity (ability to identify pregnant cows) but did not increase total arm muscle strength. To identify which muscles are used during TRPs and to improve the exercise program, an electromyographic (EMG) analysis was used to identify muscle activation patterns and muscle activity levels during bovine TRPs. Eight subject matter experts (SMEs) each palpated two live cows and one Breed'n Betsy® rectal examination simulator while an EMG Triggered Stimulator recorded muscle activity. Muscle activation was higher for forearm muscles compared with all other examined muscle groups (p < .001); was higher during retraction of the uterus and palpation of left and right uterine horn, compared with palpation of cervix, uterine body, left ovary, and right ovary (p < .001); and showed an endurance pattern. Findings have been used to modify the previously developed exercise program in effort to improve students' TRP and PD skills. The Bovine PD Improvement Exercise Program is available to students through an online application (http://icarus.up.ac.za/vetmlp/) and aims to not only improve GS and TRP accuracy but also stamina and well-being while adding fun to busy study schedules.
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Reist RM, Bath BL, Jelinski MD, Erickson NEN, Clark CR, Trask CM. Ergonomic assessment of veterinarians during performance of bovine reproductive examinations. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 258:1243-1253. [PMID: 33978445 DOI: 10.2460/javma.258.11.1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify potential ergonomic hazards associated with routine reproductive examinations of cattle. SAMPLE 7 bovine veterinarians. PROCEDURES Each veterinarian was observed and videotaped during 2 bovine reproductive examination appointments. During each appointment, a force-matching protocol was used to estimate the entry force used by the veterinarian to insert an arm into a cow's rectum. Veterinarian posture and repetitive movements and the work environment were assessed and quantified during review of the video recordings. Descriptive data were generated. RESULTS Of the 14 appointments observed, 9 and 5 involved examination of beef and dairy cows, respectively. For all veterinarians, an arm inclination ≥ 60° was observed during most reproductive examinations. The number of examinations performed per hour ranged from 19.1 to 116.8. The estimated entry force ranged from 121 to 349 N. During all 9 appointments involving beef cows, the veterinarian participated in other tasks (eg, operating overhead levers, opening gates, or assisting with cattle handling) that represented ergonomic hazards. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results confirmed that reproductive examination of cattle exposes veterinarians to various ergonomic hazards involving awkward positions and repetitive and forceful exertions that can contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, particularly of the upper extremities (neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands). Veterinarians frequently participated in other tasks during reproductive examination appointments that exposed them to additional ergonomic hazards. Risk mitigation strategies should prioritize minimizing exposure of veterinarians to tasks not directly associated with the reproductive examination procedure to decrease their overall ergonomic hazard burden.
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Reist RM, Bath BL, Jelinski MD, Erickson NEN, Clark CR, Trask CM. Risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort in the upper extremities of bovine practitioners. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:410-416. [PMID: 32715890 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.4.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort (MSKD) in the upper extremities (defined as neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands) of bovine practitioners. SAMPLE 116 members of the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners. PROCEDURES Data from a previously described cross-sectional survey of western Canadian bovine practitioners underwent further analysis. The survey, developed to glean information about MSKD in bovine practitioners, was a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire that included questions regarding personal and work characteristics and incidence and location of MSKD during the preceding 12 months along with perceptions about most physically demanding tasks. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with work-preventing upper extremity MSKD. RESULTS 18 of 116 (15.5%) respondents indicated they had experienced work-preventing upper extremity MSKD during the preceding 12 months. The final multivariable regression model indicated that practice type (mixed animal vs primarily [> 50%] bovine; OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 0.96 to 10.67), practitioner height (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.99), and number of veterinarians in the practice (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.66) were significantly associated with the odds of work-preventing upper extremity MSKD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that reproductive examination of cattle was not a significant risk factor for upper extremity MSKD in bovine practitioners. Further research into the effects of biomechanical, organizational, and psychosocial workplace factors on the development of MSKD in bovine practitioners is necessary to help inform prevention strategies to foster career longevity in this increasingly diverse practitioner group.
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Adebowale O, Fasanmi OG, Awosile B, Afolabi M, Fasina FO. Systematic review and meta-analysis of veterinary-related occupational exposures to hazards. OPEN VETERINARY SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/ovs-2020-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding hazards within the veterinary profession is critical for developing strategies to ensure the health and safety of personnel in the work environment. This study was conducted to systematically review and synthesize data on reported risks within veterinary workplaces. A systematic review of published data on occupational hazards and associated risk factors were searched within three database platforms namely PubMed, Ebscohost, and Google scholar. To determine the proportion estimates of hazards and pooled odds ratio, two random-effects meta-analysis were performed. For the biological, chemical and physical hazards, the pooled proportion estimates were 17% (95% CI: 15.0-19.0, p < 0.001), 7.0% (95% CI: 6.0-9.0%, p < 0.001) and 65.0% (95% CI: 39.0-91.0%, p < 0.001) respectively. A pooled odds ratio indicated the risk of exposures to physical (OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.008-1.017, p < 0.001) and biological hazards (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.70-2.52, p <0.001) increased when working or in contact with animals. The review has provided a better understanding of occupational health and safety status of veterinarians and gaps within the developing countries. This evidence calls for policy formulation and implementation to reduce the risks of exposures to all forms of occupational-related hazards in veterinary workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwawemimo Adebowale
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine , Federal University of Agriculture , Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State , Nigeria
| | - Olubunmi Gabriel Fasanmi
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology , Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology , Oyo State , Nigeria
| | - Babafela Awosile
- Department of Health Information and Performances , Health PEI Charlottetown , PE Canada
| | - Monsurat Afolabi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine , Federal University of Agriculture , Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State , Nigeria
| | - Folorunso Oludayo Fasina
- ECTAD, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa
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Ergan M, Başkurt F, Başkurt Z. The examination of work-related musculoskeletal discomforts and risk factors in veterinarians. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2018; 68:198-205. [PMID: 28976885 DOI: 10.1515/aiht-2017-68-3011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the frequency of work-related musculoskeletal discomforts (WMSDs) observed in veterinarians and the risk factors that may bring about these. Two hundred and seven veterinarians working in three provinces in south west Turkey were included in the study. The demographic and occupational information on the participants was recorded. The Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to evaluate the musculoskeletal problems of different body parts, which cause difficulties at work and result in staying away from work. 49.8 % of veterinarians mostly have problems with lower back, 41.1 % with back, and 39.1 % with neck. The frequency of WMSDs tends to increase with the progress of professional experience. Three work-related activities during which veterinarians experience most difficulties while at work are obstetric procedures (28 %), vaccination (25.6 %), and driving (23.2 %). It is statistically significant that arm problems are observed more in veterinarians working with large animal types (p<0.05). The high level of job related stress and low job satisfaction statistically significantly affect the formation of WMSDs (p<0.05). The study showed that a large number of veterinarians experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomforts that could be caused by some physical and psychosocial risk factors. Therefore, it is recommended for veterinarians to receive education on ergonomics and exercise from the beginning of their professional lives to prevent WMSDs.
