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Aljanakh M. Musculoskeletal disorders among dental assistants: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:64. [PMID: 38218812 PMCID: PMC10787391 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated sociodemographic and work-related factors among dental assistants (DAs) in the hail province, Saudi Arabia. METHODS Participants were 119 DAs with an average age of 28.9 years (SD ± 4.8 years), of whom 86.6% were females. A self-administered questionnaire which included Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and questions on socio-demographic and work-related factors was used. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the prevalence of MSDs during the past 12 months and 7 days. Multivariate binary logistic regression statistical tests were used to calculate the association between MSDs and socio-demographic and work-related factors. RESULTS The overall prevalence of MSDs among DAs was significantly high, with 85.7% reporting symptoms during the past 12 months and 47.9% during the past 7 days. The shoulders, followed by the lower back, were the most common complaints among participants in the past 12 months and 7 days, followed by the upper back and neck. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis results show significant associations between MSDs and age, Body-Mass-Index (BMI), physical demands during working hours, work environment and posture awareness, and years of experience. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of MSDs among DAs is high, and sociodemographic and work-related factors play an important role in exacerbation of MSDs in DAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aljanakh
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, 55473, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Musso M, Oliveira AS, Bai S. Influence of an upper limb exoskeleton on muscle activity during various construction and manufacturing tasks. Appl Ergon 2024; 114:104158. [PMID: 37890312 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) significantly impact workers in the manufacturing and construction sectors. One solution that has gained interest to reduce MSDs incidence is the use of exoskeletons. In this study, the influence of an upper limb exoskeleton on muscle activity was investigated experimentally for three commonly performed tasks in the manufacturing and construction sectors. The tasks tested were overhead assembly, bricklaying, and box moving tasks. Eighteen males participated in the tests. The results showed a reduction in shoulder flexor muscle activation during all three tasks (up to -45.46 ± 4.52% for the anterior deltoid), but increased extensor activation (up to 15.47 ± 8.01% for the latissimus dorsi) was observed when the task was not primarily performed above shoulder level. The results revealed the dependence of the upper-body exoskeleton on tasks and arm posture, which should be considered for both in-field applications and designing new exoskeletons for performance enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Musso
- Department of Material and Production, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7K, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark.
| | - Anderson Souza Oliveira
- Department of Material and Production, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7K, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark.
| | - Shaoping Bai
- Department of Material and Production, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7K, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark.
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Haqi DN, Martiana T, Notobroto HB, Paskarini I, Alayyannur PA, Haidar MA. Ergonomic Risk Analysis and Muscle Complaints of Office Workers in the Government Office, Surabaya City. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2023; 27:347-350. [PMID: 38390479 PMCID: PMC10880835 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_284_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The work environment of office workers has hazards. One of the hazards is nonergonomic conditions. Nonergonomic conditions increase musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) risk and interfere with work productivity. This research describes ergonomic risk levels and muscle complaints in office workers while working with computers. The population of this research was 32 office workers in one of Surabaya city government offices. Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method to measure ergonomic risk and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) method to measure muscle complaints. Most workers have a high risk of experiencing MSDs. Workers experience muscle complaints in the neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, upper back, and lower back. Intervention is needed in work facilities and office ergonomics socialization to workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani N. Haqi
- Doctoral Student of Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Tri Martiana
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Hari B. Notobroto
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Population Studies and Health Promotion, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Indriati Paskarini
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Putri A. Alayyannur
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Mochamad A. Haidar
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
