scholarly journals Predictors for Clinical Outcomes Related to Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Healthy Working Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9171
Author(s):  
Oliver Lotter ◽  
Tobias Lieb ◽  
Jochen Molsner ◽  
Viktor Breul
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Clinical Endpoints ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Healthy Working ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Health Studies

A wide range of endpoints and methods of analysis can be observed in occupational health studies in the context of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Comparison of study results is therefore difficult. We investigated the association between different clinical endpoints and the presence of upper extremity WMSDs in a healthy working population. Furthermore, the influence of socio-demographic, work-related, and individual predictors on different endpoints was examined. Two self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 70 workers and employees. In addition, a standardized physical examination and an industry test were performed in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between WMSDs and clinical endpoints were analyzed with the Spearman method and prediction ellipses. Multiple regression models were used to study the strength of associations with a pre-defined set of potential influencing factors. The prevalence of WMSDs was 56% (39/70). Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score/pain under strain showed the strongest correlations with WMSDs. When analyzing the correlation between WMSDs and pre-selected predictors, none of the predictors could be identified as a risk factor. The DASH score remains a close candidate for best surrogate endpoint for WMSDs detection. Standardized analysis methods could improve the methodological quality of future occupational health studies.

scholarly journals Predictors for Outcomes related to upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in a healthy Working Population: a methodological Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Lotter ◽  
Tobias Lieb ◽  
Jochen Molsner ◽  
Viktor Breul
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Endpoints ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Healthy Working

Abstract BackgroundTo investigate the association between different clinical endpoints and the presence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a healthy working population. Furthermore, the influence of socio-demographic, work-related and individual predictors on different endpoints was examined.MethodsTwo self-completion questionnaires were administered to 70 workers and employees. In addition, a standardized physical examination and an industry test were performed in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between WMSDs and clinical endpoints were analysed with the Spearman method. Depending on the type of dependent endpoint, linear or logistic multivariate regression models were used to study the strength of associations with a pre-defined set of potential influencing factors.ResultsThe prevalence of WMSDs was 56% (39/70). Correlations between WMSDs and the DASH score / pain under strain (VAS) were by far the strongest ones. Independent predictors could not be identified as risk factors for WMSDs, but there was some correlation between these factors.ConclusionsThe DASH score, used in the primary analysis of the study data, remains a close candidate for best surrogate endpoint for WMSD detection. The VAS has to be examined for this role in further research. Our analysis should help to improve the methodological quality of future occupational health studies through improved standards.Trial registrationThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.org with the identifier NCT03014128, on January 9, 2017.

scholarly journals Is Repetitive Workload a Risk Factor for Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Surgical Device Mechanics? A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Lotter ◽  
Tobias Lieb ◽  
Viktor Breul ◽  
Jochen Molsner
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Surgical Device ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Control

To assess the prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among surgical device mechanics compared to a control group, a total of 70 employees were included and assigned to three occupational groups (grinders, packers, and control). Personal factors, work exposure, manual skill, and complaints were assessed by two self-administered questionnaires and an industry test. WMSDs were diagnosed in a standardised clinical examination. The two-one-sided t-tests (TOST) procedure was used to test the clinical equivalence of the respective grinding and packaging groups vs. the control group in terms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Thirty-nine study participants (56%) experienced at least one WMSD at the elbow, forearm, and/or wrist, mainly with signs of epicondylitis and nerve entrapment at the medial elbow. The risk of grinders developing upper extremity WMSD was about 2.5-times higher and packers had an 8.6-fold higher risk of a clinically relevant DASH > 29 compared to the control group. However, these differences were not statistically significant. The groups were also proven to be clinically equivalent in terms of DASH score. Surgical device mechanics do not seem to have worse DASH values or be at higher risk of upper limb WMSDs compared to a control group. This is the first study to analyse and compare different workplaces in this industry that are also common in other industries.

scholarly journals Evaluation and management of chronic work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity

2000 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Piligian ◽  
Robin Herbert ◽  
Michael Hearns ◽  
Jonathan Dropkin ◽  
Paul Landsbergis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Occupational physical risk factors and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the traditional lacquerware toy makers of South India

