scholarly journals A Study of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Visual Display Terminal Workers

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 300-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.A. Samsuddin ◽  
Dian Darina Indah Daruis

This study investigated the effectiveness of workstation ergonomic intervention in reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in Visual Display Terminal (VDT) workers. The study was carried out at one of a Multinational Company in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Sixty Heavy VDT workers were selected randomly as case study respondents. Questionnaires were given to 60 respondents to investigate their awareness in ergonomic intervention, job-related factors that contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as MSD severity and symptoms among them. Then, 30 workers who are heavy VDT users were selected to receive the education and ergonomics interventions, whereas another 30 receive the education and ergonomic intervention, whereas another 30 workers were assigned as a control group. The two groups were then crossedover after sixth week, and follow-up questionnaire s we given to all of them once again. The results for both questionnaires, before and after the ergonomics intervention, were then analyzed for this case study. The interventions include ergonomics leaflets, ergonomic posters, online ergonomic education and ergonomic working posture guidance. The outcomes suggested that a participation in an ergonomics program, even though in a short duration and minimally disruptive to the normal workplace routine, can still contribute to a rapid effect on improving work posture. Although improper posture is associated to be the main risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, multigroup and long-term randomized trial are required to establish the effectiveness or workstation ergonomic intervention in reducing musculoskeletal disorders in VDT workers. In conclusion, there is significant evidence that individualized ergonomic interventions may contribute to improve work-related posture and reduce MSD injuries for VDT workers.

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (03) ◽  
pp. 1350011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Nezamuddin ◽  
Shahnawaz Anwer ◽  
Sohrab Ahmad Khan ◽  
Ameed Equebal

Purpose: This randomized trial study compared the efficacy of pressure-biofeedback guided deep cervical flexor training as an adjunct with conventional exercise on pain and muscle performance in visually displayed terminal operators. Methods: A total of 50 (22 men and 28 women) patients with neck pain participated in the study. Patients were randomly placed into two groups: a biofeedback group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). The biofeedback group received pressure-biofeedback guided deep cervical flexor training program for 5 days a week for 6 weeks, whereas the control group received an exercise program only. Results: On intergroup comparisons, the deep cervical flexor performance in biofeedback group, at the end of 6th week was significantly higher than those of control group (p < 0.01). Pain intensity was also significantly reduced in biofeedback group when compared to control group at the end of trial (p < 0.004). Conclusion: The addition of pressure-biofeedback to a 6-week conventional program appeared to increase deep cervical flexor muscle performance, compared to the exercise program alone for people with reduced muscle performance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cliffton Chan ◽  
Tim Driscoll ◽  
Bronwen J Ackermann

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a purpose-designed exercise program on performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and associated risk factors in a sample of professional orchestral musicians. METHODS: A 10-week exercise program was made available to full-time musicians employed by the eight premier symphony orchestras of Australia. Questionnaires were administered before, immediately after (T1), and 6 months after interventions (T2) containing questions relating to change in frequency and severity of PRMDs, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during rehearsal, private practice, and performance, as well as nine performance-related factors. Participants were also asked to rate whether these performance-related factors affected their overall playing capacity during different playing situations. A comparative control group of musicians had no intervention and completed a modified questionnaire at the same time points. RESULTS: Exercise participants (n=30) reported a reduction in frequency (p<0.05) and severity (p<0.05) of PRMDs at T1 but not at T2 compared to controls (n=23). The exercise group reported a significant improvement in RPE during private practice at T1 (p<0.01) and T2 (p<0.01), but not during rehearsal and performance. At T1, the intervention was rated to be moderately to highly effective for three performance-related factors: strengthening muscles that support playing, learning techniques that support playing, and posture. Further, participants reported an intervention effect on overall playing capacity during rehearsal at T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored exercise program for musicians was effective at managing PRMDs, especially in reducing the frequency and severity of PRMDs. Physical therapy exercises should be considered in modifying performance-related factors that have been reported to be predictors of PRMDs.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. e0212498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taina Leinonen ◽  
Svetlana Solovieva ◽  
Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen ◽  
Mikko Laaksonen ◽  
Eira Viikari-Juntura

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Tegern ◽  
Ulrika Aasa ◽  
Björn O. Äng ◽  
Helena Larsson

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Tegern ◽  
Ulrika Aasa ◽  
Björn O. Äng ◽  
Helena Larsson

