Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography and the Alexander Technique

Ultrasound ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivien Gibbs ◽  
Pat Young

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) is a problem affecting growing numbers of sonographers. The condition often leads to considerable pain for the individuals concerned and inconvenience for departments struggling to cope with increasing workloads. Employers and equipment manufacturers are making efforts to address the problem, but the number of cases of WRMSD continues to increase. This study looks at a different approach to tackling the problem, introducing student sonographers to a technique often used in other professions to overcome stress and damage to the body caused by repetitive movements. The 'Alexander technique' (AT) is a method of increasing an individual's awareness of their body and mind when performing an activity. In a profession such as sonography, where the practitioner is concentrating for long periods of time on interpreting images on a television monitor, the position and movement of the body is usually ignored. By working with a skilled teacher, individuals can be shown how to work more effectively, leading to a possible reduction in stress to the body. Initial results indicate that AT has potential to be of benefit to sonographers in preventing or reducing the incidence of WRMSD; further work is planned.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
Raihasih Imtinaniyah Defanera ◽  
Meiza Annisa

Peningkatan kesehatan fisik bagi relawan adalah salah satu cara program mitigasi bencana karena dengan memanagemen fisik dari relawan akan meningkatkan kapasitas proteksi diri dalam tanggap bencana. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui faktor resiko Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders pada Relawan Kebencanaan.  Metodologi Berupa studi pustaka yang memfokuskan kepada kajian artikel, buku dan sumber lain. Kesimpulan : Cidera dan work related musculoskeletal disorders sangatlah tinggi untuk itu harus memperhatikan benar bagaimana pergerakan suatu fungsi tubuh yang menggunakan pergerakan secara manual untuk sebuah pemindahan objek. Sudah saatnya pekerja tanggap bencana memperhatikan pencegahan faktor resiko yang mungkin saja dialami. tujuan Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui faktor resiko Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders pada Relawan Kebencanaan


Author(s):  
Ana Sophia Rosado ◽  
J. Santos Baptista ◽  
J.C. Guedes

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorder can result from extreme physical demands at work. It has risen, mainly due to high muscle demands and static postures and generates a significant economic burden to the companies. This short review aims to point out the statistics of the most affected body parts by work-related musculoskeletal disorders, assess absenteeism and presenteeism costs, and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. Methodology: According to the PRISMA Statement, the search was performed in 5 electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Pubmed). Articles selection was made by the title and abstract analysis, especially those aiming to explain and validate the subject. If the abstract fulfils the objective, the articles were read, and studies were considered that met the defined eligibility criteria. Were chosen articles that realised measurements or considered interventions in healthy human beings, especially in the working population, dated from 2015 to 2020. Results and Discussion: The scrutinised articles were conclusive that the most affected part of the body are the upper limbs, the neck and the upper back. The statistics ofthe affected workers varied according to the country and analysed tasks, but they converge concerning the most affected body parts. It could be noted that women are more affected by musculoskeletal disorders than men, especially older women; the reason, however, is not clearly explained. Muscle injury can lead high economic burden, mostly due to absenteeism and presenteeism. It was noted that the expenditure due to presenteeism is higher comparing to absenteeism in both developed and emergent countries. Conclusions: Due to high costs, companies are deploying strategies to improve work conditions and aware the workers about health and safety. Interventions have shown to be effective in reducing the risk of injuries. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders canbe extremely damaging to the workers’ health and are costly to the companies. Support supervisor interventions effectively improve work conditions and reduce the risk of damaging outcomes, increasing workers’ health, work ability, and, consequently, productivity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 162-167
Author(s):  
Nishchal Ratna Shakya ◽  
Shreya Shrestha

Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders are common complaint at workplace and is a leading cause of illness. A kitchen worker’s work consists of continuous long standing hours, awkward positions, lifting heavy loads and repetitive activities. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is related to demographic factors, occupational, psychosocial factors and ergonomic risk factors at workplace. Canteen staffs are considered to be at higher risk of having musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among the canteen staffs of Kathmandu University and to find association between risk factor and musculoskeletal disorders among the canteen staffs. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study interviewing 40 participants for filling the demographic data and the standardized Nordic questionnaires for assessing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the canteen staffs of Kathmandu University. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. Results: We found that out of 40 participants, 60% reported having at least one work related musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 12 month. Back pain (35%) was most commonly reported disorder followed by neck (27.5%) and ankle pain (27.5%). Conclusion: Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder among the canteen staffs of Kathmandu University was found to be high. So it is essential to take necessary steps to minimize musculoskeletal disorder and develop preventive strategies.