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Norouzi S, Tavafian SS, Cousins R, Mokarami H. Understanding risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian housewives: Development of a comprehensive health promotion behavior model. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:617. [PMID: 37004008 PMCID: PMC10064530 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15518-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic musculoskeletal problems are a major source of disability, reduced productivity and poor quality of life. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian housewives is particularly high. Understanding how housework causes the injuries, mobility restrictions and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders is vital to developing health promotion behavior models to support intervention. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of housewives with musculoskeletal disorders and, according to the risk factors identified, to develop a comprehensive behavior change framework to facilitate implementing a musculoskeletal health-promoting training intervention for women. METHODS Twenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with Iranian housewives aged 20-65 years experiencing musculoskeletal pain over a 13-month period from September 2020 to October 2021. The conventional content analysis approach was used to interrogate the data. The transcript of each interview was considered a unit of analysis, and data analysis was performed using MAXQDA2018 software. RESULTS The analysis of the interview data provided 1432 meaning units. From these codes, a conceptual framework was developed. This comprehensive model is comprised of 24 subcategories, eight categories and three themes: Individual and social predictors of MSDs and their control, Risk factors for MSDs, and Prevention and treatment of MSDs. Altogether the developed conceptual framework specified the multiple risk factors for MSDs in housewives. The findings were aligned to various health promotion models, and it was seen that ecological models, especially the Theory of Triadic Influence, can be very helpful as a supportive roadmap to implementing multilateral interventions to improve the quality of life of housewives. CONCLUSIONS This study developed an evidence based comprehensive model that identifies the individual, psychosocial, and cultural factors that influence the status of MSDs in women's domestic work to support the development and implementation of effective ergonomic interventions to manage potentials for MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Norouzi
- Department of Health Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian
- Department of Health Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Rosanna Cousins
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hamidreza Mokarami
- Department of Ergonomics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Bagheri Hosseinabadi M, Zandi N, Sartavi N, Aliyari R, Sadeghian F. The Risk Assessment of Patient Handling in Hospitals of Northeast of Iran. Hosp Top 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36000707 DOI: 10.1080/00185868.2022.2114964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The study aim was to determine the risk of Manual patient handling (MPH) in Shahroud public hospitals, Iran. A cross-sectional study was performed in Imam Hossein (IHospital) and Bahar (BHospital) with 21 wards. MPH risk assessment was performed using MAPO (Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patient) index. The ratio of operator to disabled patient (NC/Op and PC/Op), lifting, minor aid, wheelchair, environmental, and training factor are evaluated to calculate MAPO index. Among studied wards 57%, 33.3%, and 9.5%, respectively, were in the high, moderate, and low risk exposure level. The maximum MAPO score were 16.7 in CCU of IHospital. Emergency ward of BHospital had the highest score of 9.8 and PC/OP ratio 17.5. The most risk factors were minor aid (90.5%), lifting factor (71.4%), and PC/OP (66.7%). Immediate ergonomic action is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Bagheri Hosseinabadi
- MSC of Occupational Health Engineering, Department of occupational health, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Niloofar Zandi
- BSC of Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Nahideh Sartavi
- BSC of Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Roqayeh Aliyari
- PhD, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Farideh Sadeghian
- PhD, Assistant Professor of Occupational Health Engineering, Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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Saccucci M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P, Pranno N, Sotero S, Zara F, Vozza I. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. Int J Dent Hyg 2022; 20:571-579. [PMID: 35499290 PMCID: PMC9543870 DOI: 10.1111/idh.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are occupational illnesses concerned with different classes of professionals; dental hygienists are among those. The aim of this trial is to evaluate MSDs prevalence and significance of the symptoms in a sample of dental hygienists. Materials and Methods A 20‐question questionnaire was administered to a sample of dental hygienists, via social networks. The variables taken into consideration were personal data, hours of sport, working habits, years of professional activity, working hours and number of patients per week, presence or absence of pain. Statistical Analysis Data were evaluated using standard statistical analysis software, and an Excel database was created. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Group comparison was assessed by the chi‐square test of homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. (p‐value <0.05 as significant). Results 468 questionnaires were examined: 396 females (85%) and 72 males (15%). The prevailing age was between 25 and 35. Among them, 91% referred to be suffering or have suffered MSDs. The most relevant affected muscular areas are neck (30.6%), shoulder (25.0%) and lumbosacral region (23.3%); the remaining 21.1% is divided among the other regions. Association and statistical analysis among the different variables showed how presence of MSDs negatively influences absenteeism and work performance; further research regarding ergonomics, type of seat, stretching and workout prevention would be important to strengthen the results collected. Conclusions Musculoskeletal disorders diffusion among dental hygienists is particularly high due to lack of information; the majority of interviewees showed very little awareness of it; this led to a lack of effort in facing or possibly preventing these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Saccucci
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Zumbo
