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Garosi E, Kazemi Z, Mazloumi A, Keihani A. Changes in Neck and Shoulder Muscles Fatigue Threshold When Using a Passive Head/Neck Supporting Exoskeleton During Repetitive Overhead Tasks. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:2269-2282. [PMID: 37955578 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231213728] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of a head/neck supporting exoskeleton (HNSE) on the electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) of the neck and shoulder muscles during a simulated overhead work task. BACKGROUND Overhead work is a well-known risk factor for neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders due to the excessive strain imposed on the muscles and joints in these regions. METHOD Fourteen healthy males performed a repetitive overhead nut fastening/unfastening task to exhaustion while wearing and not wearing the HNSE at two neck extension angles (40% and 80% of neck maximum range of motion). Electromyographic signals were continuously recorded from the right and left sternocleidomastoid (SCMR, SCML), splenius capitis (SCR, SCL), upper trapezius (UTR, UTL), and anterior deltoid (ADR, ADL) muscles. The normalized electromyographic amplitude (nEMG) data was time normalized, and a bisegmental linear regression was applied to determine the muscle fatigue break point. RESULTS The results showed a significant increase in fatigue threshold time in the SCMR (p < .001), SCML (p = .002), and UTR (p = .037) muscles when the HNSE was used. However, the EMGFT times for the right and left deltoid and left trapezius muscles showed a nonsignificant reduction due to the head/neck support exoskeleton use. In addition, the neck extension angle did not reveal a significant effect on muscles' EMGFT time. CONCLUSION Overall, the findings confirmed a significant delay in fatigue onset in sternocleidomastoid muscles, as measured by the electromyographic fatigue threshold. This finding suggests that the HNSE can be an effective ergonomic intervention for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in overhead workers. However, further studies are needed to investigate the effect of the HNSE at other neck extension angles and more realistic tasks to ensure the generalizability of our results. APPLICATION The present findings emphasize the application of the fatigue onset time to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions, including exoskeletons, which can subsequently be utilized to alleviate postural demands and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Garosi
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ferrillo M, Migliario M, Calafiore D, Marotta N, Fortunato L, Ammendolia A, Giudice A, de Sire A. Efficacy of a new protocol for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dental hygiene students: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Int J Dent Hyg 2024. [PMID: 38825777 DOI: 10.1111/idh.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the efficacy of a new muscle stretching and strengthening protocol for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in dental hygiene students. METHODS Students attending the 2nd and 3rd year of a Dental Hygiene Degree Course of a University Hospital were randomly allocated into treatment group (muscle stretching and strengthening sessions) and control group (no treatment). Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), quality of life, the intensity of the pain and the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) Scale were assessed at the baseline (T0), after 4 weeks (T1) and after 16 weeks (T2). RESULTS Of 37 subjects screened for eligibility, 28 patients (aged 28.25 ± 8.89 years) were enrolled and divided into treatment and control groups. The NWQ showed significant between-group differences in the following regions from T0 to T2: neck (p = 0.0003), shoulders (p = 0.0057) and lower back (p = 0.0136). In terms of pain, a significant between-group difference was reported from T2 (p < 0.001). The GPE demonstrated that the average satisfaction related to the performed treatment was 1.4 ± 0.63. CONCLUSION The present pilot RCT demonstrated the efficacy of stretching associated with muscle strengthening in decreasing the risk of WMSD, especially for the neck, shoulders and lower back. The potential strength of this model is related to the possibility to perform stretching exercises chairside at work during scheduled breaks, in addition to complementary muscle strengthening sessions at home. Future RCTs are necessary to better investigate the role of this protocol for WMSD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferrillo
- Dentistry, Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mario Migliario
- Dentistry, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Dario Calafiore
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, Mantova, Italy
| | - Nicola Marotta
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Leonzio Fortunato
- Dentistry, Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Amerigo Giudice
- Dentistry, Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
