Prevalence, pattern and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Nigerian plumbers.

Plumbing work is more manually driven in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers who engage in plumbing in LMICs may be worse than earlier reports from developed countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among Nigerian plumbers. A total of 130 consenting plumber participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and the Job Factor Questionnaire were used to assess information on prevalence and pattern of WMSDs; and perceptions regarding work-related risks factors for WMSDs. Descriptive (mean, frequency, range, percentage and standard deviation) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics were used to analyze data. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. The mean age of the respondents is 36.56 ± 10.418 years. The mean years of experience and working hours per day are 14.15 ± 9.161 years and 8.28 ± 2.512 hours. Job characteristics were mostly installation of pipes and fixtures (99.2%), equipment and fixtures prior to installation (96.9%), and testing of plumbing system for leaks (88.5%). 12-month and 7-day prevalence of WMSDS were 84.6% and 50.8%. Low-back (63.8%), neck (55.4%) and knee (50%) were the most affected body sites. Having WMSDs limits normal activities involving the low-back (32.3%), knee (25.4%) and neck (23.8%). There was significant association between 12-month prevalence of WMSDs and use of saws and pipe cutters (χ2 = 4.483; p = 0.034), while sites of affectation had significant association with 12-month and 7-day prevalence of WMSDs (p<0.05) respectively. Nigerian plumbers have a high prevalence of WMSDs affecting most commonly the low back, neck and knee. Plumbing job factors pose mild to moderate risk to developing WMSDs, and use of saws and pipe cutters significantly influence WMSDs.

The Effect of Vertical Oscillatory Pressure (VOP) on Youths and Elderly Adult Low Back Pain (LBP) Intensity and Lumbo-Sacral Mobility.

The effect of Vertical Oscillatory Pressure (VOP) on Low Back Pain (LBP) intensity and lumbo-sacral mobility in youths compared to elders was examined. Eighty five male (56) and female (29) subjects comprising 45 youths (18-28 years old) and 42 elders (65-75 years old), including LBP (40) and pain-free individuals participated in the study. Subjects with LBP received VOP on each vertebra from the first lumbar to the sacrum, 10 oscillations in one minute repeated at each vertebra. Pain intensity (measured using Borg's 10 point scale) and mobility were measured at the start, after VOP and five minutes after cryotherapy. Control subjects did not receive VOP and cryotherapy but had their sensory perception and spinal mobility measured at the start, after 15 and 26 minutes respectively. Pain intensity decreased significantly [elders, p<0.01; youths, p<0.05] while the range of forward and side flexions increased significantly (p<0.05) only in elders after VOP. Cryotherapy after VOP therapy did not add any significant effect on pain intensity and trunk mobility. Mobility and perceptual levels of the control subjects did not alter significantly. Pain intensity and flexion (forward and side flexions in elders only) are improved by VOP and should be preferred spinal mobilization therapy outcome measures in youths and elders with LBP respectively.