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mercuri
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - N Pranno
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Sotero
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Zara
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - I Vozza
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Carlan N, Szymanski T, Van Zetten J, Hilbrecht M, Bigelow P. The Path from Survey Development to Knowledge Activism: A Case Study of the Use of a Physical Loads Survey in a Retail Workplace. New Solut 2022; 32:65-76. [PMID: 35119980 PMCID: PMC9014667 DOI: 10.1177/10482911221074680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Workers at a multi-site retailer were concerned that they were experiencing higher than
anticipated work-related musculoskeletal disabilities (MSDs). They approached union
leadership and academic researchers and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project was
developed which culminated in a targeted online Physical Loads Survey (PLS). The goal was
to initiate discussions to design a preventative collaborative ergonomic program. Survey
results confirmed that during a shift, workers had significant exposure to standing,
carrying loads of more than 25 lbs, pushing and pulling loads greater than 225 lbs, and
repetitive arm and hand movements. The successful survey was the first step in the
development of a proactive health and safety program. The union proceeded without
management participation and was able to move beyond knowledge creation to knowledge
activism and change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette Carlan
- 153482University of Waterloo Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terri Szymanski
- 415316Laurentian University Faculty of Arts, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.,113665Ontario Public Service Employees Union, North York, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Margo Hilbrecht
- 153482University of Waterloo Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip Bigelow
- 153482University of Waterloo Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Malekpour K, Hazrati A, Zahar M, Markov A, Zekiy AO, Navashenaq JG, Roshangar L, Ahmadi M. The Potential Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derived Exosomes for Orthopedic Diseases Treatment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:933-951. [PMID: 34169411 PMCID: PMC8224994 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that can affect muscles, bones, and joints. These disorders are very painful and severely limit patients' mobility and are more common in the elderly. MSCs are multipotent stem cells isolated from embryonic (such as the umbilical cord) and mature sources (such as adipose tissue and bone marrow). These cells can differentiate into various cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, NP-like cells, Etc. Due to MSC characteristics such as immunomodulatory properties, ability to migrate to the site of injury, recruitment of cells involved in repair, production of growth factors, and large amount production of extracellular vesicles, these cells have been used in many regenerative-related medicine studies. Also, MSCs produce different types of EVs, such as exosomes, to the extracellular environment. Exosomes reflect MSCs' characteristics and do not have cell therapy-associated problems because they are cell-free. These vesicles carry proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids to the host cell and change their function. This review focuses on MSCs and MSCs exosomes' role in repairing dense connective tissues such as tendons, cartilage, invertebrate disc, bone fracture, and osteoporosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosar Malekpour
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hazrati
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marziah Zahar
- Social Security Centre of Excellence, School of Business Management, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok Kedah, Malaysia
| | | | - Angelina Olegovna Zekiy
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Abobakr A, Nahavandi D, Hossny M, Iskander J, Attia M, Nahavandi S, Smets M. RGB-D ergonomic assessment system of adopted working postures. Appl Ergon 2019; 80:75-88. [PMID: 31280813 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring a healthier working environment is of utmost importance for companies and global health organizations. In manufacturing plants, the ergonomic assessment of adopted working postures is indispensable to avoid risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This process receives high research interest and requires extracting plausible postural information as a preliminary step. This paper presents a semi-automated end-to-end ergonomic assessment system of adopted working postures. The proposed system analyzes the human posture holistically, does not rely on any attached markers, uses low cost depth technologies and leverages the state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. In particular, we train a deep convolutional neural network to analyze the articulated posture and predict body joint angles from a single depth image. The proposed method relies on learning from synthetic training images to allow simulating several physical tasks, different body shapes and rendering parameters and obtaining a highly generalizable model. The corresponding ground truth joint angles have been generated using a novel inverse kinematics modeling stage. We validated the proposed system in real environments and achieved a joint angle mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.19±1.57∘ and a rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) grand score prediction accuracy of 89% with Kappa index of 0.71 which means substantial agreement with reference scores. This work facilities evaluating several ergonomic assessment metrics as it provides direct access to necessary postural information overcoming the need for computationally expensive post-processing operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abobakr
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia.
