Neck and shoulder pain among operation and maintenance workers of selected power supply enterprises / 环境与职业医学

Background Power grid is a basic industry of national economy. The occupational health problems among operation and maintenance workers in this industry have become increasingly prominent in recent years, and they should receive enough attention. Objective To estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of neck and shoulder among operation and maintenance workers of power supply enterprises, and analyze related influencing factors. Methods From March to June 2021, a total of 1433 operation and maintenance worker from 10 power supply enterprises in three provinces of North China were selected as research subjects using cluster sampling method. A revised Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to investigate the prevalence and ergonomic factors of neck and shoulder pain in the past year. χ2 test and logistic regression model were used to explore influencing factors of neck and shoulder pain among operation and maintenance workers. Results A total of 1343 valid questionnaires were recovered and the effective recovery rate was 93.72%. The neck pain prevalence was 66.0% (886 cases) and the shoulder pain prevalence was 54.1% (727 cases). The multiple logistic regression analysis results showed that often/very often long-time sitting (OR=1.864, 95%CI: 1.236-2.811; OR=1.659, 95%CI: 1.091-2.524), sometimes holding awkward postures (OR=1.695, 95%CI: 1.294-2.219; OR=1.596, 95%CI: 1.218-2.092), often/very often holding awkward postures (OR=2.416, 95%CI: 1.618-3.607; OR=2.058, 95%CI: 1.405-3.015), long-time slight neck tilting forward (OR=1.327, 95%CI: 1.023-1.722; OR=1.571, 95%CI: 1.221-2.022), long-time elbows bending (OR=1.327, 95%CI: 1.023-1.722; OR=1.506, 95%CI: 1.112-2.040) and department or team staff shortages (OR=1.578, 95%CI: 1.153-2.161; OR=1.831, 95%CI: 1.320-2.539) were associated with higher neck and shoulder pain prevalence rates. While exercise (OR=0.630, 95%CI: 0.492-0.809; OR=0.707, 95%CI: 0.557-0.899) was associated with lower neck and shoulder pain prevalence rates. Doing same work every day (OR=1.704, 95%CI: 1.305-2.225) was associated with a higher neck pain prevalence rate. Awkward postures with ineffectual force (OR=1.808, 95%CI: 1.226-2.665) and often keeping arms above shoulders (OR=1.424, 95%CI: 1.017-1.992) were associated with a higher shoulder pain prevalence rate. Conclusion The prevalence rates of neck and shoulder pian are high among operation and maintenance workers of power supply enterprises in selected three provinces of North China, and the main associated factors include individual factors, awkward work postures, and labor organization.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among IT professionals in India-a literature review

Musculoskeletal disorders are typically characterised by discomfort (often persistent) and restrictions in mobility, dexterity and functional ability, reducing people’s capability to work and participate in social roles with associated influences on psychological welfare, and at a wider level influence on the prosperity of communities Information technology- has played a vital role in transforming India from a slow administrative economy into a land of innovational entrepreneurs. The aim of this review is to, critically analyze the literature and report on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in information technology professionals. The review focused on computers users and software professionals. An extensive literature search was undertaken using google scholar and PubMed databases for last 10 years from 2011 to 2020. Further Following a thorough search of the databases, a total of 25 articles were evaluated. A number of articles reported a high prevalence of MSD, generally various studies have been done on information technology professionals and related to the work of IT professionals and studies on various risk factors also have been done in different states of India. 17 articles had selected for the study purpose in which prevalence study had selected for the review. The prevalence among the IT professionals is not uniform; however, Software engineers and computer operators appear to be more prone to neck, shoulder and back pain.

Investigation on the influencing factors of low back pain in automobile factory workers / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of low back pain in workers in automobile manufacturing plants. METHODS: A judgment sampling method was used to select 394 workers with working length ≥1 year in an automobile manufacturing plant as study subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the prevalence of low back pain in these workers using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain in these study subjects was 28. 9%( 114/394). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the relative risk ranked from high to low is as follow: uncomfortable working posture [Odds ratio( OR) =7. 31,95% confidence interval( 95% CI) = 2. 92-18. 28],feeling tired after work( OR = 5. 34,95% CI = 1. 22-23. 32],the commu time more than 30 minutes( OR = 2. 76,95% CI = 1. 38-5. 52),insufficient operating space( OR = 2. 22,95% CI = 1. 28-3. 83),hand or arm frequently used at work( OR = 2. 08,95% CI = 1. 14-3. 78) and age( OR = 2. 00,95% CI = 1. 19-3. 35),that were all risk factors of low back pain( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: The frequent use of hand or arm at work,insufficient operating space,uncomfortable working posture,feeling tired after work,and long commute time are the main influencing factors affecting the low back pain of automobile manufacturing workers.