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Macedo AC, Mota VT, Tavares JM, Machado OL, Malcata FX, Cristo MP, Mayan ON. Work environment and occupational risk assessment for small animal Portuguese veterinary activities. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2018; 15:D19-D28. [PMID: 29157155 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1395958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The professional work of small animal veterinary staff encompasses a wide diversity of demanding tasks. This has prompted a number of studies covering physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychological hazards, as well as their health effects upon veterinary workers. However, such results were obtained from self-reported surveys (via paper or online). This study reports the identification of potential hazards and provides a risk assessment of 15 veterinary clinics based on data from walk-through surveys, interviews with workers, and quantification of indoor air quality parameters including concentration of volatile organic compounds (total, isoflurane, and glutaraldehyde). The risk arising from X-ray exposure was unacceptable in seven clinics; X-ray examination should be discontinued in the absence of isolated radiation rooms, poor safety practices, and lack of personal protective equipment. Ergonomic-related hazards and work practices should be revised as soon as possible, considering that improper postures, as well as moving and lifting heavy animals are major causes of musculoskeletal disorders. The risk levels were, in general, small or medium (acceptable) with regard to exposure to physical hazards (such as bites, scratches, cuts, and burns) and biological hazards. It was observed that the indoor air quality parameters including temperature, respirable particulate matter and total volatile organic compounds do not indicate a comfortable workplace environment, requiring clinics' attention to keep the safe environment. The veterinarians and nurses were exposed to isoflurane (above 2 ppm) during surgery if an extractor system for waste gas was used instead of a scavenging system. Finally, veterinary workers did not possess any type of training on occupational safety and health issues, even though they recognized its importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela C Macedo
- a Instituto Universitário da Maia , CIDESD-ISMAI, Castêlo da Maia , Portugal
- b Universidade do Porto , Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos Ambiente Biotecnologia e Energia (LEPABE) , Porto , Portugal
| | - Vânia T Mota
- a Instituto Universitário da Maia , CIDESD-ISMAI, Castêlo da Maia , Portugal
| | - João M Tavares
- c Instituto Universitário da Maia , CATST , Castêlo da Maia , Portugal
| | - Osvaldo L Machado
- c Instituto Universitário da Maia , CATST , Castêlo da Maia , Portugal
| | - Francisco X Malcata
- b Universidade do Porto , Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos Ambiente Biotecnologia e Energia (LEPABE) , Porto , Portugal
| | - Marinela P Cristo
- d Departamento de Saúde Pública , Ministério da Saúde , Maia , Portugal
| | - Olga N Mayan
- a Instituto Universitário da Maia , CIDESD-ISMAI, Castêlo da Maia , Portugal
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Self-reported musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremities and the neck in German veterinarians: a cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89362. [PMID: 24586718 PMCID: PMC3929685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Veterinary work is a physically demanding profession and entails the risk of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the upper body. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), the consequences and work-related accidents in German veterinarians were investigated. Work-related and individual factors associated with MSD of upper extremities and the neck were analyzed. Methods In 2011, a self-reporting Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was mailed to registered veterinarians in seven federal medical associations in Germany. A total of 3174 (38.4%) veterinarians responded. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between risk factors and MSD-related impairment of daily activities. Results MSD in the neck (66.6%) and shoulder (60.5%) were more prevalent than in the hand (34.5%) or elbow (24.5%). Normal activities were affected in 28.7% (neck), 29.5% (shoulder), 19.4% (hand) and 14% (elbow) of the respondents. MSD in the upper body occurred significantly more often in large animal practitioners. Accidents that resulted in MSD were most frequently reported in the hand/wrist (14.3%) or in the shoulder (10.8%). The majority of all accidents in the distal upper extremities were caused by animals than by other factors (19% vs. 9.2%). For each area of the body, a specific set of individual and work-related factors contributed significantly to severe MSD: Older age, gender, previous injuries, BMI, practice type, veterinary procedures such as dentistry, rectal procedures and obstetric procedures as well as high demands and personal burnout. Conclusion From the perspective of occupational health and safety, it seems to be necessary to improve accident prevention and to optimize the ergonomics of specific tasks. Our data suggest the need for target group-specific preventive measures that also focus on the psychological factors at work.
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