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Upadhyay R, Kumar A, Bhattacherjee A, Patra AK, Chau N. Reducing musculoskeletal disorders in iron ore mine operators: A fuzzy-based intervention approach. Work 2024; 78:131-152. [PMID: 38517835 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230489] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focuses on evaluating the exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and association of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with various risk factors among dumper operators in the mining industry. Despite the issue's significance, prior research has been limited. OBJECTIVE The study introduces a novel fuzzy-based approach for identifying, selecting, and prioritizing safety measures to mitigate MSD risks. METHODS Data collection comprised face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scoring for posture assessment, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire for assessment of MSD prevalence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the contributing risk factors to MSDs and WBV exposure. These risk factors formed the basis for a practical approach to select appropriate safety measures based on fuzzy based aggregation method of expert's judgment aimed at mitigating the risk of MSDs. RESULTS The results revealed that the risk factors such as poor work posture, WBV exposure and poor seat design were significantly associated with neck (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 4.81), upper limb and shoulder (aOR = 3.28), upper back (aOR = 5.09), and lower back pain (aOR = 3.67) at p < 0.05. Using these factors to formulate safety measures to reduce MSD risk, the minimization of sharp turns and abrupt changes in elevation in designing the haul roads, scheduled maintenance practices, and ergonomic seat design were found as important safety measures in this study. CONCLUSION Our unique methodological approach in occupational health research could be highly beneficial for tailoring safety measures at the unit level with minimal effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Upadhyay
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Ashis Bhattacherjee
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Aditya Kumar Patra
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Nearkasen Chau
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm), Paris, France
- University Paris-Sud and University Paris Descartes, UMR, Paris, France
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Du SH, Zhang YH, Yang QH, Wang YC, Fang Y, Wang XQ. Spinal posture assessment and low back pain. EFORT Open Rev 2023; 8:708-718. [PMID: 37655847 PMCID: PMC10548303 DOI: 10.1530/eor-23-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Postural assessment can help doctors and therapists identify risk factors for low back pain and determine appropriate follow-up treatment. Postural alignment is not perfectly symmetrical, and small asymmetries can instead represent norms and criteria for postural evaluation. It is necessary to comprehensively observe patients' posture in all directions and analyze the factors related to posture evaluation. The results of reliability show that in general intra-rater reliability is higher than inter-rater reliability, and inclinometers are being more reliable than other instrumentations. Some common postural problems can cause lumbar discomfort, and prolonged poor posture is a potential risk factor for lumbar spine injuries. On the basis of previous studies on posture evaluation, a unified standardized method for posture evaluation must be established in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Zhang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Hao Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Amiri B, Zemková E. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises in recovery from fatigue-induced changes in spinal mobility and postural stability: a study protocol. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1220464. [PMID: 37457029 PMCID: PMC10340528 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1220464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged periods of sitting at work can increase trunk muscle fatigue from the continuous contraction of deep trunk muscles. Insufficient activity of these muscles can decrease muscular support to the spine and increases stress on its passive structures. This can lead to reduced spinal mobility and impaired postural stability. It may also stimulate nociceptor activity leading to pain. However, frequently used recovery modalities such as muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, can be time-consuming, impractical, and difficult to implement in the workplace. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, which increase the activity of the deep trunk muscles by raising intra-abdominal pressure, seem to be a suitable alternative. However, little is known as to what extent diaphragmatic breathing exercises contribute to the reduction of fatigue induced by prolonged sitting. This paper presents a study protocol that aims to investigate the acute effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on recovery of fatigue-induced changes in spinal mobility and postural stability in sedentary middle-aged adults at risk of developing non-specific low back pain. Twenty sedentary adults aged between 25 and 44 years will perform Abt's fatigue protocol, followed by 1) active recovery using diaphragmatic breathing exercises and 2) passive recovery in the form of lying on the bed, respectively. There will be 1 week of rest in-between. Pre-fatigue, post-fatigue, and after the active and passive recovery, spinal mobility and postural stability will be evaluated using the spinal mouse device and a posturography system, respectively. The electromyography will be used to determine the muscle-fatigue conditions. We hypothesize that active recovery in a form of diaphragmatic breathing exercises would be more effective in restoring spinal mobility and postural stability followed by the fatigue of back and hamstring muscles compared to passive recovery in sedentary adults. Increasing core and respiratory muscle strength via these exercises could be beneficial for overall mobility and stability of the spine. Reducing compressive stress on the passive structures of the spine may be also beneficial for lowering low back pain. Therefore, we believe that diaphragmatic breathing exercises have the possibility to be incorporated into the workplace and contribute to better back health in sedentary middle-aged adults. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.irct.ir/trial/67015], identifier [IRCT20221126056606N1].