Comparison of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms between male cameramen and male office workers

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have classified cameramen’s job as physiologically heavy work and identified the risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in cameramen. However, those studies limited their research subjects to cameramen. In this study, we compared the frequency and severity of WRMDs between cameramen and office workers. METHODS: A total of 293 subjects working in four broadcasting companies in Korea were recruited. A questionnaire survey was conducted for a month, starting in October 2016. The subjects were divided into cameramen and office workers according to their occupation. We compared the frequency and severity of WRMDs and ergonomic risk assessment results between the two groups. RESULTS: The high-risk WRMD group had a higher proportion of cameramen than office workers. Moreover, the high ergonomic risk group also had a higher proportion of cameramen than office workers for WRMDs in the upper extremities and waist+lower extremities. In the multivariable-adjusted model comparing cameramen and office workers, the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for high-risk WRMDs was 3.50 (95% CI: 1.92–7.72) for the upper extremities and 3.18 (95% CI: 1.62–6.21) for the waist and the lower extremities. The ORs by body parts were 3.11 (95% CI: 1.28–7.57) for the neck, 3.90 (95% CI: 1.79–8.47) for the shoulders, and 4.23 (95% CI: 1.04–17.18) for the legs and feet. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that cameramen are at high risk of WRMDs. Workplace improvements and management of the neck, shoulders, and lower extremities, which are susceptible to WRMDs, are necessary to prevent musculoskeletal disorders among cameramen.

Correlation between thumb length on handgrip strength, hand dexterity and musculoskeletal problem among dental professional / Correlação entre comprimento do polegar sobre a força de preensão manual, destreza manual e problemas musculoesqueléticos entre profissionais da odontologia

Objective: The key factor for potency of the teeth is their muscular strength. The dominant hand plays an important role in most of the daily muscular activities involving dental procedure. There are many factors, which may affect the grip strength, and very few studies especially in India have shown their correlation with grip strength. Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are an important occupational health problem affecting dental practitioners. This study assessed the prevalence of WRMSD in dental interns in relation to the thumb length and hand grip strength. Material and Methods: Thumb length template, jammer dynamometer, nine-hole peg board, and RULA assessment. Methods: Thumb length was measured by thumb length template. Grip strength was measured by jammer dynamometer, unilateral hand finger dexterity was measured by ninehole pegboard, and work related musculoskeletal disorder was assessed by RULA. Results: Thumb length was positively correlated with grip strength and work related musculoskeletal disorder. Thumb length was negatively correlated with unilateral hand finger dexterity among dental professionals. Conclusion: Thumb length is a better predictor for measuring hand grip strength and work related musculoskeletal disorder, than unilateral hand finger dexterity.

Objetivo: O fator chave para a potência do dentes é a força muscular dos mesmos. A mão dominante tem um papel importante nas atividades musculares diárias envolvendo procedimentos odontológicos. Há vários fatores que influenciam a força de preensão e poucos estudos, especialmente na Índia, mostra as correlações com a força de preensão. Desordens musculoesqueléticas relacionadas a trabalho (DMRT) são um importante problema ocupacional de saúde entre profissionais da Odontologia. Este trabalho verificou a prevalência de DMRTs em residentes de Odontologia e sua relação com o comprimento do polegar e a força de preensão manual. Material e Métodos: Materiais utilizados foram o gabarito de comprimento do polegar, um dinamômetro Jamar, um tabuleiro de 9 perfurações e o instrumento RULA. Métodos: O comprimento polegar foi medido pelo gabarito; a força de preensão foi medida no dinamômetro Jamer; a destreza manual unilateral foi verificada utilizando-se o tabuleiro perfurado e as desordens musculoesqueléticas associadas ao trabalhos foram determinadas pelo instrumento RULA. Resultados: O comprimento polegar apresentou correlação positiva com a força de preensão e com a presença de desordens musculoesqueléticas relacionadas ao trabalho. O comprimento polegar foi negativamente correlacionado com a destreza manual unilateral entre os profissionais da Odontologia. Conclusão: O comprimento polegar é melhor preditor para a força de preensão manual e presença de desordens musculoesqueléticas relacionas ao trabalho, do que a destreza manual unilateral.