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Hanumegowda ◽  
Sakthivel Gnanasekaran ◽  
Shankar Subramaniam ◽  
Adarsh Honnappa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
South India ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Study Results

BACKGROUND: The majority of handicraft workers in India falls under the informal sector, which plays a prominent role in the employment generation. Artisans in handicraft sectors encounter various hazards and risks causing occupational diseases. OBJECTIVE: The key objective of the study is to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among the artisans involved in making traditional lacquerware toys in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, South India. METHODS: The subjects considered in this study are 177 artisans who work in mechanized lathes at Channapatna of Karnataka and Etikoppaka of Andhra Pradesh, South India. The information regarding the reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) symptoms from 7 days to 12 months are collected through modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and by direct observations. Moreover, the intervention of WMSD in their day-to-day life and the overall comfort of their body are also determined. The questionnaire survey is conducted through face-to-face interviews and by direct field study. RESULTS: From the statistical analysis, it is found that about 76.83%of the study population (77.4%male and 74.28%female) has self-reported WMSDs. The prevalence of WMSD is most common in the age group of 30–40 years. Physical factors like workplace adaptability, stress at work, body postures, health status, body mass index, active and enough breaks during work and body condition at the end of work have a significant association with WMSD. CONCLUSION: In this study, many of the work-related and lifestyle/health-related factors show a significant association with WMSD in artisans. The sub-standard working environment and the nature of work expose artisans to many occupational risks in their day-to-day life. To mitigate the occupational risks and musculoskeletal disorders, the workspace needs to be resigned ergonomically.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Asymmetric Playing Postures of the Upper Extremity and Back in Music Teachers: A Pilot Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
Cecilia Wahlström Edling ◽  
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Music Teachers ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Playing Time

To play a musical instrument, such as the violin or flute, requires controlled, adequate movements performed by the arm, hand, and fingers in an asymmetric playing posture. The movements are monotonous and often of long duration, involving static and repetitive muscle work of the upper extremity and neck-shoulder muscles. This situation may lead to an increased risk of contracting musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical workload, defined as playing posture and playing time per week, and musculoskeletal disorders in music teachers. A questionnaire was distributed, with items based on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical working conditions. The study population consisted of music teachers employed at a Swedish municipal music school. Out of 61 music teachers, 47 (77%) agreed to participate, including 28 women and 19 men. The study group was divided into two groups depending on if they had an asymmetric or symmetric upper extremity/back playing position. Of the total participants, 77% reported musculoskeletal disorders during the preceding 12 months. Female teachers reported significantly more symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and upper back than male teachers. Music teachers with an asymmetric playing posture had significantly more musculoskeletal disorders than music teachers with a symmetric playing posture. This study demonstrates that an asymmetric playing position may affect the amount of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity and back.

scholarly journals Upper Limb Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Operating Room Nurses: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Clari ◽  
Giacomo Garzaro ◽  
Matteo Di Maso ◽  
Francesca Donato ◽  
Alessandro Godono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operating Room ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Job Characteristics ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Scrub Nurse ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Operating Room Nurses ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

This study aimed to evaluate the association between personal and job characteristics and the risk of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among operating room nurses (ORNs). To this end, we collected data from 148 ORNs working at 8 Italian hospitals and measured any upper limb disabilities experienced in the previous year using the Italian version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. The associations between personal and job characteristics and risk of upper limb WMSDs were estimated by unconditional logistic regression models. The prevalence of upper limb WMSDs was 45.9%. Multivariate analysis showed the “female gender” and “monthly hours spent working as a scrub nurse” to be directly associated with a higher DASH score (adjusted OR for gender = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.65–17.51, p < 0.01; adjusted OR for monthly hours as scrub nurse = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.33–7.19, p < 0.01). Overall, our findings indicate that a full-time job (>120 h/month) as a scrub nurse significantly increases the risk of developing upper limb WMSDs among female ORNs. Thus, to reduce such risk in this particularly sensitive population, we recommend urgent implementation of ergonomic interventions on surgical equipment alongside job rotation and medical surveillance programs.

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