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Lam WK, Chen B, Liu RT, Cheung JCW, Wong DWC. Spine Posture, Mobility, and Stability of Top Mobile Esports Athletes: A Case Series. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050737. [PMID: 35625465 PMCID: PMC9138953 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Professional esports athletes spend a long time in the same sitting posture during training and competition. Mobile esports may exacerbate potential postural problems because of the closer and unsupported arms and because athletes spend more time in a forward-/flexed-head posture. Prolonged sitting in these postures carries significant health risks and may lead to musculoskeletal problems and injuries. The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the posture, mobility, and stability of the spine for professional mobile esports athletes. We collected spine-assessment data from 48 athletes participating in a top-tier league on a real-time-strategy battle-arena online game. The spinal assessment was conducted using the SpinalMouse® under upright standing and trunk flexion in addition to the Matthiass test. Measurements were converted into Idiag Scores by the SpinalMouse® software. The Idiag Posture, Idiag Mobility, and Idiag Stability scores were 62.50 (IQR: 21), 63.50 (IQR: 19.5), and 54.50 (IQR: 14.5), respectively, and were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the reference normative value (100). Age was found to have a weak positive correlation with the posture score (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.048). Although career duration appeared to lower the scores, the association was insignificant (p > 0.05). The scores also had no significant association with body height, body mass, body mass index, and esports team (p > 0.05). It was anticipated that mobile-based esports would attenuate the biomechanics of the spine and increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal problems, such as neck and back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Kai Lam
- Sports Information and External Affairs Centre, Hong Kong Sports Institute, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Bob Chen
- Dr Chen Sport Training and Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 101111, China;
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (D.W.-C.W.); Tel.: +86-137-0106-6063 (B.C.); +852-2766-7669 (D.W.-C.W.)
| | - Rui-Tan Liu
- Dr Chen Sport Training and Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 101111, China;
| | - James Chung-Wai Cheung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Duo Wai-Chi Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (D.W.-C.W.); Tel.: +86-137-0106-6063 (B.C.); +852-2766-7669 (D.W.-C.W.)
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Csuhai ÉA, Nagy AC, Szőllősi GJ, Veres-Balajti I. Impact Analysis of 20-Week Multimodal Progressive Functional-Proprioceptive Training among Sedentary Workers Affected by Non-Specific Low-Back Pain: An Interventional Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010592. [PMID: 34682338 PMCID: PMC8535833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
According to the latest data published by the WHO, 1.71 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders and 568 million are affected by back pain, making these the most significant occupational health problems. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a newly developed Multimodal Workplace Training Program implemented among young sedentary employees in order to treat and prevent these problems. The 20-week Training Program was conducted at the National Instruments Corporations’ Hungarian subsidiary in Debrecen between January and June, 2019. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were used to assess subjective parameters. Baseline and follow-up physical examinations were performed using the SpinalMouse, Y-Balance, Sit and Reach, Prone and Side Plank, Timed Abdominal Curl, and Biering-Sorensen tests. The results for 76 subjects were eligible for statistical analysis. Our Training Program was effective in several aspects, including a reduction in musculoskeletal symptoms and improvements in posture (p < 0.001), in dynamic (p < 0.01) and static-isometric (p < 0.001) core strength, in flexibility (p < 0.001), in spinal inclination in the sagittal (p < 0.001) and frontal (p < 0.01) plane, and in balance and coordination (p < 0.05). The Multimodal Progressive Functional–Proprioceptive Training was highly effective, and the application of such a complex training program can be recommended in workplace settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Anett Csuhai
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, 26 Kassai Str., 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-512-732 (ext. 77144)
| | - Attila Csaba Nagy
- Department of Interventional Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, 26 Kassai Str., 4028 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.N.); (G.J.S.)