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Foncubierta-Rodríguez MJ, Poza-Méndez M, Holgado-Herrero M. Workplace health promotion programs: The role of compliance with workers' expectations, the reputation and the productivity of the company. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2024; 89:56-63. [PMID: 38858063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Addressing the health and safety of workers is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 8. The European Union urges companies in its member countries to promote measures in this regard. However, this type of program is not a general approach in European companies. This study aims to identify whether the implementation of Workplace Health Promotion measures is influenced by the company's desire to meet its employees' expectations in this area; and if this relationship involves the company's reputation and productivity. METHODS A multi-step methodology is used (descriptive sample portrait, analysis of influences by linear regression, and double-intermediation model analysis) to find out if reputation and productivity mediate the relationship between the satisfaction of employee health expectations and the number of Workplace Health Promotion measures applied. RESULTS The more weight the company gives to this compliance, the more motivated it is to implement a more significant number of Workplace Health Promotion measures. The increase in productivity does not seem to weigh in this relationship, but the improvement of the company's reputation does. CONCLUSIONS The more the employees' expectations of working in a healthy company are desired to be met, the more measures the company will put in place. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The findings have theoretical implications, by increasing knowledge about the factors that influence a company's decision to activate Workplace Health Promotion policies. They can also serve as guidance for implementing policies that encourage health promotion in companies and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 8: for workers' representatives, by better understanding how these factors influence the fulfillment of their constituents' expectations; for company managers, by better knowing the variables involved in this relationship; and for researchers of this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-José Foncubierta-Rodríguez
- Department of Business Management, University of Cadiz, Avda. Ramón Puyol, S/N, 11202 Algeciras (Cádiz), Spain.; The University Research Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Miriam Poza-Méndez
- The University Research Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), Cádiz, Spain; Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, Street Venus, 11207 Algeciras (Cádiz), Spain.
| | - Magdalena Holgado-Herrero
- The University Research Institute for Sustainable Social Development (INDESS), Cádiz, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Av. Capitán Ontañón, s/n, 11202 Algeciras (Cádiz), Spain.
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Burnett WD, Tweten M, Okpalauwaekwe U, Trask C, Milosavljevic S. The effect of selected rest break activities on reaction time, balance, and perceived discomfort after one hour of simulated occupational whole-body vibration exposure in healthy adults. Ann Med 2023; 55:2244965. [PMID: 37572647 PMCID: PMC10424600 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2244965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
MATERIALS & METHODS Eleven healthy adults participated in four 1-hour sessions of ecologically valid WBV exposure followed by one of four 5-minute activities: sitting, walking, 2 min of gaze stabilization exercise (GSE) coupled with 3 min of trunk mobility exercise (GSE + MOBIL), or 2 min of GSE coupled with a 3-minute walk (GSE + WALK). Baseline and post-activity measurements (rating of perceived discomfort, balance and postural sway measurements, 5-minute psychomotor vigilance task test) were submitted to a paired t-test to determine the effect of WBV exposure and activities on physical, cognitive, and sensorimotor systems and to a repeated measures ANOVA to determine any differences across activities. RESULTS We observed degradation of the slowest 10% reaction speed outcomes between baseline and post-activity after walking (7.3%, p < 0.05) and sitting (8.6%, p < 0.05) but not after GSE + MOBIL or GSE + WALK activities. Slowest 10% reaction speed after GSE + MOBIL activity was faster than all other activities. The rating of perceived discomfort was higher after SIT and WALK activities. There were no notable differences in balance outcomes. CONCLUSION When compared to sitting for 5 min, an activity including GSE and an active component, such as walking or trunk mobility exercises, resulted in maintenance of reaction time after WBV exposure. If confirmed in occupational environments, GSE may provide a simple, rapid, effective, and inexpensive means to protect against decrements in reaction time after WBV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadena D. Burnett
- School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael Tweten
- School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Catherine Trask
- Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kim E, Jo E, Han G. Effects of stretching intervention on musculoskeletal pain in dental professionals. J Occup Health 2023; 65:e12413. [PMID: 37347801 PMCID: PMC10287045 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to quantitatively confirm the effects of dental specialists' work and stretching on musculoskeletal pain. METHODS The pain pressure threshold was divided into five parts (neck, shoulder, trunk, lower back, and hand/arm) of the upper body and measured at 15 muscle trigger points. The pain pressure threshold before and after work was measured, and 30 min of stretching and rest were stipulated as an intervention. RESULTS The pain pressure thresholds reduced significantly in all muscles after work (P < .05). In the stretching group, the pain pressure thresholds increased significantly in all muscles (P < .05). In particular, the iliocostalis lumborum (lower back), rhomboid (trunk), transverse carpal ligament (hand/arm), levator scapulae-superior angle (neck), and upper trapezius (shoulder) muscles showed the greatest decrease in pain pressure threshold after work and the greatest increase after stretching. CONCLUSIONS Stretching helps immediately relieve musculoskeletal pain in dental professionals and can prevent and manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun‐Sol Kim
- Department of Health ScienceGraduate School of Gachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Eun‐Deok Jo
