A Game-Theory Method to Design Job Rotation Schedules to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders Based on Workers’ Preferences and Competencies

In the different healthcare settings, evidence shows that healthcare workers can be exposed to various work-related hazards, which might be ergonomics, biological, psychological, and physical hazards. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are frequently reported among the different healthcare workers, and estimates indicate that surgeons are the most commonly affected. Disorders and injuries related to the backbone, shoulders, wrist, and knees are mainly reported by healthcare workers as relevant ergonomic hazards. In the present literature review, we have discussed the commonest ergonomics that have been reported in the literature among healthcare workers. Musculoskeletal disorders as back, knee, and wrist pain are the most frequently reported among the different settings. We have also assessed the different reasons that might attribute to the development of such events, and increased workload and working hours, in addition to the harmful postures are the main reasons that have been reported in the literature. Each clinical and surgical setting might be associated with significant risk factors over others, and therefore, specific interventions should be applied within these settings to enhance satisfaction among healthcare workers. Healthcare authorities are mainly responsible to achieve this. However, further epidemiological investigations are still needed to adequately plan the righteous interventional programs.

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Designing Cyclic Job Rotations to Reduce the Exposure to Ergonomics Risk Factors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17031073 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 1073 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jose Antonio Diego-Mas

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Complex Problem ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Job Rotation ◽

Work Related ◽

Working Environments ◽

Job Monitoring ◽

Rotation Groups

Job rotation is an administrative solution to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders that has become widespread. However, job rotation schedules development is a complex problem. This is due to the multi-factorial character of the disorders and to the productive and organizational constraints of the real working environments. To avoid these problems, this work presents an evolutionary algorithm to generate rotation schedules in which a set of workers rotate cyclically over a small number of jobs while reducing the potential for injury. The algorithm is able to generate rotation schedules that optimize multiple ergonomics criteria by clustering the tasks into rotation groups, selecting the workers for each group, and determining the sequence of rotation of the workers to minimize the effects of fatigue. The algorithm reduces prolonged exposure to risks related to musculoskeletal injuries and simplifies the assignment of workers to different tasks in each rotation. The presented procedure can be an effective tool for the design of job-rotation schedules that prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders while simplifying scheduled changeovers at each rotation and facilitating job monitoring.

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Forced Treadmill Running Reduces Systemic Inflammation Yet Worsens Upper Limb Discomfort in a rat model of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

10.21203/rs.2.11415/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Tianqi Tenchi Gao Smith ◽

Ann E Barr-Gillespie ◽

David M Klyne ◽

Michelle Y Harris ◽

Mamta Amin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Task Performance ◽

Upper Extremity ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Rat Model ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Work Related ◽

High Repetition ◽

Flexor Digitorum

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal disorders can result from prolonged repetitive and/or forceful movements. Performance of an upper extremity high repetition high force task increases serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and upper extremity sensorimotor declines in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Since one of the most efficacious treatments for musculoskeletal pain is exercise, this study investigated the effectiveness of treadmill running in preventing these responses. Methods: Twenty-nine young adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Nineteen were trained for 5 weeks to pull a lever bar at high force (15 min/day). Thirteen went on to perform a high repetition high force reaching and lever-pulling task for 10 weeks (10-wk HRHF; 2 hrs/day, 3 days/wk). From this group, five were randomly selected to undergo forced treadmill running exercise (TM) during the last 6 weeks of task performance (10-wk HRHF+TM, 1 hr/day, 5 days/wk). Results were compared to 10 control rats and 6 rats that underwent 6 weeks of treadmill running following training only (TR-then-TM). Voluntary task and reflexive sensorimotor behavioral outcomes were assessed. Serum was assayed for inflammatory cytokines and corticosterone, reach limb median nerves for CD68+ macrophages and extraneural thickening, and reach limb flexor digitorum muscles and tendons for pathological changes. Results: 10-wk HRHF rats had higher serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1β and TNFα, than control rats. In the 10-wk HRHF+TM group, IL-1β and TNFα were lower, whereas IL-10 and corticosterone were higher, compared to 10-wk HRHF only rats. Unexpectedly, several voluntary task performance outcomes (grasp force, reach success, and participation) worsened in rats that underwent treadmill running, compared to untreated 10-wk HRHF rats. Examination of forelimb tissues revealed lower cellularity within the flexor digitorum epitendon but higher numbers of CD68+ macrophages within and extraneural fibrosis around median nerves in 10-wk HRHF+TM than 10-wk HRHF rats. Conclusions: Treadmill running was associated with lower systemic inflammation and moderate tendinosis, yet higher median nerve inflammation/fibrosis and worse task performance and sensorimotor behaviors. Continued loading of the injured tissues in addition to stress-related factors associated with forced running/exercise likely contributed to our findings.

