Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related Lower Back Pain among Radiographers in the State of Kuwait

Background. Work-related lower back pain (WrLBP) is a global health issue and a rising concern in the State of Kuwait. The prevalence and the risk factors of WrLBP among radiographers are not well documented. Objective. The purpose of the study was to determine the one-year prevalence, characteristics, impact, and physical risk factors of WrLBP among radiographers in the State of Kuwait. Methods. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 200 radiographers. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, physical risk factors, and the occurrence of WrLBP in the previous 12 months. Descriptive statistics, frequency calculations, and chi-square analyses were performed. Results. One hundred forty-six radiographers completed and returned the questionnaires with a response rate of 73% (146/200). The one-year prevalence of WrLBP was 16%. The prevalence of WrLBP was not significantly associated with the participants’ demographics. Although WrLBP was significantly associated with work demands, the overall impact of WrLBP on work duties was minimal. Conclusions. The occurrence of WrLBP among radiographers in Kuwait was low, particularly when compared to healthcare providers involved in more patient handling and direct contact. However, various physical risk factors were identified. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of a treatment and prevention program on the prevalence of WrLBP.

Determinants of the Fatigue Life of Musculoskeletal Tissues

While the effects of physical risk factors on MSD development have been a primary focus of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) research, it is clear that psychological stressors and certain personal characteristics (e.g., aging, sex, and obesity) are also associated with increased MSD risk. The psychological and personal characteristics listed above share a common characteristic: all are associated with disruption of the body’s neuroendocrine and immune responses resulting in an impaired healing process. An impaired healing response may result in reduced fatigue life of musculoskeletal tissues due to a diminished ability to keep pace with accumulating damage (perhaps reparable under normal circumstances), and increased vulnerability of damaged tissue to further trauma owing to the prolonged healing process. Research in engineered self-healing materials suggests that decreased healing kinetics in the presence of mechanical loading can substantially reduce the fatigue life of materials. A model of factors influencing damage accrual and healing will be presented.

“UHAND”—A National Cancer Institute Funded Partnership to Advance Cancer Health Equity through Scholar Training

Black and Hispanic adults are disproportionately affected by cancer incidence and mortality, and experience disparities in cancer relative to their White counterparts in the US. These groups, including women, are underrepresented among scientists in the fields of cancer, cancer disparities, and cancer care. The “UHAND” Program is a partnership between institutions (University of Houston and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center) aiming to build the capacity of underrepresented and racial/ethnic minority student “scholars” to conduct research on eliminating cancer inequities by reducing social and physical risk factors among at-risk groups. Here, we examine the outcomes of the UHAND Program’s first scholar cohort (n = 1 postdoctoral fellow, n = 3 doctoral scholars, n = 6 undergraduate scholars). Data collection included baseline, mid-program, and exit surveys; program records; and monthly scholar achievement queries. From baseline to exit, scholars significantly increased their research self-efficacy (p = 0.0293). Scholars largely met goals for academic products, achieving a combined total of 65 peer-reviewed presentations and nine empirical publications. Eight scholars completed the 2-year program; one undergraduate scholar received her degree early and the postdoctoral fellow accepted a tenure-track position at another university following one year of training. Scholars highly rated UHAND’s programming and their mentors’ competencies in training scholars for research careers. Additionally, we discuss lessons learned that may inform future training programs.