Lesão por esforços repetitivos (LER/DORT) em cirurgiões-dentistas da Clínica Odontológica da Polícia Militar de Pernambuco / Repetitive strain injury (RSI/WMSD) in Pernambuco's dentists

As LER/DORT (Lesão por Esforço Repetitivo/Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionadas ao Trabalho) representam patologias relacionadas ao trabalho, caracterizadas por esforços repetitivos, que acometem grupos musculares durante o exercício profissional. Entre as classes profissionais acometidas por essas patologias, estão os cirurgiões-dentistas, os quais, ao exercerem suas atividades, realizam diversos movimentos repetitivos, resultando na compressão mecânica das estruturas localizadas na região dos membros superiores e das estruturas adjacentes, agravados por vícios posturais e, na maioria dos casos, trabalho sob pressão em relação tempo/produtividade. O presente estudo, do tipo censitário, objetivou, por meio da análise de 44 questionários, avaliar a ocorrência das LER/DORT em cirurgiões-dentistas da Clínica Odontológica da Polícia Militar Pernambuco. Os resultados apontaram que a maioria (84,1%) afirmou sentir alguma dor óssea, sendo as regiões mais citadas: costas, pescoço, mão e ombro; Ocasionando, portanto,a necessidade de afastamento do trabalho por 37,2% dos pesquisados; a necessidade de fazer uso de algum tipo de medicamento para o alívio da dor (37,8%), e 62,2% já tendo sido submetido a algum tratamento para dor osteomuscular. Os resultados do presente estudo evidenciam a necessidade de conscientização e orientação dos profissionais para a prevenção de LER/DORT's, estabelecendo medidas e métodos que auxiliem a manutenção de seu bem-estar físico, mental e psicossocial.

RSI / WMSD (Repetitive Strain Injury / Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders) represent work-related pathologies characterized by repetitive strain that affects muscle groups during professional exercise. Dentists are included among professional classes affected by these pathologies, in exercising their activities, they perform many repetitive movements, resulting in mechanical compression of structures in the upper region and adjacent structures, aggravated by poor posture and, in most cases, work against the pressure / time yield. This cross-sectional study aimed, through the analysis of 44 surveys, to evaluate the occurrence of RSI / WMSD in dentists of Pernambuco's Military Police Dental Clinic. The results showed that the majority (84.1%) claimed to feel some bone pain, and the most cited areas were: back, neck, hand and shoulder, causing therefore the need of absenteeism by 37.2% of the participants; the need to use some type of medication for pain relief (37.8%) and 62.2% had been subjected to a treatment for musculoskeletal pain. The results of the present study highlights the need of awareness and guidance of professionals for the prevention of RSI / WMSDs establishing measures and methods that help to maintain their physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.

Relationship between Occupational Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korean Male Firefighters

OBJECTIVES: A growing body of literature has documented that job stress is associated with the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, the association of WMSDs with job stress has not yet been fully studied in Korean male firefighters. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of WMSDs in almost all Korean male firefighters and to clarify the effect of job stress on the occurrence of WMSDs. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, and 21,466 firefighters were recruited. The study design included a structured questionnaire to assess general characteristics, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (optional KOSS-26), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and WMSDs. The chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to look for a correlation between general characteristics and job stress, and the occurrence of WMSD. RESULTS: Back pain is the most common WMSD. Among the job stress subgroup, physical environment, job demands, organizational system, occupational climate, lack of reward and job insecurity were related to the occurrence of WMSDs. However, insufficient job control and interpersonal conflict were not related to the occurrence of WMSDs. CONCLUSION: Job stress was related to the occurrence of WMSDs in Korean male firefighters. To reduce the occurrence of WMSDs, a job stress management program may be required.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Upper Extremity Pain in Workers Using Computer