| | - Darius Nahavandi
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Mohammed Hossny
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Julie Iskander
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Mohammed Attia
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Saeid Nahavandi
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Marty Smets
- Ford Motor Company, 29500 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI, 48150, USA
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Sain MK, Meena M. Identifying musculoskeletal issues and associated risk factors among clay brick kiln workers. Ind Health 2019; 57:381-391. [PMID: 30344230 PMCID: PMC6546584 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study is aimed to investigate the musculoskeletal issues and association of risk-factors with these problems among manual brick kiln workers. A modified Nordic Questionnaire was administered among 376 traditional brick kiln workers to collect data. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between musculoskeletal problems and risk-factors. Majority of workers (76.19%) involved in mould evacuating task reported wrist issues whereas lower back issues were reported by 62.35% of spading task workers. Age was a factor associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in the majority of the body regions. Gender was significantly associated with lower back (OR=3.71, CI: 1.51-9.11) MSDs. Spading task was associated with the wrist (OR=2.42, CI: 51.03-5.66), and lower back (OR=3.97, CI: 1.75-8.98) problems. Mould filling was a contributing factor for the wrist (OR=4.27, CI: 1.81-10.09) and knee (OR=6.88, CI: 2.40-19.70) issues. MSDs in wrist (OR=12.22, CI: 4.82-30.98) and fingers (OR=3.57, CI: 1.23-10.36) were significant in mould evacuating workers. Workers having less than 5 yr of experience were less prone to the neck (OR= 0.03, CI: 0.00-0.72) and upper back (OR=0.08, CI: 0.01-0.76) MSDs. For prevention of problems, ergonomic interventions such as workers' training, use of protecting aids, modification in hand tools and work practices are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Sain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Swami Keshvanand Institute of Technology, Management & Gramothan, India
| | - Makkhan Meena
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, India
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11
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Kapellusch JM, Silverstein BA, Bao SS, Thiese MS, Merryweather AS, Hegmann KT, Garg A. Risk assessments using the Strain Index and the TLV for HAL, Part II: Multi-task jobs and prevalence of CTS. J Occup Environ Hyg 2018; 15:157-166. [PMID: 29157154 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1401709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Strain Index (SI) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value for hand activity level (TLV for HAL) have been shown to be associated with prevalence of distal upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The SI and TLV for HAL disagree on more than half of task exposure classifications. Similarly, time-weighted average (TWA), peak, and typical exposure techniques used to quantity physical exposure from multi-task jobs have shown between-technique agreement ranging from 61% to 93%, depending upon whether the SI or TLV for HAL model was used. This study compared exposure-response relationships between each model-technique combination and prevalence of CTS. Physical exposure data from 1,834 workers (710 with multi-task jobs) were analyzed using the SI and TLV for HAL and the TWA, typical, and peak multi-task job exposure techniques. Additionally, exposure classifications from the SI and TLV for HAL were combined into a single measure and evaluated. Prevalent CTS cases were identified using symptoms and nerve-conduction studies. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to quantify exposure-response relationships between categorized (i.e., low, medium, and high) physical exposure and CTS prevalence for all model-technique combinations, and for multi-task workers, mono-task workers, and all workers combined. Except for TWA TLV for HAL, all model-technique combinations showed monotonic increases in risk of CTS with increased physical exposure. The combined-models approach showed stronger association than the SI or TLV for HAL for multi-task workers. Despite differences in exposure classifications, nearly all model-technique combinations showed exposure-response relationships with prevalence of CTS for the combined sample of mono-task and multi-task workers. Both the TLV for HAL and the SI, with the TWA or typical techniques, appear useful for epidemiological studies and surveillance. However, the utility of TWA, typical, and peak techniques for job design and intervention is dubious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay M Kapellusch
- a Department of Occupational Science & Technology , University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee , Milwaukee , Wisconsin
| | - Barbara A Silverstein
- b SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries , Olympia , Washington
| | - Stephen S Bao
- b SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries , Olympia , Washington
| | - Mathew S Thiese
- c Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Andrew S Merryweather