BODILY RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTIVE STRATEGIES OF INSTRUMENT PERFORMANCE

Playing an instrument requires the body to be in a position against the natural posture of the instrument, and there is a risk of bodily problems that may arise from playing the instrument at any level of the musician's life. With this study, it is aimed to search in detail the physical risk factors that may be caused by the playing an instrument and how to protect from these risk factors, to include theoretical information on the subject, to raise awareness on the subject, and to be a source. In line with the purpose of the study, local and foreign sources related to the subject were reached by using the literature review method. The data obtained in the study were classified in line with the subject and purpose of the study and presented as subject headings. Risky situations that cause physical ailments in musicians playing musical instruments; Overuse, misuse, repetitive movements performed in wrong positions, carrying the weight of the instrument for a long time, the quality of the instrument, the use of unfavorable body position, the technical difficulty of the repertoire, intensive work before the concert, overstrain, performance anxiety, psychological stress caused by the pressure to be perfect. To prevent injuries caused by these negative situations, to give appropriate rest breaks during the study, to warm up the body structures used with physical exercises before to work, to protect personal health, to choose appropriate practical environments, to develop the correct practical habits, to benefit from ergonomic principles, to choose suitable instruments and furniture, It will be helpful to be aware and develop safe equipment handling techniques. Playing an instrument requires the body to be in a position against the natural posture of the instrument, and there is a risk of bodily problems that may arise from playing the instrument at any level of the musician's life. With this study, it is aimed to search in detail the physical risk factors that may be caused by the playing an instrument and how to protect from these risk factors, to include theoretical information on the subject, to raise awareness on the subject, and to be a source. In line with the purpose of the study, local and foreign sources related to the subject were reached by using the literature review method. The data obtained in the study were classified in line with the subject and purpose of the study and presented as subject headings. Risky situations that cause physical ailments in musicians playing musical instruments; Overuse, misuse, repetitive movements performed in wrong positions, carrying the weight of the instrument for a long time, the quality of the instrument, the use of unfavorable body position, the technical difficulty of the repertoire, intensive work before the concert, overstrain, performance anxiety, psychological stress caused by the pressure to be perfect. To prevent injuries caused by these negative situations, to give appropriate rest breaks during the study, to warm up the body structures used with physical exercises before to work, to protect personal health, to choose appropriate practical environments, to develop the correct practical habits, to benefit from ergonomic principles, to choose suitable instruments and furniture, It will be helpful to be aware and develop safe equipment handling techniques.

Work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors cluster with obesity, smoking and physical inactivity

Objective This study investigated associations between the co-existence of multiple types of work-related psychosocial and physical risk factors, and (1) obesity; (2) smoking; and (3) leisure-time physical inactivity. It also aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics related to clustering of work-related risk factors and lifestyle factors. Methods Cross-sectional data on work-related risk factors (e.g., decision authority and repetitive movements) and lifestyle was measured using a standardized questionnaire among 52,563 Dutch workers in health care, services, manufacturing and public sector. Multiple-adjusted logistic regression models assessed associations between the co-existence of multiple types of psychosocial and physical risk factors and lifestyle factors. Additionally, logistic regression models related age, gender and educational level to clustering of risk factors and lifestyle factors. Results The co-existence of multiple types of work-related psychosocial risk factors was associated with higher odds of smoking and being physically inactive. For example, workers exposed to three psychosocial risk factors had a 1.55 times higher odds of being physically inactive (95%CI: 1.42–1.70) compared to unexposed workers. A higher number of physical risk factors was also significantly associated with higher odds of smoking and obesity. The co-existence of multiple types of physical risk factors was not associated with higher odds of physical inactivity. Clustering of work-related risk factors and at least one unhealthy lifestyle factor occurred in particular among workers with low educational level. Conclusions Results imply that interventions are needed that focus on workers with a low educational level and address work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors as well as lifestyle.

Assessing Psychosocial and Personal Factors in Industrial Work: Issues and Challenges for the Occupational Ergonomics Practitioner and Researcher

The occupational ergonomics practitioner has traditionally focused on physical aspects and risk factors of industrial jobs (e.g., forces exerted, moments and loading on the joints, low back compressive force, upper extremity repetitive motion, etc.). However, some studies have shown that physical risk factors may only account for about 37% of low back pain (Punnett et al., 2005). Psychosocial factors continue to be identified as an important element in the incidence of many occupationally-related musculoskeletal disorders. Some researchers have included assessments of psychosocial and personal/individual factors to biomechanical assessments in studies of occupational injury risks (e.g., Marras et al., 2000, Ferguson et al., 2012). Others (e.g., Barim et al., 2019) have examined incorporating personal/individual factors into risk assessment methods to give a more complete picture of injury risk that an individual or a subgroup of workers (e.g., gender, age, prior injury) may face on jobs. This discussion panel will explore the research in the fields of psychosocial and personal risk factors and their relevance to the assessment of injury risk. This session is relevant for the practitioners who must understand, interpret and apply the results of research to real-world problems.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Correlate of Cardiovascular, Anthropometric, and Physical Risk Factors: Using the Ruffier Test as a Template

