Sociopolitical, clinical, and ethical challenges of sustainable fracture care in Haiti.

INTRODUCTION: In low- and middle-income countries such as Haiti, musculoskeletal injuries are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated injuries can contribute to decreased mobility, leading to disability and reduced productivity for individuals. The accessibility of timely fracture care poses a substantial challenge in Haiti, where socioeconomic instability and recent surges in gang violence exacerbate an already strained healthcare infrastructure. This manuscript delves into the intricate barriers to sustainable fracture care in Haiti, shedding light on the sociopolitical landscape and clinical challenges that influence the delivery of orthopedic services. ETHICAL DISCUSSION: The ethical considerations in providing fracture care in Haiti are multifaceted, including classic medical principles, self-preservation in the face of violence, issues of justice in resource and service allocation, and concerns of nonmaleficence in the context of international volunteers. These ethical dilemmas arise from the complex interplay of limited resources, the dangers posed by the current sociopolitical climate, and the involvement of international aid in a vulnerable healthcare system. CONCLUSION: To address the clinical and ethical conflicts of providing fracture care in Haiti, solutions include education and training of Haitian orthopedic surgeons, capacity building of healthcare facilities, and establishing ethical standards for international volunteers. This comprehensive approach is vital for advancing sustainable fracture care in Haiti and other resource-limited settings.

A stacked autoencoder-based aid system for severity degree classification of knee ligament rupture.

BACKGROUND: Knee ligament rupture is one of the most common injuries, but the diagnosis of its severity tends to require the use of complex methods and analyses that are not always available to patients. AIM: The objective of this research is the investigation and development of a diagnostic aid system to analyze and determine patterns that characterize the presence of the injury and its degree of severity. METHODS: Implement a novel proposal of a framework based on stacked auto-encoder (SAE) for ground reaction force (GRF) signals analysis, coming from the GaitRec database. Analysis of the raw data is used to determine the main features that allow us to diagnose the presence of a knee ligament rupture and classify its severity as high, mid or mild. RESULTS: The process is divided into two stages to determine the presence of the lesion and, if necessary, evaluate variations in features to classify the degree of severity as high, mid, and mild. The framework presents an accuracy of 87 % and a F1-Score of 90 % for detecting ligament rupture and an accuracy of 86.5 % and a F1-Score of 87 % for classifying severity. CONCLUSION: This new methodology aims to demonstrate the potential of SAE in physiotherapy applications as an evaluation and diagnostic tool, identifying irregularities associated with ligament rupture and its degree of severity, thus providing updated information to the specialist during the rehabilitation process.

Functional tests and isokinetic knee assessment in street runner athletes correlation / Correlación entre pruebas funcionales y evaluación isokinética de rodilla en practicantes de carrera de calle / Correlação entre testes funcionais e avaliação isocinética do joelho em atletas corredores de rua

ABSTRACT Introduction: The assessment of biomechanical changes related to the lower limbs is necessary in clinical practice to measure the potential risks of injury and the influences on existing dysfunction. Biomechanical changes related to previous ankle injuries are known to influence the performance of the entire lower limb. Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate muscle strength tests, performance tests and ankle stability with the Single Hop Test (SHT). Methods: 82 amateur runners were evaluated with isokinetic tests of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, as well as Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT), and the SHT. Results: The results showed there was a significant correlation between the SHT and the YBT in subjects with hamstring/quadriceps ratio (I/Q ratio) <0.55, and the length of the unilateral SHT with the peak torque of ipsilateral knee extensors. Conclusion: The study was successful in correlating the functional tests in question with the results obtained in isokinetic dynamometry. Level of Evidence V; Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMEN Introducción: La evaluación de los cambios biomecánicos relacionados con las extremidades inferiores es necesaria en la práctica clínica para medir los riesgos potenciales de lesión y las influencias sobre la disfunción existente. Se sabe que los cambios biomecánicos relacionados con lesiones previas de tobillo influyen en el rendimiento de toda la extremidad inferior. Objetivo: Correlacionar las pruebas de fuerza muscular, las pruebas de rendimiento y la estabilidad del tobillo con la prueba de salto simple (Single Hop Test, SHT). Métodos: Se evaluó a 82 corredores aficionados con pruebas isocinéticas de fuerza muscular de cuádriceps e isquiotibiales, además de pruebas como Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT) y la prueba SHT. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que existía una correlación significativa entre el SHT y el YBT en sujetos con ratio isquiotibiales/cuádriceps (ratio I/Q) <0,55, y la longitud del SHT unilateral con el par máximo de los extensores de la rodilla ipsilateral. Conclusión: El estudio logró correlacionar las pruebas funcionales en cuestión con los resultados obtenidos en la dinamometría isocinética. Nivel de Evidencia V; Estudio Transversal.