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and upper extremity pain in workers using computer. METHOD: Ten thousand four hundred office workers using computer over 4 hours per day were enrolled, and two self-reported questionnaires were given to each candidate. First questionnaire included questions on location, duration, frequency and severity of pain, gender, age and history of alcohol, smoking and exercise. Second questionnaire used Korean job stress measurement scale (KJSMS) and medical outcome study 36 item short form health survey (SF-36) for assessing HRQOL. A total of 6,669 workers took part in interview. RESULTS: Mean age of group with pain was lower than that of painless group. Male gender, working period of 11~20 years, and smoking were associated with musculoskeletal pain, and similar result was found in group with no alcohol consumption, no exercise, and house chores for more than 2 hours per day. The short working period was associated with higher KJSMS Short Form score. For shoulder pain, only duty self-control showed significant difference according to pain scale in KJSMS. When adjusted with age, gender, working period, house chores and history of alcohol and smoking, there was no significant difference between musculoskeletal symptom and KJSMS, SF-36, respectively. CONCLUSION: Only shoulder pain and duty self-control score were related factors, comparing subjective symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and job stress. Additional investigation using strict definition and diagnostic criteria should be performed.

Efetividade do exercício físico em ambiente ocupacional para controle da dor cervical, lombar e do ombro: uma revisão sistemática / Evaluation of the effectiveness of workplace exercise in controlling neck, shoulder and low back pain: a systematic review

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: As disfunções musculoesqueléticas representam um problema de saúde mundial. Dentre o conjunto de medidas para controle dessas alterações está a prática de exercício físico em ambiente ocupacional que pode ser realizada no próprio setor de trabalho ou em ambientes à parte, mas dentro da empresa. Entretanto, há controvérsias quanto à efetividade e à forma de aplicação desse tipo de intervenção. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a efetividade e fornecer evidências a respeito da prática de exercício físico no ambiente ocupacional para o controle da dor musculoesquelética. MÉTODOS: As seguintes bases bibliográficas foram consultadas: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, PEDro e Web of Science. Dois revisores independentes selecionaram os estudos pertinentes, e as eventuais discordâncias foram solucionadas por consenso. Foram incluídos no estudo os ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados que realizaram intervenção no local de trabalho envolvendo exercício e avaliaram a dor musculoesquelética. A escala PEDro, que tem pontuação de 0-10, foi utilizada para avaliação da qualidade dos estudos incluídos nesta revisão. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: A busca eletrônica resultou em um total de 8680 referências publicadas em inglês. Ao final do processo de seleção, 18 estudos foram incluídos. Forte evidência foi encontrada para a efetividade do exercício físico no controle de dor cervical em trabalhadores que realizavam atividades em escritórios ou setores administrativos, descritos como sedentários enquanto evidência moderada foi encontrada para a região lombar daqueles que realizavam atividades envolvendo manuseio de pacientes ou materiais na indústria, desde que os treinamentos fossem aplicados por períodos superiores a dez semanas, incluíssem exercícios realizados com algum tipo de resistência e fossem supervisionados. Nenhum estudo avaliando trabalhadores sedentários relatou resultados positivos para o controle da dor musculoesquelética em ombros. ...

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders have been recognized as a worldwide health problem. One of the measures for controlling these disorders is workplace exercise, either at the workstation or in a separate environment within the company. However, there is controversy regarding the effectiveness and means of applying these interventions. OBJECTIVES: To assess and provide evidence of the effectiveness of workplace exercise in controlling musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: The following databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, PEDro and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers selected the elegible studies. Possible disagreements were solved by consensus. All randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated exercise interventions in the workplace musculoskeletal pain relief were included. The PEDro scale (range=0-10 points) was used to rate the quality of the studies included in this review. Results and CONCLUSIONS: The electronic search yielded a total of 8680 references published in English. At the end of the selection process, 18 studies were included. Strong evidence was found to support the effectiveness of physical exercise in controlling neck pain among workers who performed sedentary tasks in offices or administrative environments, while moderate evidence was found for low back pain relief among healthcare and industrial workers who performed heavy physical tasks. These positive results were reported when the training periods were longer than 10 weeks, the exercises were performed against some type of resistance and the sessions were supervised. None of the studies evaluating sedentary workers reported positive results for controlling musculoskeletal shoulder pain. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to comparatively evaluate, among other aspects, the effects of light and heavy training for shoulder pain relief.