Abstract Background The high numbers of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among soldiers in the Swedish Armed Forces has led to the implementation of an effective prevention program, the musculoskeletal screening protocol (MSP), including questionnaires, physical tests and individual intervention of their MSD. A corresponding MSP for the Swedish Air Force is also needed due to earlier reported high prevalence of MSD. We therefore investigated the prevalence of MSD in Swedish Air Force personnel (AF) and compared this to Swedish Army deployed soldiers (DS). Individual, health- and work-related factors associated with MSD were also investigated. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on 166 male AF and 185 DS. AF consisted of fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew from one Swedish air base. Results The one-year and point prevalence, respectively, of MSD were significantly higher for AF compared to DS with regard to both the upper quarter of the body (i.e. neck, shoulder and thoracic regions) (AF = 54.8 and 31.3%, DS = 26.1 and 13.6%, p = 0.01) and the lumbar region (AF = 38.0 and 18.7%, DS = 22.2 and 7.1%, p = 0.00). No significant differences were present between fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew regarding MSD prevalence. Factors significantly associated with having both upper quarter and lumbar regions MSD were group (i.e. greater odds for AF than DS) and self-reported physical health as less than excellent. Additionally, being older and taller were also factors associated with lumbar region MSD. Discussion Despite a generally healthy lifestyle, MSD were commonly reported by AF and DS, with generally higher prevalence in AF who mainly reported MSD in the upper quarter of the body. The results from this study indicate that the MSP can be a meaningful tool to prevent MSD in air force personnel and that questions regarding general health and MSD in specific body regions should be included in screening protocols. The development of the preventive program MSP is therefore recommended for the Swedish Air Force.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1117-1121
Author(s):  
Antonius Mattheus de Korte ◽  
René Aquarius ◽  
Thomas Vogl ◽  
Johannes Roth ◽  
Ronald H M A Bartels ◽  
...  

BackgroundInflammation-related factors might give further insight into the pathophysiology of vessel wall inflammation and intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. One of these factors is the protein complex S100A8/A9, which is released by neutrophils, monocytes, and activated macrophages and is known for its role in cardiovascular disease.ObjectiveTo determine if venous S100A8/A9 levels in patients with a ruptured IA (rIA) or unruptured IA (uIA) are elevated compared with a control group. Second, to assess differences between venous and intra-aneurysmal S100A8/A9 levels of rIA and uIA patients.MethodsA prospective case study was performed between June 2016 and May 2017 in patients harboring a ruptured or unruptured saccular IA. Primary outcome measures were individual S100A8/A9 serum concentrations as measured in venous and intra-aneurysmal blood samples during endovascular treatment. Venous serum S100A8/A9 concentrations from a healthy control group served as a reference.ResultsWe included 16 patients with either a rIA or uIA and 47 healthy controls. Venous S100A8/A9 concentrations were higher in aneurysm patients (rIA and uIA) than those of healthy controls (P≤0.001). S100A8/A9 concentrations were higher in intra-aneurysmal samples than in venous samples of rIA patients (P=0.011). This difference was not found in uIA patients (P=0.054). Intra-aneurysmal S100A8/A9 levels were higher in rIAs than in uIAs (P=0.04).ConclusionsVenous S100A8/A9 levels are elevated in patients with both rIAs and uIAs compared with healthy controls and likely represents aneurysm wall inflammation. S100A8/A9 causes macrophage-induced inflammation and degeneration of the vessel wall which might explain higher intra-aneurysmal S100A8/A9 levels found in rIAs than in uIAs.


2003 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mircea Fagarasanu ◽  
Shrawan Kumar

Although several studies addressed the work-related shoulder pathology, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the causal relationship between different factors in industrial/office activities and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. The goal of this review is to evaluate in a realistic manner the role of the factors implicated in the shoulder disorders development in high-risk activities. This article reviews the actual state of information regarding the etiological relationship between physical and psychosocial stress and occupational musculoskeletal problems in shoulder area, emphasizing the relationship between ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal system. Secondly, a comprehensive presentation of the pathophysiology and etiology of shoulder muscle problems is provided. Critical factors such as arm elevation, lack of rest, overloading of several muscles and mental stress during performed tasks are discussed in relation to shoulder musculoskeletal disorders development. Finally, using the available data, the authors present a thorough recommendation of mandatory redesign interventions with suggestions for future research in this area.


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 184-189
Author(s):  
Hartomo ◽  
Abdul Djalal ◽  
Kokoh Kurniawan ◽  
Rachmah Nanda Kartika

The purpose of this study is to design the Visual Display Terminal parameters for the visual comfort and high performance. Taguchis Design of Experiments method was used to determine the optimum level of parameters that consist of external and internal lighthing, monitor position angle and eye-to-monitor distance. An experimental study was conducted in Ergonomics laboratory. Typing operation was done as a case study. 15 university student (7 males and 8 females) with age rangebetween 21-26 old took participation.The results of study findsthat the optimum external lighting (A1) = 1325 Lux, the monitor eye position angle (B2) = 15 o, The distance vision from eye - monitor (C1) = 20 inches, internal lighting (D1) = 60 Lux. This study has also found that eyesblinking decrease about 50% and the performance increase about 89.76%.Thus, the parameters of VDT can produce better visual comfort and performance.


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