Background. Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a standard procedure in routine clinical practices. Early identification of risk factors through screening is vital in the fight against chronic diseases. Evaluation of CRF can impose cost implications in the clinical setting; thus, a simple and easy-to-use test is to be advocated. The Ruffier test is a simple test that can assess CRF, and it is necessary to find whether the test reflects the effects of compounding factors in CRF. Objective. This study aims to determine the association between CRF (estimated VO2max) with cardiovascular, anthropometric, and physical risk factors using the Ruffier test. Methods. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 52 male participants was conducted. Before the Ruffier test, each participant’s body weight, height, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, thigh length, lower-limb length, thigh circumference, physical activity, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and pulmonary functions were recorded, and these factors correlated with CRF. Results. There was a significant inverse relationship found between the estimated VO2max and age, height, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, a sum of skinfold, fat percentage, thigh length, lower-limb length, thigh circumference, smoking, blood pressure, heart rates, and diabetes p<0.05. A significant positive correlation was found between the estimated VO2max with physical activity and respiratory functions p<0.05. In the multivariable model, body weight and resting heart rate were significantly inversely associated with the estimated VO2maxp<0.05. Conclusion. Using the Ruffier test, various risk factors of CRF are correlated with the estimated VO2max. This test reflects the effects of different compounding factors on CRF; therefore, it can be used in routine clinical practices to identify the risk factors early.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association of Patterns and Physical Risk Factors with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Academicians in Saudi Arabia

Background. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are considered one of the most common health issues in working population and have a high social and economic impact. This study is aimed at determining the MSD patterns and associated risk factors among higher education academicians in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among higher education academicians, randomly selected from different universities within Saudi Arabia. A sample of 207 academicians participated in the present study from different faculties such as nursing, applied medical sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, computer science, science, and engineering for a period of 1 year. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used to assess the MSD patterns and prevalence for the different parts of the body regions, and the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) was used to determine the physical risk factors associated with the working conditions in the higher academic occupations. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson chi-squared test were used for data analysis. Results. The overall prevalence rate was 42.5%, and the pattern of body parts involved was almost similar on both study variables, i.e., descending from the lower back (31.9%), followed by the neck (26.1%), knees (21.3%), shoulder (16.9%), upper back (13%), ankle and foot (10.1%), wrist and hand (7.2%), and elbow (6.3%), and the least common observed region was the hip and thigh (2.4%). The physical risk factors and its association with the body regions based on DMQ related to workload, period of use, and repetitive movements were observed in the wrist and hand (43%), followed by the neck (42%) and trunk (21%). Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the MSDs are lower among the higher academic occupations. However, the most common MSDs observed in this group of subjects are the back, neck, and knee pain, and it is found that some of the lifetime physical activities also have a significant association with these involved body regions.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Guided Imagery on the Resilience of Cardiac Disease Patients Referring to the Heart Rehabilitation Department

Aims: One of the most essential causes of mortality in the world is cardiovascular disease. Biological backgrounds and physical risk factors, types of stress and distress, ineffective interaction strategies, stressful life events, as well as low levels resiliency contribute to the start and severity of the disease are some features of this disease. The present research tends to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Guided Mental Imagery (GSI) on the resiliency in cardiovascular patients referring to cardiac rehabilitation ward through 2018-2019. Methods & Materials: This study is a quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest and follow-up with control group. The research samples were 45 participants selected using available method and completed the Conner-Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RIS). Interventions consisted of 8 sessions of 60 minutes each (ACT group) and 10 sessions of 45 minutes each (GSI group). Data analysis was performed using repeated measurement covariance analysis and Bonferroni test in SPSS v. 22 software. Findings: The research findings showed the effectiveness of the two treatments of ACT and GSI on the increase in resiliency of cardiovascular patients. In other words, the results of Bonferroni test indicate the more effectiveness of ACT than GSI in increasing resiliency is in cardiovascular patients (P<0.005). Therefore, it can be concluded that ACT, by focusing on psychological flexibility, is more effective than GSI on Resilience. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the ACT with the main acceptance factor, may expand the concept of acceptance by believing in lack of control over life in cardiovascular patients, and increase their resiliency. A one-month follow-up of the results showed its sustainability and strength.