Effects of the Use of the Hold Relax Technique to Treat Female VDT Workers with Work-related Neck-shoulder Complaints / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of encouraging exercise to treat work-related neck-shoulder pain by mobile phone messages after training individuals to use the holdrelax technique. METHODS: Subjects were randomly allocated into an exercise (n=20) and a control (n=21) groups. The exercise group was taught stretching exercise methods known as the hold-relax technique for the upper trapezius, levator scapula, scalenus, and suboccipitals. They then received mobile phone messages encouraging them to do the exercises twice a week for eight weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) of neck and shoulder pain, the pressure pain threshold (PPT) for the four muscles, and the cervical ROM were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: The VAS decreased significantly in the exercise group from 3.35 to 1.65 (p<0.001) for the neck, and from 4.55 to 2.05 for the shoulder (p<0.001). In addition, the PPT of the four muscles increased (p<0.001) in the exercise group. However, no significant changes in the VAS and the PPT of the control group were observed. Furthermore, the ROM did not differ significantly between the exercise and control groups after intervention. CONCLUSION: Teaching patients to use the hold-relax technique and encouraging exercise using mobile phone messages can reduce work-related neck-shoulder pain.

The relationship of neck/shoulder pain and disability and sEMG / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To explore the relationship of neck pain,neck disability index(NDI),and surface eleetromyography(sEMG)in subjects with work-related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.Methods Fifry-five patients with neck and shoulder pain participated in this study.VAS and NDl were used to evaluate the degree of pain and disability of the patients.The signals of maximum voluntary contraction(MVC)and typing status were recorded using the sEMG recording techniques.The amplitude of typing status was used to normalize the amplitude of MVC of each side of both neck and shoulders and the amplitude probability distribution function(APDF)of 50%MVC was calculated.Then.the relationship of VAS,NDI and the APDF values of each side of both neck and shouIders were compared.Results VAS was correlated to the NDI(P<0.01)and the APDF of 50%MVC and the later had significant differences according to different degrees of pain[mild to moderate pain(VAS<7)versus severe pain(VAS ≥7)];NDI had no relationship with the APDF of 50%MVC and the later had no significant differences according to different degrees of NDI[mild to moderate(NDI<25)versus severe pain(NDI≥25)].Conclusion VAS was correlated to the APDF of 50%MVC and the later had significant differences according to different degrees of pain:but NDI had no relationship with the APDF of 50%MVC.

The Desk Height and Keyboard Design as Determinants of Posture and Trapezius Tension

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that changing the desk height or keyboard design with fixed neck posture will change posture of the upper extremity and the trapezius tension, and to suggest the appropriate the desk height and the keyboard design to relieve the tension of the trapezius. METHOD: Five men volunteered. Four desk heights (5 cm below, same as, 5 cm above, 10 cm above the olecranon) and three keyboard designs (flat, wrist support, natural) were set up. The posture of the upper extremity was analysed by 3 dimensional Ariel performance analysis system. The tension of trapezius was measured by surface EMG. RESULTS: The trapezius tension was low when the desk height was below the olecranon in 'flat' keyboard, and was low when the desk height was no higher than 5 cm above the olecranon in 'wrist support' and 'natural' keyboard. The trapezius tension went with the change of the shoulder flexion, abduction, elevation and the elbow flexion in 'flat' keyboard, and went with the change of the shoulder flexion and elevation in 'wrist support' and 'natural' keyboard. CONCLUSION: To lessen the tension of the trapezius, the desk height should be below the olecranon in 'flat' keyboard and no higher than 5 cm above the olecranon in 'wrist support' and 'natural' keyboard. The keyboard design should include the wrist support which relieved the tension of trapezius by giving the resting point.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Factors of Symphony Orchestra Players / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown that performance related musculoskeletal disorders present a significant and common health problem for instrument players. This study was conducted to investigate the symptom prevalence rate of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors on symphony orchestra players. METHODS: The symptom prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders and related factors including demographic factors, occupational factors, psychosocial factors, practice and performance-related behaviors of on 156 symphony orchestra players in Taegu city were surveyed with a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Instrument players have performed for 14. 6 years in average and worked 4. 9 for years in average as a member of symphony orchestra. The subjects consisted of 106 string players, 48 wind players, and 8 percussion players. The symptom prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders according to the NIOSH surveillance criteria was 79. 6 % and operational criteria by authors was 45. 9 %. The prevalence rate of viola players was higher than violin players, and the prevalence rate of the bass players was higher than that of the cello players. In univariate analysis, job insecurity, irregular performance, stress from family problems, and performance related psychosomatic strains had a significant association with the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders. In multiple logistic regression, job insecurity, irregular performance, and stress from family problems were significant variables affecting the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders of instrument players. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggest that symphony orchestra players are high risk group of musculoskeletal disorders. Irregular performance schedule and psychosocial stress including job insecurity, and psychosomatic strain were important risk factors of players musculoskeletal disorders. An exercise program such as stretching before and after performance, regular performance schedule and reduction of psychosocial stress might be helpful for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders of instrument players.