| | - Gergő József Szőllősi
- Department of Interventional Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, 26 Kassai Str., 4028 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.N.); (G.J.S.)
| | - Ilona Veres-Balajti
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, 26 Kassai Str., 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
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Aino M, Oka S, Haruguchi K, Aino M, Hashimura S, Kurosawa K. Comparison of spinal column alignment and autonomic nervous activity using the intersegmental tenderness test in the segment above. J Phys Ther Sci 2021; 33:570-575. [PMID: 34393365 PMCID: PMC8332640 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.33.570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The thoracolumbar supraspinous intersegmental tenderness test (ITT) in the
segment above was performed to compare spinal alignment and autonomic activity in the
presence or absence of pain. [Participants and Methods] Thirty young males were grouped
into Th1–4 (Cardiopulmonary visceral nerves), Th5–9 (Large visceral nerve), and Th10–12
(Small visceral nerve) by ITT for the presence of pain. Measurements of the spinal
alignment and autonomic function were performed. [Results] Those with ITT pain had a
significantly lower range of motion in the sagittal plane at Th12, Th12–L1, and L2–3 and
in the frontal plane at Th1–2, Th4–5, Th6–7, and L3–4 than those in the no pain group. On
autonomic function tests, the pain group had significantly lower Total Power, LF (Low
Frequency), and CVRR (Coefficient of variation of R-R interval). [Conclusion] In ITT,
patients with pain at Th5–9 have a mixture of reduced sagittal tilt angle and autonomic
hypofunction of the adjacent upper and lower thoracic to lumbar vertebrae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Aino
- Japan Systemic Fascia Neuro-Pain Approach Association: 1-13-24 Kashii Ekimae, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 813-0013, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Oka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan
| | | | - Mayumi Aino
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kitakyushu Koga Hospital, Japan
| | - Shun Hashimura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kitakyushu Koga Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kurosawa
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Odawara, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan
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Rabal-Pelay J, Cimarras-Otal C, Marcen-Cinca N, Alcázar-Crevillén A, Laguna-Miranda C, Bataller-Cervero AV. Assessment of Spinal Range of Motion and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Forklift Drivers. A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062947. [PMID: 33805655 PMCID: PMC7998771 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Forklifts are commonly used in industrial supply chains to transport heavy loads. Forklift drivers have the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort derived from the movement pattern required at work. This research aimed to investigate the spinal range of motion (ROM) and musculoskeletal discomfort of forklift drivers and compare it with a control group. Forklift drivers (39 males) and office workers (31 males) were recruited to assess cervical, thoracic, and lumbar ROM with an electronic double inclinometer. Additionally, musculoskeletal discomfort was registered with the Cornell Discomfort Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Forklift drivers showed a higher cervical discomfort and ROM of lateral lumbar bending than office workers. Both groups reported lower ROM in cervical and lumbar lateral bending on the right side versus the left side. No differences of asymmetry were reported for any variable between groups. Specific exercise programs may correct these mobility imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Rabal-Pelay
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain; (J.R.-P.); (N.M.-C.); (A.V.B.-C.)
| | - Cristina Cimarras-Otal
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain; (J.R.-P.); (N.M.-C.); (A.V.B.-C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Noel Marcen-Cinca
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain; (J.R.-P.); (N.M.-C.); (A.V.B.-C.)
| | | | - Carmen Laguna-Miranda
- BSH Electrodomésticos España S.A., Pol. Industrial Otallana, Avenida La Industria, 49, 50016 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain; (J.R.-P.); (N.M.-C.); (A.V.B.-C.)
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