Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Indian railway sahayaks

Risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among industrial workers in Peninsular Malaysia

Objectives. The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) globally is notably high. There are a limited number of studies investigating WMSDs and their associated risk factors. However, there are currently no data available for WMSDs among industrial workers in Peninsular Malaysia. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of WMSDs and associated risk factors among industrial workers experiencing WMSDs through their daily working tasks. Methods. A quantitative study using a questionnaire was conducted among industrial workers from rehabilitation centres and factories in Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis of 232 participant narratives aimed to identify the correlation between job tasks and musculoskeletal pain, especially in case of repetitive and heavy handling tasks. Results. The prevalence of WMSDs among industrial workers stands at 93.1%. The results also indicate that the most affected part of the body was the lower back, with 62.1% for 7 days or more in the last year, caused by industrial workers' job tasks. The prominent risk factors associated with body parts include gender, age, working hours and most difficult tasks with MSDs, especially in the lower back. Conclusion. This survey helps us to understand whether the workers are experiencing any discomfort, pain or disability related to workplace activities.

The global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among firefighters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to explore the global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among firefighters. A systematical search was performed in three international academic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science). Overall, 31 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of total MSDs in firefighters was identified as 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] [33, 50]). The prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, upper extremity and lower extremity was 9% (95% CI [7, 10]), 11% (95% CI [8, 15]), 8% (95% CI [5, 12]), 31% (95% CI [27, 34]), 13% (95% CI [9, 17]) and 16% (95% CI [14, 18]), respectively. No statistically significant relationship was observed between prevalence of MSDs and year of study, mean age, size of sample, duration of prevalence, region or income level. Demographic, occupational and medical condition factors were identified that can create these disorders among firefighters.

Musculoskeletal disorders among doctors and nursing officers : an occupational hazard of overstrained healthcare delivery system in western Rajasthan, India

BACKGROUND

The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of MSDs in different anatomical regions among Doctors and NO and to determine their ergonomic risk factors and predictors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in an apex institution in Western India. The socio-demographic information, medical and occupational history, and other personal and work-related attributes were captured using a semi-structured questionnaire, which was developed and finalized by piloting on 32 participants (who were not part of the study). Nordic Musculoskeletal and International Physical Activity Questionnaires were used to assess MSDs and Physical activity. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.23. Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (M.S.), Multisite Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MMS), and Widespread Musculoskeletal Symptoms (WMS) were calculated. A comparison was made to estimate the burden and distribution of MSD among Doctors and Nursing officers. Logistic regression was applied to identify the predictors of MSDs and pinpoint the risk factors associated with MSDs.

RESULTS

A total of 310 participants, of which 38.7% were doctors, and 61.3% were Nursing Officers (NOs) were included in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 31.63 ± 4.9 years. Almost 73% (95%CI: 67.9-78.1) of participants had MSD in the last 12 months, with approximately 41.6% (95%CI: 36.1-47.3) suffering from MSDs in the previous seven days of the survey. The lower back (49.7%) and the neck (36.5%) were the most affected sites. Working in the same position for a long time (43.5%) and not taking adequate breaks (31.3%) were the highest self-reported risk factors. Females had significantly higher odds of having pain in the upper back [aOR:2.49(1.27-4.85)], neck [aOR:2.15(1.22-3.77)], shoulder [aOR:2.8 (1.54-5.11)], hips [aOR:9.46 (3.95-22.68)] and knee [aOR:3.8(1.99-7.26)].

CONCLUSIONS

Females, who are NOs, work for > 48 h per week, and fall in the obese category were significantly at more risk of developing MSDs. Working in an awkward position, treating an excessive number of patients in a day, working in the same position for a long period, performing repeated tasks, and not having enough rest breaks were significant risk factors for MSDs.

Prevalence of low back pain in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have investigated the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among Indian subjects, no meta-analysis has been conducted to determine the comprehensive epidemiological point, annual, lifetime prevalence of LBP among Indian subjects. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the point, annual, and lifetime prevalence of LBP in the Indian population. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies that reported point, annual, or lifetime prevalence of LBP among Indian subjects,. Pooled point, annual and lifetime prevalence rates were calculated. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment were performed. RESULTS: Ninety-seven studies were included in this review. Fifty-four studies included in the review (55.5%) were found to be of higher methodological quality. The pooled point, annual, and lifetime prevalence of LBP in India was 48% (95% CI 40–56%); 51% (95% CI 45–58%), and 66% (95% CI 56–75%), respectively. The pooled prevalence rates were highest among females, the rural population, and among elementary workers. CONCLUSION: The point, annual, and lifetime prevalence rates of LBP in the Indian population is higher compared to global and other ethnic populations affecting a large proportion of the population, especially among women, rural population and in elementary workers. The findings of this study can be the basis for formulating policy regarding the prevention and treatment of LBP in a large part of the global population.