Study on Perceived Occupational Psychosocial Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among VDT Works / 대한산업의학회지

It has been hypothesized that jobs that have both high psychological demands and low decision latitude ('job strain") can lead to musculoskeletal disorder. The objective of this study was to test whether job strain was correlated with the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder, especially myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Information on demographic factors, confounders such as household load and taking care of children or not, and scores for decision latitude, job demand, and social support was obtained by self-administered questionnaire, which had been developed in Korean language, by adopting NIOSH instrument and Extended Karasek Model (16 items). All subjects were also examined by rehabilitation medicine specialists for musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects (n=370) could be categorized into 4 groups, these were, housewives(n=89), shipyard CAD workers(n=89), general female workers(n=79; nurses, insurance counselors, public officials, clerks, etc), and telephone directory assistance operators(n=113). Results from univariate analyses indicated that all demographic factors, all confounders, scores for decision latitude and social support were not associated with the risk of musculoskeletal disorder. However, score for job demand was higher in musculoskeletal disorder cases than others. In subgroup analysis, this association was convinced again, in telephone directory assistance operators. Job strain model showed that the group of telephone directory assistance operators was high-strain group, and OR of musculoskeletal disorder was 2.446 (95% C.I. : 1.174, 5.096), when comparing this with the low strain group. In conclusion, job strain is a risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

The Effect of VDT Work on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder / 대한산업의학회지

As use of the visual display terminal (VDT) is becoming more generalized as a result of office automation, the so-called 'VDT syndrome' which is often observed with the workers using VDT has emerged as a serious occupational health problem. However, few comparative study with control group using not only subjective symptom but also physical examination hag been conducted. We have conducted a study comparing prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorder between 113 VDT operators of a telecommunication company and the control groups of housewives and office ladies through a review of subjective symptoms as well as physical examination by physiatrist to understand the magnitude of problem and relative risk of VDT worker. The symptom rates of upper extremity disability in VDT operators were higher than those of controls especially in neck and shoulder area. Fifty-four(47.8%) of 113 VDT operators met our case definition of upper extremity disorder by subjective symptom and physical examination. Myofascial pain syndrome of neck and shoulder muscles were the most common(46.9%). The odd ratio of using VDT operation for developing myofascial pain syndrome in the neck or shoulder area were 2.52(compared to controls of office ladies) and 2.64 (compared to controls of housewives). Other anatomical lesion such as elbow, hand and wrist shows slight higher prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorder than control groups but not statistically significant.

Perceived Occupational Psychosocial Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers Using Video Display Terminals / 대한산업의학회지

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between perceived occu-pational psychosocial stress at work and the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among employees using video display terminals. The study included 111 female telecommunication employees from three companies at ChungBuk province. Cases of WRMSD were defined using symptom questionnaire and physical examination conducted by rehabilitation specialist. Information on demographics, individual factors, and perceived psychosocial stress, were obtained by self-administered questionnaire. For assessing perceived psychosocial stress, we used variables from 'job strain model' proposed by Karasek. Associations between perceived psychosocial stress and WRMSD were assessed by multiple logistic regression models. Forty nine (44% to the total) subjects met our operational definition for WRMSD. Age, seniority, housing load were not associated with WRMSD. Perceived psychosocial stress was associated with WRMSD [odds ratio=3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-10.19]. This study suggests that perceived occupational psychosocial stress is related to the prevalence of WRMSD.