- c Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- c Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Arun Garg
- a Department of Occupational Science & Technology , University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee , Milwaukee , Wisconsin
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12
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Dianat I, Bazazan A, Souraki Azad MA, Salimi SS. Work-related physical, psychosocial and individual factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among surgeons: Implications for ergonomic interventions. Appl Ergon 2018; 67:115-124. [PMID: 29122182 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of physical, psychosocial and individual factors on the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among surgeons (n = 312) in Iran. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed by multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of MSS, particularly in the knees (48.7%), neck (45.8%), low back (42.3%) and shoulders (40.1%) was relatively high. Work-related factors including time spent on surgeries each week (>25 h/week), number of hours working in standing position per day (>4 h/day), moderate to high levels of work-family conflict, duration of each surgery (>3 h), number of years worked as a surgeon (>10 years) and surgical specialty (particularly cardiothoracic and obstetric/gynecologic surgeries) were independently associated with the presence of MSS in different body regions. Individual factors including gender (being female) and little or no involvement in sport and physical activity were also independently associated with the occurrence of complaints. Implications of the findings for further research and development work for improving the working conditions and consequently reducing MSS among this working group are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Dianat
- Department of Occupational Health and Ergonomics, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Bazazan
- Department of Occupational Health and Ergonomics, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Kapellusch JM, Bao SS, Silverstein BA, Merryweather AS, Thiese MS, Hegmann KT, Garg A. Risk assessments using the Strain Index and the TLV for HAL, Part I: Task and multi-task job exposure classifications. J Occup Environ Hyg 2017; 14:1011-1019. [PMID: 28825893 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1366037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Strain Index (SI) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level (TLV for HAL) use different constituent variables to quantify task physical exposures. Similarly, time-weighted-average (TWA), Peak, and Typical exposure techniques to quantify physical exposure from multi-task jobs make different assumptions about each task's contribution to the whole job exposure. Thus, task and job physical exposure classifications differ depending upon which model and technique are used for quantification. This study examines exposure classification agreement, disagreement, correlation, and magnitude of classification differences between these models and techniques. METHODS Data from 710 multi-task job workers performing 3,647 tasks were analyzed using the SI and TLV for HAL models, as well as with the TWA, Typical and Peak job exposure techniques. Physical exposures were classified as low, medium, and high using each model's recommended, or a priori limits. Exposure classification agreement and disagreement between models (SI, TLV for HAL) and between job exposure techniques (TWA, Typical, Peak) were described and analyzed. RESULTS Regardless of technique, the SI classified more tasks as high exposure than the TLV for HAL, and the TLV for HAL classified more tasks as low exposure. The models agreed on 48.5% of task classifications (kappa = 0.28) with 15.5% of disagreement between low and high exposure categories. Between-technique (i.e., TWA, Typical, Peak) agreement ranged from 61-93% (kappa: 0.16-0.92) depending on whether the SI or TLV for HAL was used. CONCLUSIONS There was disagreement between the SI and TLV for HAL and between the TWA, Typical and Peak techniques. Disagreement creates uncertainty for job design, job analysis, risk assessments, and developing interventions. Task exposure classifications from the SI and TLV for HAL might complement each other. However, TWA, Typical, and Peak job exposure techniques all have limitations. Part II of this article examines whether the observed differences between these models and techniques produce different exposure-response relationships for predicting prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay M Kapellusch
- a Department of Occupational Science & Technology , University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee , Milwaukee , Wisconsin
| | - Stephen S Bao
- b SHARP Program , Washington State Department of Labor and Industries , Olympia , Washington
| | - Barbara A Silverstein
- b SHARP Program , Washington State Department of Labor and Industries , Olympia , Washington
| | - Andrew S Merryweather
- c Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Mathew S Thiese
- c Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- c Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah
| | - Arun Garg
- a Department of Occupational Science & Technology , University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee , Milwaukee , Wisconsin