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

BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVE: The study estimated the biomechanical postural stress developed due to manual load handling, carriage and brick transportation. METHODS: 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: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Shoulder pain prevalence by age and within occupational groups: a systematic review

Background

Shoulder pain was previously shown to diminish in older populations and it was suggested that this could be explained by reduced usage with age. Our objectives were to investigate if estimates of shoulder pain continue to increase after the age of 50 in working populations and to compare these estimates in physically demanding occupations with sedentary occupations.

Methods

A systematic review of retrospective, cross-sectional, prospective, or longitudinal.

studies reporting prevalence or incidence of non-specific shoulder pain in occupational groups stratified by age. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception until January 2020. Study characteristics and prevalence estimates stratified by age were extracted. Two reviewers independently performed a critical analysis of the included studies to determine their validity and risk of bias.

Results

Twenty studies with a total of 40,487 participants and one study of a clinical data base were included and assigned a direction of the estimates for shoulder pain as either ‘increasing’, ‘remaining stable’ or ‘decreasing’ past the age of 50. Shoulder pain generally increased past 50, with 16 of the 21 included studies reporting higher estimates/odds ratios in older participants. In the more physically active occupations over 50, the estimates increased in 14 of the 18 samples compared to only two of the four involving sedentary occupations.

Conclusions

Shoulder pain prevalence remains common in workers beyond the age of 50. Prevalence continues to increase in physically demanding occupations. Clinicians should consider factors of occupation when managing shoulder pain.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42019137831).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40945-021-00119-w.

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon

Objectives. This study assessed musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their correlates among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 healthy male handlers. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence while logistic regression was performed to determine associated factors. Results. MSD prevalence was 100 and 87.7% during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. Main sites affected were, respectively, the lower back (84.1 and 61.1%), hips/thighs (81.1 and 47.2%) and neck (74.7 and 43.2%). MSD risk factors were age 25-30 years during the last 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.2, 6.5]) and 7 days (OR = 4.2; 95% CI [-1.7, 10.7]) for the neck and the last 12 months (OR = 2.6; 95% CI [-1.1, 5.8]) for shoulders. Overweight was a risk factor for wrists/hands in the last 12 months (OR = 2.7; 95% CI [-11.0, 7.2]). Seniority of 5-10 years was a risk factor for the lower back (OR = 1.8; 95% CI [-1.0, 3.3]) and hips/thighs (OR = 3.2; 95% CI [-1.7, 5.8]) in the last 7 days. Conclusion. Handlers showed high MSD prevalence in most sites, e.g., lower back, upper back, hips/thighs, shoulders and neck. Associated significant factors were age, overweight and seniority.

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

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

An Overview of REBA Method Applications in the World

The objective of this work is to review literature, worldwide, in which the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) ergonomic assessment method was applied and count the number of times that REBA was applied together with other methods and subsequent incidence. The database used was the "Web of Science-Core Collection". Only scientific articles and bibliographic reviews were included, analysing a total of 314 documents and selecting only 91. The use of the REBA method is indicated in terms of knowledge, country, year and journal sectors. It was most used in the knowledge areas of "Manufacturing" (24.18%), "Agriculture, forestry and fishing" (21.98%) and in "Other activities" (19.78%). One of the benefits of REBA is that it evaluates different body parts: upper limbs (arm, forearm and wrist), lower extremities, trunk and neck. It is a useful method to identify the forced postures adopted by workers to thus develop improvement measures if necessary. It is concluded that REBA method use has increased over the last decade, probably due to the digitization of knowledge. It is almost always applied in combination with other methods, and its use can be a positive indicator of company sustainability.

Prevalence of MSDs and Postural Risk Assessment in Floor Mopping Activity Through Subjective and Objective Measures

Background

Residential and commercial cleaning is a part of our daily routine to maintain sanitation around the environment. Health care of professionals involved in such cleaning activities has become a major concern all over the world. The present study investigates the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in professional cleaners involved in floor mopping tasks.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 132 mopping professionals using a modified Nordic questionnaire. The Pearson correlation test was implemented to study the association of perceived pain with work experience. The muscle strain and postural risk were evaluated by means of three-channel electromyography and real-time motion capture respectively of 15 professionals during floor mopping.

Results

Regarding musculoskeletal injuries, risk was reported majorly in the right hand, lower back, left wrist, right shoulder, left biceps, and right wrist of the workers. Work experience had a low negative association with MSDs in the left wrist, right wrist, right elbow, lower back, and right lower arm (p < 0.01). Surface EMG showed occurrence of higher muscle activity in upper trapezius and biceps brachii (BB) muscles of the dominant hand and flexor carpi radialis and BB muscles of the nondominant hand positioned at the upper and lower portion of the mop rod, respectively.

Conclusion

Ergonomic mediations should be executed to lessen the observed risk of musculoskeletal injuries in this professional group of workers.