Author(s):  
Gh Halvani ◽  
H Fallah ◽  
R Jafari Nodoushan ◽  
A Haji hosseini ◽  
H Fallah zadeh ◽  
...  

Introduction: The condition of work in handloom weaving industries cause musculoskeletal (MSDS) disorders which are the most prevailing professional problem among weavers. The aim of this research was to determine ergonomic risk factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Method: The present study was done through descriptive cross-section method to assess the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the weavers. Our data collection tools were: demographic questionnaire, job Nordic questionnaire and body map prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders to decide the rate of symptoms. Then, we took film from handloom weavers while wearing to know the condition of their bodies. After reviewing the films, the posture marks was assigned to each duty using the Ergo Intelligence software. At the end, data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and T-test using SPSS ver.20. Results: The results showed that the most frequent incidence of pain in different organs of the body during last year belonged to neck and shoulder. The average OCRA was 3.65.This indicated that most of the handloom weavers (64.4%) are at high risk. Conclusion: According to the re According to the results of OCRA indices, weavers are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries, indicating their poor working environment and working conditions, indicating the need for corrective actions.


Author(s):  
O.O Ajayi

The study assesses the impact of construction activities as a contributor for the onset of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in construction workers. There is high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMDs) which are associated with various construction actions. The paper identified nineteen various actions pertaining to unfavourable ergonomic practice as it results in the identified WMDs. A total of 140 copies of questionnaire were administered on randomly selected contractors out of which 83 was retrieved and found valid for this study and this constituted 59.3% of the sample size. The various activities were measured on a five-point Likert scale. Based on the percentage responses on a scale 1(minor) to 5(major) the overall mean scores were calculated. The actions were further subjected to Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with performance (P) at 0.05 level of confidence to measure the significance difference in the rate of occurrence of various activities for the onset of WMDs. It was observed from the analysis that the actions are challenges to the construction industry as it results in WMDs which affects the productivity of workers and promote early retirement of construction workers. The study concluded that there is significant difference in the rate of occurrence of various actions as they result in WMDs. The study therefore recommends the need for awareness and amplifies the value of improving knowledge for ergonomics in construction and promotes the concept of design for construction ergonomics.


Author(s):  
Yi-Lang Chen ◽  
Yan-Ting Zhong ◽  
Bang-Nan Liou ◽  
Chih-Chuan Yang

In this study, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was administered to a valid sample of 81 Taiwanese bakery workers to explore their discomfort or symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and identify the risk factors. Wrist postures were also examined during 3 typical dough operations (kneading, rolling, and rounding) by using an electrogoniometer. The prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in any part of the body in the past year among the respondents was 93.0%, with the highest prevalence of 66.3% and 51.8% in the hands/wrists (right and left), followed by the prevalence of 50.6% and 45.8% in the shoulders (right and left) and the lower back (48.2%), respectively. The results also revealed that during the 3 dough processing operations, the workers’ wrist movements in specific operations were close to the recommended limits suggested in previous studies, especially the ulnar deviation and palm flexion of the right wrist during dough kneading and the radial deviation of the left wrist during dough rolling and rounding. The study findings can be used to explain why the bakers self-report a high proportion of wrist and shoulder disorders and can also serve as a reference for task rearrangement and redesign.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Yentis ◽  
◽  
K. Asanati ◽  
C.R. Bailey ◽  
R. Hampton ◽  
...  