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study uses the RULA method to define the most favourable working conditions to lower climbing greenhouse plants, the most problematic task involved in trellising crops. OBJECTIVE The aim is to prevent potential musculoskeletal disorders to the upper limbs in workers performing this task. METHODS The variety of scenarios involving this task was simulated in the laboratory to evaluate different working heights, crop weights, and types of guides handled. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS From the 2,544 tests made, only some ergonomically favourable conditions were found to be met when the work was done at a height of 1.4 m, although heights of between 1.2 and 1.6 m could prove acceptable. Furthermore, the study shows the importance of the type of hanger needed to perform the work correctly, of the group of hangers tested; ergonomically acceptable handling was possible only with the new-generation ones having the lock device. In the case of using other types of hangers, it is recommended not to support weights greater than 2 kg. In addition to the above recommendations, it is considered vital to guarantee the correct organization of the workday to include recovery times from the earliest working hours, given the repetitive nature of the work, as well as to promote training sessions to avoid incorrect postures, especially regarding the limbs, trunk, wrist, and neck.
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Dianat I, Kord M, Yahyazade P, Karimi MA, Stedmon AW. Association of individual and work-related risk factors with musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian sewing machine operators. Appl Ergon 2015; 51:180-188. [PMID: 26154216 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study evaluated working conditions and the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 251 Iranian sewing machine operators. A questionnaire and direct observations of working postures using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method were used. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly in the neck/shoulders, back and hands/wrists were found. The mean RULA grand score of 5.7 highlighted a poor sewing workstation design and indicated that most operators (with posture assessed at action level 3) needed an investigation and changes in their working habits soon. Work-related factors (including number of years worked as an operator, prolonged working hours per shift, long duration of sitting work without a break, feeling pressure due to work and working postures) and individual factors (including age, gender, BMI and regular sport/physical activities) were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in multiple logistic regression models. The findings add to the understanding of working conditions of those jobs involving sewing activities and emphasise the need for ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Dianat
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Madeh Kord
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Parvin Yahyazade
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | - Alex W Stedmon
- Human Systems Integration Group, Faculty of Engineering & Computing, Coventry University, UK.
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Taghi Mojeni M, Najafi SA, Nomali M. Introducing a New Technique for Limb Prepping in Orthopedic Surgeries: Designing, Construction, and Evaluation of Limb-Lifting Assistive Device. Workplace Health Saf 2015; 63:196-9. [PMID: 26031695 DOI: 10.1177/2165079915580740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lifting and holding patients' limbs while preparing the skin for orthopedic surgeries may be a lengthy process causing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for preoperative team members. Studies reported weight limits for lifting and holding limbs; whenever this weight is greater than a specific amount, additional staff or assistive devices are needed because nurses and support staff working in orthopedic operating rooms (ORs) are at high risk of MSDs. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the design, construction, and effectiveness of a limb-lifting assistive device installed in the OR of 5 Azar Hospital affiliated with Golestan University of Medical Sciences and used during the surgical preparation process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahin Nomali
- Golestan University of Medical Sciences,Gorgan, Iran
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Abstract
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the musculoskeletal symptoms, pain and
risk of postures as well as the effects of stretching exercise on the work-related
symptoms and pain of bus drivers. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty-one drivers were randomly
recruited from a bus corporation for this study. Information about pain levels, painful
regions, and general characteristics of subjects was obtained using the symptom research
form (KOSHA Code H-30-2003). The level of pain was assessed on a scale of numeric rating
scale (NRS) which is divided by 10. Ergonomic posture assessment was conducted using the
rapid upper limb assessment (RULA). Self-stretching exercise was performed for 4 weeks by
the bus drivers who suffered from neck and shoulder pain. [Results] Musculoskeletal
symptoms were present in the order of shoulder, neck, lower back and lower extremities.