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health ScienceGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Gyeong‐Soon Han
- Department of Health ScienceGraduate School of Gachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health ScienceGachon UniversityIncheonRepublic of Korea
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Talapatra S, Parvez M, Saha P, Kibria MG, Hoque A. Musculoskeletal risk factors assessment based on exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2022.2157065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Talapatra
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - M.S. Parvez
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - P. Saha
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - M. G. Kibria
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - A.S.M. Hoque
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
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Sadeghi-Yarandi M, Ghasemi M, Ghanjal A, Sepandi M, Soltanzadeh A. The Prediction of Chronicity in Patients With Acute and Subacute Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors: A Case-Control Study. Pain Manag Nurs 2022; 23:838-847. [PMID: 35177310 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in different countries. AIMS This study aimed to predict the chronicity of nonspecific acute and nonspecific low back pain (LBP) and related risk factors among cases referred to physiotherapy clinics. DESIGN A case-control and cross-sectional study. SETTINGS Two physiotherapy centers in Tehran, Iran. PARTICIPANTS This study included 502 patients with acute, subacute and chronic LBP. METHOD This study included 502 patients with acute, subacute and chronic LBP. Data were obtained using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophic Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Walker's Health-Promoting Lifestyle Questionnaire, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed by applying independent sample t test, χ2, and multiple logistic regression in SPSS software version 25. IBM Amos version 22 was used for path analysis. RESULTS It was found that some demographic parameters (i.e., weight, BMI, job, type of occupational task performance, history of low back pain, work shift, underlying diseases and income), some cognitive parameters (i.e., fear-avoidance beliefs, kinesiophobia, catastrophic pain, and depression), some lifestyle parameters (i.e., health responsibility, physical activity, and interpersonal relationships), sleep quality and pain related disability were among the most critical risk factors in the chronicity of acute and subacute LBP (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Personal, psychological, and psychosocial parameters can be among the most critical predictors in the chronicity of acute and subacute nonspecific LBP. Hence, paying attention to all the mentioned factors at the beginning of patients' treatment to create a targeted treatment algorithm and prevent the conversion of acute and subacute into chronic LBP has particular importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Sadeghi-Yarandi
- Health Research Center, Lifestyle Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghasemi
- Health Research Center, Lifestyle Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Ghanjal
- Health Research Center, Lifestyle Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sepandi
- Health Research Center, Lifestyle Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Soltanzadeh
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health Engineering, Health Faculty, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
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Pickard O, Burton P, Yamada H, Schram B, Canetti EFD, Orr R. Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Occupational Driving: A Systematic Review Spanning 2006–2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116837. [PMID: 35682420 PMCID: PMC9180502 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Several occupations require workers to spend long periods of time driving road vehicles. This occupational task is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this review was to collate, synthesize, and analyze research reporting on musculoskeletal disorders associated with occupational driving, in order to develop a volume of evidence to inform occupational disorder mitigation strategies. A systematic search of academic databases (PubMed, EBSCO host, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was performed using key search terms. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. A Cohen’s kappa analysis was used to determine interrater agreement between appraisers. Of the 18,254 identified studies, 25 studies were selected and appraised. The mean critical appraisal score is 69% (range 38–100%), with a fair level of agreement (k = 0.332). The studies report that musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly lower back pain, is of concern in this population, particularly in truck, bus, and taxi drivers. Risk factors for these occupations include long hours in a sitting position, years in the profession, vehicle ergonomics, and vibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Pickard
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia; (O.P.); (P.B.); (H.Y.); (B.S.); (E.F.D.C.)
| | - Peta Burton
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia; (O.P.); (P.B.); (H.Y.); (B.S.); (E.F.D.C.)
| | - Hayato Yamada
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia; (O.P.); (P.B.); (H.Y.); (B.S.); (E.F.D.C.)
| | - Ben Schram
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia; (O.P.); (P.B.); (H.Y.); (B.S.); (E.F.D.C.)
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia
| | - Elisa F. D. Canetti
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia; (O.P.); (P.B.); (H.Y.); (B.S.); (E.F.D.C.)
