Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Taiwanese Bakery Workers

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.

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Determining the musculoskeletal disorders as the most common work-related injuries, especially in the crafts using the OCRA evaluation method

Occupational Medicine ◽

10.18502/tkj.v10i4.1729 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Gh Halvani ◽

H Fallah ◽

R Jafari Nodoushan ◽

A Haji hosseini ◽

H Fallah zadeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

High Risk ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Evaluation Method ◽

The Body ◽

Working Environment ◽

Work Related ◽

Demographic Questionnaire ◽

Ergonomic Risk Factors

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.

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Comparison of ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dismantler and burners of electronic waste in Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181321651256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 715-719

Author(s):

Augustine A. Acquah ◽

Clive D’Souza ◽

Bernard J. Martin ◽

John Arko-Mensah ◽

Niladri Basu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Electronic Waste ◽

Waste Recycling ◽

Trunk Flexion ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Rudimentary methods for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling employed in developing countries are a source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A summarized comparison of WRMSDs and preliminary exposure assessment among e-waste dismantlers (D) and burners (B) in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is presented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate WRMSDs and associated risk factors using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a newly developed ergonomic assessment tool. Results indicated higher WRMSDs prevalence in the lower back (68% D vs. 52% B; p = 0.172), shoulder (41% D vs. 29% B; p = 0.279) and upper arm (33% D vs 5% B; p = 0.010). Moderate to severe trunk flexion, high force exertion, repetition and vibration were prevalent risk factors among workers and were significantly higher in dismantlers than burners ( p ≤ 0.001). Detailed ergonomic studies investigating the relationship between physical exposures and WRMSDs are needed to provide a deeper understanding of WRMSD causation in e-waste workers and more particularly in unstructured, unregulated work.

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Correlations between body postures and musculoskeletal pain in guitar players

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0262207 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. e0262207

Author(s):

Sigal Portnoy ◽

Shlomit Cohen ◽

Navah Z. Ratzon

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Musculoskeletal Pain ◽

Upper Body ◽

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽

Left Shoulder ◽

Ulnar Deviation ◽

Left Wrist ◽

Physical Comfort ◽

The Right

Background The guitar-playing community is the largest group at risk of developing playing related musculoskeletal disorders. A thorough investigation of the relationships between the various risk factors and players’ report on musculoskeletal pain using objective and accurate means of assessment has yet to be reported. Purpose (a) to explore the correlations between demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, playing habits, and personal habits of guitar player and their complaints of musculoskeletal pain, (b) explore the correlations between the upper body kinematics of guitar players during playing the guitar and their complaints of musculoskeletal pain, and (c) compare the upper body kinematics of guitar players during playing the guitar while sitting versus standing. Methods Twenty-five guitar players (27.5±4.6 years old) filled out questionnaires regarding their guitar-playing habits, and the Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Kinematics of their torso and upper limbs were tracked while they played a tune twice, once while sitting and once while standing. Results We found moderate correlations between the number of painful joints in the last year and factors, such as physical comfort while playing, years of playing, and position during playing. During standing, lower back pain severity correlated with the rotation range of the torso, while during sitting, it moderately correlated with the average radial-ulnar deviation of the right wrist. During sitting, we found higher anterior and right tilt of the torso, combined with greater abduction of the right shoulder, higher flexion in the left shoulder and higher radial deviation in the left wrist. Conclusion Our results point to several risk factors, related both to playing habits but also to playing posture, which should be considered by the guitar players in order to prevent playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.

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Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetists

10.21466/g.bmhfa.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

S.M. Yentis ◽

◽

K. Asanati ◽

C.R. Bailey ◽

R. Hampton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Health And Safety ◽

The Body ◽

Musculoskeletal Health ◽

Many Sources ◽

Psychological Risk

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

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Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography and the Alexander Technique

Ultrasound ◽

10.1179/174313408x361199 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 213-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Vivien Gibbs ◽

Pat Young

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽

The Body ◽

Alexander Technique ◽

Work Related ◽

Television Monitor ◽

Repetitive Movements ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽

Initial Results

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.