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Forced Treadmill Running Reduces Systemic Inflammation Yet Worsens Upper Limb Discomfort in a rat model of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

10.21203/rs.2.11415/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Tianqi Tenchi Gao Smith ◽

Ann E Barr-Gillespie ◽

David M Klyne ◽

Michelle Y Harris ◽

Mamta Amin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Task Performance ◽

Upper Extremity ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Rat Model ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Work Related ◽

High Repetition ◽

Flexor Digitorum

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal disorders can result from prolonged repetitive and/or forceful movements. Performance of an upper extremity high repetition high force task increases serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and upper extremity sensorimotor declines in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Since one of the most efficacious treatments for musculoskeletal pain is exercise, this study investigated the effectiveness of treadmill running in preventing these responses. Methods: Twenty-nine young adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Nineteen were trained for 5 weeks to pull a lever bar at high force (15 min/day). Thirteen went on to perform a high repetition high force reaching and lever-pulling task for 10 weeks (10-wk HRHF; 2 hrs/day, 3 days/wk). From this group, five were randomly selected to undergo forced treadmill running exercise (TM) during the last 6 weeks of task performance (10-wk HRHF+TM, 1 hr/day, 5 days/wk). Results were compared to 10 control rats and 6 rats that underwent 6 weeks of treadmill running following training only (TR-then-TM). Voluntary task and reflexive sensorimotor behavioral outcomes were assessed. Serum was assayed for inflammatory cytokines and corticosterone, reach limb median nerves for CD68+ macrophages and extraneural thickening, and reach limb flexor digitorum muscles and tendons for pathological changes. Results: 10-wk HRHF rats had higher serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1β and TNFα, than control rats. In the 10-wk HRHF+TM group, IL-1β and TNFα were lower, whereas IL-10 and corticosterone were higher, compared to 10-wk HRHF only rats. Unexpectedly, several voluntary task performance outcomes (grasp force, reach success, and participation) worsened in rats that underwent treadmill running, compared to untreated 10-wk HRHF rats. Examination of forelimb tissues revealed lower cellularity within the flexor digitorum epitendon but higher numbers of CD68+ macrophages within and extraneural fibrosis around median nerves in 10-wk HRHF+TM than 10-wk HRHF rats. Conclusions: Treadmill running was associated with lower systemic inflammation and moderate tendinosis, yet higher median nerve inflammation/fibrosis and worse task performance and sensorimotor behaviors. Continued loading of the injured tissues in addition to stress-related factors associated with forced running/exercise likely contributed to our findings.