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia
| | - Robin Orr
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia; (O.P.); (P.B.); (H.Y.); (B.S.); (E.F.D.C.)
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina 4226, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-5595-4448
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Yazdanirad S, Pourtaghi G, Raei M, Ghasemi M. Development of modified rapid entire body assessment (MOREBA) method for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplaces. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:82. [PMID: 35073889 PMCID: PMC8785508 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) technique is one of the tools developed for predicting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders based on the effective risk factors. This method has several limitations. The present study was aimed to develop the Modified Rapid Entire Body Assessment (MOREBA) method to more accurately predict the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Materials
This cross-sectional study was performed on 300 male workers of a steel factory with a variety of job tasks in Iran. Then, the information related to the various physical risk factors was extracted through observation of their duties and conversation with them. Also, the subjects were asked to complete the Persian version of Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaires (CMDQ). Then, a theoretical model was drawn in AMOS software. Computed coefficients were used to develop the MOREBA equation. In the end, the final scores were categorized by ROC curves, and the validation of the novel method was investigated using linear regression analysis.
Results
The parameters evaluated in the MOREBA method included contact stress, rapid and sudden movement, throwing motion, hand-arm vibration, whole-body vibration, temperature, and work-rest cycle in addition to the parameters of the REBA method, including awkward posture, coupling, force, load, static activity, and repetitive activity. The results showed that the strain produced by the physical risk factors with the total effect coefficient of 0.783 could significantly affect the musculoskeletal symptoms. The computed coefficients of the risk factors were applied to develop a novel index. The final score of the MOREBA method was categorized into four levels by optimal cut-off points of 12.37, 16.51, and 24.35. Based on the results, the MOREBA and REBA methods could justify 67 and 55% of the variations of musculoskeletal symptoms, respectively.
Conclusions
The results revealed that modifications conducted in the REBA method were effective, and the MOREBA method can provide a more accurate prediction of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Sa-Ngiamsak T, Thetkathuek A. Short-distance versus long-distance deep-seaport container truck drivers' prevalence and perceived discomfort of musculoskeletal symptoms in the Thailand Eastern Economic Corridor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:1779-1786. [PMID: 34011248 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1932313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This research aimed to study the prevalence and perceived discomfort of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms among short-distance and long-distance deep-seaport truck drivers. Methods. Cross-sectional analysis using a standardized modified version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was carried out using direct interviews with 25 male participants: 15 short-distance and 10 long-distance truck drivers. Results. As much as 88% was reported for the existence of MSK symptoms in the past 12 months. Considering all truck groups, regardless of short or long distance, the lower back was found with the highest prevalence (72%) followed by the neck (32%). The χ2 test showed long-distance truck drivers had statistically significantly more prevalence in the neck (p = 0.028) than short-distance drivers. Perceived discomfort by the Borg CR10 scale confirmed the lower back had the highest score (2.4) followed by the neck (1.44). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that long-distance truck drivers had significantly higher scores on the lower back and neck (p = 0.039 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion. Longer exposure to prolonged non-natural working postures, vibration, traffic conditions and working stress could be the judicial causes. To minimize this problem, integrated interventions need to be implemented with particular measures among short-distance and long-distance truck drivers.
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Kalteh HO, Khoshakhlagh AH, Rahmani N. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pains and effect of work-related factors among employees on offshore oil and gas installations in Iran. Work 2019; 61:347-355. [PMID: 30373995 DOI: 10.3233/wor-182818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal pain is usually caused by poor physical conditions, repetitive motion, and adverse environmental and psychological situations. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and their work-related factors among employees on offshore oil and gas installations in Iran. METHODS Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to collect data. The relationship of musculoskeletal pain with job type, rest breaks, exercise, shift program, and work period was studied among employees on offshore installations. T-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS Employees on offshore installations were exposed to high levels of risk of musculoskeletal pain in their knees and back. Consequently, they reported the highest level of complaints of pain in the neck and lower back areas. Workers in drilling and tour-scheduling jobs reported the highest level of musculoskeletal pain. In the course of seven days and 12 months, the highest level of significant relationship was observed between the limbs and the work periods (tour scheduling or days-off) of the staff. CONCLUSION The findings showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of offshore facilities was high due to inappropriate working conditions such as repetitive work, lifting heavy loads and limited rest periods. Therefore, strategies must be considered to reduce the effects of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haji Omid Kalteh
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Rahmani
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Branch of North, Tehran, Iran
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