3Association of Anaesthetists | Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetistsSummaryWork-related musculoskeletal disorders are very common amongst healthcare workers, and there is evidence that anaesthetists are at greater risk of upper limb disorders than other groups. This guidance aims to bring together advice and recommendations from a variety of sources in order to inform and support anaesthetists at work, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the exacerbation of pre-existing disorders. Mechanical and psychosocial risk factors for work-associated musculoskeletal disorders are summarised, along with general principles for achieving better musculoskeletal health and practices specific to areas of the body most at risk. These include recommended exercises and stretches during sedentary work.RecommendationsAttention must be paid by both employers and anaesthetists to the physical and psychological risk factors that may lead to development and/or exacerbation of musculoskeletal disorders. This requires ongoing risk assessments and adherence to published standards of health and safety at work, including training. Such a programme is best achieved as part of a multidisciplinary approach.What other guidelines are available on this topic? There are many sources of guidance on health and safety in the workplace, across many sectors, much of which is of relevance to anaesthetists. There is no readily accessible guidance specifically aimed at the anaesthetic workplace.Why was this guideline developed?This guidance was developed as part of a wider piece of work by the Association of Anaesthetists based around ergonomics of the anaesthetic workplace, as a result of the increased reported incidence of musculoskeletal disorders amongst anaesthetists. It aims to draw on existing guidance and present a summary of advice relevant to anaesthetists and their practice.How and why does this publication differ from existing guidelines?This guidance summarises other advice and recommendations, and focuses on factors relevant to the anaesthetic workplace


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Shujaat Hussain Memon ◽  
Fiza Memon

BACKGROUND AND AIMS It has been estimated that 14-17% of the cases referred to primary care consultations are related to musculoskeletal disorders. The study was aimed to determine prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal disorder among care givers of physically handicapped children. METHOD The study includes a sample size of 187 caregivers of physically handicapped children. Two differently self-designed questionnaires were used to gather information from the clinician and the parents separately. The data was collected only once from the participants. It was assured that the data would be used only for research purpose, prior consent was taken before administering the questionnaire.


2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Papandreou ◽  
A Vervainioti

The performing arts medicine literature indicates that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in musician instrumentalists is approximately 43%. The primary purpose of this study was to record rates of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among professional and student percussionists in Greece. The secondary aim was to uncover relationships between the percussionists’ musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors such as their age, main musical activity, and practice time in musical training. METHODS: Thirty percussionists of both sexes, in active musical activity, aged 20 to 60 years, participated. The Musicians Health Questionnaire was used to record their musculoskeletal disorders as assessed in four factors: personal data, musical activity, total body musculoskeletal disorders, and treatment. RESULTS: In the 30 percussionists, 32% of musculoskeletal disorders involved the upper limb, 20% the vertebral column, 8% muscle tissue, 13% psychological problems, and 27% the rest of the body. The most common problems were tremor (20%, n = 6), neuralgia in the arms (17%, n = 5), and backache (20%, n = 6). Statistically significant correlations were found between upper-limb tremor and main musical activity (r = 0.53, p = 0.01), backache and age (r = 0.48, p = 0.01), and neuralgia in the arms and musical practice time (in hrs/day; r = 0.45, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that most musculoskeletal disorders among percussionists in Greece affect the upper limbs and involve multiple risk factors. Because of the limited number of respondents, this study should be considered as a pilot population study.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-12
Author(s):  
Saravanan Prerana ◽  
Murugan Saravanan ◽  
Lad Krunal ◽  
Ramani Krishna ◽  
Vadodarariya Ruchi

Background: Physiotherapists, despite having good knowledge of work related musculoskeletal disorders, are not immune to it. As literature related to these injuries in Physiotherapy profession in India is scarce, this study aims to investigate prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorder, job risk factors commonly involved and coping strategies used among Physiotherapist in India. Methods: A semi structured questionnaire adopted from questionnaires used for similar studies around the world was circulated to 314 Physiotherapists. A total of 271 questionnaires were received back with a response rate of 86%. Mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage and chi square test were used as appropriate for data analysis. Results: Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders was found to be 62.73%. Lower back region was affected the most (65.3%) followed by neck (41.8%) and shoulder (26.5%). As per response of therapists in this study, the most common risk factors were: working in static positions for longer periods (77%), treating large number of patients in single day (68.2%) and bending and twisting back in awkward positions (65.8%).Common coping strategies adopted by respondents were: modifying positions of patient and self (54.1%), adjusting height of treatment surface (47.1%) and selection of techniques that does not aggravate or provoke discomfort (41.8%). Conclusion: This study has identified the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among Physiotherapists in India and possible risk factors associated with this profession. It has also identified the common coping strategies utilized by therapists. These findings would be significant in modifying risk factors to prevent and/or minimize work related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists.


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