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Association Between Work-Relate Musculoskeletal Disorder and Ergonomic Risk Factors Among Nursing Professionals in Ranya and Qaladiza Districts

Kurdistan Journal of Applied Research ◽

10.24017/science.2017.2.25 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 65-70

Author(s):

Karwan Mahmood Khudhir ◽

Kochar Khasraw Saleh ◽

Muhammed Saeed Qadir ◽

Kochr Ali Mahmood ◽

Ahmad Azuhairi Ariffin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Occupational Injury ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Risk Level ◽

Body Parts ◽

Ergonomic Risk Factors ◽

Ergonomic Risk

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury and disability among the professional nursing, due to the number and variety of risk factors associated with the work environment. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and its association with ergonomic risk factors. A self-administered questionnaire and observational method was used to collect information from 420 individuals and then the data were computerized and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. The overall prevalence of WRMSDs among Ranya and Qaladiza districts nurses was 74%. The neck pain was the most prevalent site of WRMSDs (48.4%) compared to other body parts. Logistic regression analysis indicated that significant risk factors for WRMSDs symptoms were older nurses aged >39.5 years old (OR=3.076, 95% CI: 1.200, 7.884), medium RULA risk level (OR= 255.096, 95% CI: 24.078, 2702.681), very high RULA risk level (OR=151.675, 95% CI: 17.536, 1311.891), low RULA risk level (OR=9.277, 95% CI: 1.064, 80.893). Prevention strategies and health education which emphasizes on psychosocial risk factors and how to improve working conditions should be introduced.

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Beating Injury with a Different Drumstick: A Pilot Study

Medical Problems of Performing Artists ◽

10.21091/mppa.2000.1008 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 39-44

Author(s):

Christine Zaza ◽

Mark S Fleiszer ◽

Frank W Maine ◽

Chris Mechefske

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Electronic Devices ◽

Oriented Polymer ◽

Work Related ◽

High Repetition ◽

Vibration Properties ◽

Musculoskeletal Problems ◽

Tunnel Syndrome

Many studies indicate that percussionists are among the instrumentalists at higher risk for playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. Several drummers with musculoskeletal disorders have reported an alleviation of symptoms and a return to pain-free playing with the use of a newly developed oriented polymer drumstick. These anecdotal reports have prompted the authors to investigate the properties of the oriented drumsticks compared with wooden drumsticks. This paper reviews the musculoskeletal problems of percussionists as well as the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and presents the results of preliminary tests comparing the properties of the oriented polymer drumsticks with those of wooden drumsticks. Electronic devices for measuring vibration amplitude were attached to the drumsticks, which were mounted with a clamp on one end. The drumsticks were tapped gently and the response was recorded. There was a noticeable difference in amplitude between the two types of drumsticks: the oriented polymer drumsticks stopped vibrating sooner than the wooden drumsticks. Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders include high repetition, high force, and other factors, such as vibration. With regard to carpal tunnel syndrome risk, the vibration properties of oriented polymer drumsticks are potentially favorable compared with wooden drumsticks. The authors’ next step is to determine whether the oriented polymer drumsticks are associated with a reduction of risk for playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in drummers.

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Work related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists; a systematic review

Rehman Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.52442/rjhs.v2i2.83 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 28-35

Author(s):

Muhammad Hammad Haleem ◽

Ikram Ali ◽

Savera Khan ◽

Abdullah Jehangir ◽

Irfan Ullah

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Introduction: Physical therapists are required to perform tasks that predispose them to developing work related musculoskeletal disorders. The physical therapists personal and professional life can be affected by work related musculoskeletal disorders. High level evidence is lacking regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to combine information on prevalence, risk factors and the consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists. Material & Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.Three members independently searched the databases PubMed and other online sources including google scholar for relevant data from July 2014 to September 2020. Cross-sectional studies published in English language which reported work related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists were included. Studies involving physical therapy students and internees, having insufficient information about past or current work-related musculoskeletal disorders, sample size of physical therapists less than 50 and not published in peer reviewed journals were excluded. Results: Twenty one articles were included in current systematic review. The 1-year prevalence of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists ranged from 38.5% to 97.6%. The low back was the commonest affected body part. Treating large number of patients and manual therapy were the leading risk factors for developing work related musculoskeletal disorders. The most common consequences were modifying treatment techniques and reducing work hours. Conclusion: Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders are high among physical therapists. The nature of physical therapy job presents significant risk factors which can lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders.

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