Compared with other jobs, the final score, and the action level of bus drivers were very
high, showing 57.6% of action levels 3 and 4. A statistically significant decrease of pain
was shown after the self-stretching intervention. There was also a significant decrease of
musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck and shoulders after the self-stretching exercise.
[Conclusion] Performing stretching for musculoskeletal symptoms had a positive influence
on the symptoms and reduced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ho Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwang Bo Gak
- Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Republic of Korea
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Vogel K, Eklund J. On physiological demands and sustainability in meat cutting. Ergonomics 2014; 58:463-479. [PMID: 25383723 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.975287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Meat cutters' work has been investigated by several researchers. However, knowledge about the physiological demands of meat cutting is almost lacking. The aim of this explorative study was to assess physiological demands in meat cutting, to compare them with International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations for acceptable workload and to discuss the findings in relation to individual and work-related factors. In accordance with the ILO recommendations, work was categorised as sustainable or non-sustainable based on critical relative aerobic strain (RAS) levels. Twenty-one beef and pork cutters participated in the study, which included workload measurements, assessment of workplace and individual factors. Thirteen meat cutters were categorised as having non-sustainable and eight as having sustainable work. Results suggest that the workload is higher in beef cutting than in pork cutting, and that longer work experience is related to lower RAS. Other factors contributing to the physical workload are discussed. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY Meat-cutting work may exceed recommended physical workload levels. Beef cutting is physically more demanding than pork cutting. Furthermore, factors such as years in the profession, knife sharpness, work pace, wage system, working technique, maximum oxygen uptake level and muscular strength should be considered when planning actions regarding the workload for meat cutters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjerstin Vogel
- a Unit of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Huddinge , Sweden
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Bruno Garza JL, Eijckelhof BH, Huysmans MA, Catalano PJ, Katz JN, Johnson PW, van Dieen JH, van der Beek AJ, Dennerlein JT. The effect of over-commitment and reward on trapezius muscle activity and shoulder, head, neck, and torso postures during computer use in the field. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:1190-200. [PMID: 23818000 PMCID: PMC4522287 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of reported associations of psychosocial factors and computer related musculoskeletal symptoms, we investigated the effects of a workplace psychosocial factor, reward, in the presence of over-commitment, on trapezius muscle activity and shoulder, head, neck, and torso postures during computer use. METHODS We measured 120 office workers across four groups (lowest/highest reward/over-commitment), performing their own computer work at their own workstations over a 2-hr period. RESULTS Median trapezius muscle activity (P = 0.04) and median neck flexion (P = 0.03) were largest for participants reporting simultaneously low reward and high over-commitment. No differences were observed for other muscle activities or postures. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the interaction of reward and over-commitment can affect upper extremity muscle activity and postures during computer use in the real work environment. This finding aligns with the hypothesized biomechanical pathway connecting workplace psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and shoulder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Belinda H.W. Eijckelhof
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Body@Work Research Center on Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU/VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike A. Huysmans
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Body@Work Research Center on Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU/VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Catalano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, U.S.A
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, U.S.A
| | - Jeffrey N. Katz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University, Boston, U.S.A
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, U.S.A
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, U.S.A
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, U.S.A
| | - Peter W. Johnson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, U.S.A
| | - Jaap H. van Dieen
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Allard J. van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Body@Work Research Center on Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU/VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jack T. Dennerlein
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University, Boston, U.S.A
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physical Therapy, Northeastern University, Boston, U.S.A
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