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Work-related musculoskeletal disorder and its costs: a short review

10.24840/978-972-752-279-8_0056-0064 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Sophia Rosado ◽

J. Santos Baptista ◽

J.C. Guedes

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Economic Burden ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽

Short Review ◽

Work Conditions ◽

The Body ◽

Body Parts ◽

Human Beings ◽

Work Related ◽

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

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.

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Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Percussionists in Greece: A Pilot Study

Medical Problems of Performing Artists ◽

10.21091/mppa.2010.3024 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 116-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Maria Papandreou ◽

A Vervainioti

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Performing Arts ◽

The Body ◽

Related Factors ◽

Performing Arts Medicine ◽

Work Related ◽

Musical Activity ◽

Practice Time

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.

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The Effect of Split and Vertically-Inclined Computer Keyboards on Wrist and Forearm Posture

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181397041001141 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 642-646 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Richard W. Marklin ◽

Guy G. Simoneau ◽

John F. Monroe

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Neutral Position ◽

Ulnar Deviation ◽

Occupational Risk Factor ◽

Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Computer Keyboard ◽

The Right ◽

Neutral Posture

The significant findings from this study of 90 clerical subjects, whose forearm and wrist posture were measured while they typed on three alternative QWERTY computer keyboard designs, are the following: 1) when setup correctly, commercially-available split QWERTY keyboards reduced mean ulnar deviation of the right and left wrists from approximately 12 deg. to within 5 deg. of a neutral position compared to a conventional QWERTY keyboard. 2) with at least a 30 deg. tilt of the keyboard halves, a commercially-available vertically-inclined QWERTY keyboard reduced mean pronation of the forearm by approximately 20 deg. compared to a conventional QWERTY computer keyboard (60 to 40 deg.) The finding that split keyboards place the wrist closer to a neutral posture in the radial/ulnar plane substantially reduces one occupational risk factor of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), namely ulnar deviation of the wrist. The finding that vertically-inclined keyboards reduce forearm pronation substantially is advantageous, at least theoretically, to the keyboard user. However, since the origins of WMSDs, which include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis, tend to be multifactorial, the extent to which split keyboards or vertically-inclined keyboards could reduce the frequency or severity of WMSDs is unknown.

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Study of Posture and Discomfort in Handling Machines in Manufacturing Industry

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.592-594.2552 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 592-594 ◽

pp. 2552-2556 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

K.R. Balasubramanian ◽

S.P. Sivapirakasham ◽

Nanda Naik Korra ◽

Kranti Kumar Dhruw

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Manufacturing Industry ◽

Body Part ◽

Body Parts ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Work Related ◽

Shift Operators ◽

Grinding Machines ◽

Body Map

Manufacturing industries were considered among the sectors with the considerable level of lost work days due to work related musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the study is to find out the different parts of body affected due to discomfort while operating machines in manufacturing industry. In this study work-related body-part discomfort was assessed in 51 male operators by using a body map and ranking procedure, while operating different types of machines viz, lathe, drilling and grinding machines. The study showed that out of 51 operator’s, 45 reported discomfort in shoulder and neck, 34 in lower back, 32 in upper back, 46 in arm, and 23of the operators reported discomfort in the leg. Correlations between the discomfort level and different postures at different working conditions were higher. Except at the start of the shift, operators felt musculoskeletal discomfort in various body parts throughout the shift, and were highest at the end of the shift. The middle age group operators reported higher levels of discomfort. Keywords: Discomfort; Injury; Pain; Body map; Discomfort assessment; Questionnaire; Musculoskeletal disorders.

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Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Bank Employees

International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science ◽

10.23958/ijirms/vol04-i01/535 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Shweta Kotwani Kotwani ◽

Nikita Sinha ◽

Vrushali Panhale

Keyword(s):

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽

Bank Employees

Keywords: bank employees, musculoskeletal discomfort, Nordic questionnaire, VAS, prevalence, work related musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive injuries.

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