RESUMO Introdução: A avaliação de alterações biomecânicas relacionadas aos membros inferiores é necessária na prática clínica para mensurar os riscos potenciais de alguma lesão e as influencias sobre uma disfunção existente. As alterações biomecânicas relacionadas a lesões prévias de tornozelo são conhecidas pela influência na performance de todo o membro inferior. Objetivo: Correlacionar testes de força muscular, testes de performance e estabilidade do tornozelo com o teste de salto simples (Single Hop Test - SHT). Métodos: Foram avaliados 82 corredores amadores com testes isocinéticos de força muscular de quadríceps e isquiotibiais, além de testes Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT), e o SHT. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram haver correlação significativa entre o SHT e o YBT nos indivíduos com relação Isquiotibiais/Quadríceps (relação I/Q) <0,55, e o comprimento do SHT unilateral com o pico de torque de extensores de joelho ipsilateral. Conclusão: O estudo foi bem sucedido em correlacionar os testes funcionais em questão com os resultados obtidos na dinamometria isocinética. Nível de Evidência V; Estudo Transversal.

Biomechanical analysis of wood processing work in tropical forest regions: A study in Midwest Brazil.

In the wood processing industry, working with machines exposes workers to occupational risks. This study evaluates the biomechanics of work activities carried out in a wood processing operation in tropical forest regions to identify risks associated with the development of musculoskeletal injuries. Data were collected in a wood processing industry from a tropical forest region in Midwest Brazil. Forty forest workers were evaluated, equivalent to 100% of the population of the company participating in the study. Biomechanical movements were measured using the Three-Dimensional Biomechanical Model for Predicting Stances and Static Forces. There was a risk of injury to the joints of the upper limbs (wrists and shoulders), as well as to the torso. When splitting and manually stacking wood, a risk of spinal injury was identified. All workers had a high risk of developing injuries in all joints evaluated in addition to a risk of serious spinal injury. In this way, the development of these activities without any ergonomic interventions makes the risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries in the workers involved imminent, with consequent early professional incapacity.

Musculoskeletal injuries sustained at the California, USA: Baja California, Mexico border.

BACKGROUND: Individuals attempting to enter the USA from Mexico at non-authorized points along the border fence often sustain injuries requiring medical intervention. We evaluated characteristics of this patient population and their hospital care to better understand patient treatment needs. Given the high-velocity nature of these injuries, we hypothesized that higher pain scores would be associated with longer lengths of hospital stay. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we selected records of all patients from 2013 to 2019 who received care by the Orthopaedic Surgery department following an injury sustained at the California-Baja California border. We evaluated demographics, musculoskeletal injuries, procedures, length of hospital stay (LOS), follow-up, and pain scores via retrospective chart review. We used linear regression, adjusting for age and gender, to evaluate associations between pain scores and hospital LOS. RESULTS: Among all 168 patients, there were 248 total injuries comprised of 46% lower extremity, 15% upper extremity, 17% spine, and 4% pelvic injuries. Average age at injury was 33 ± 10, 74% were male, and 85% identified as Hispanic. Of this patient population, 68% underwent operative interventions, 26% sustained open injuries, and 21% required external fixation for initial injury stabilization. Thirteen percent were seen for follow-up after discharge. Spine (n = 42), pilon (n = 36), and calcaneus fractures (n = 25) were the three most common injury types. Average LOS for all patients was 7.8 ± 8.1 days. Pain scores were not significantly associated with LOS ( p = 0.08). However, for every surgical procedure performed, hospital LOS was increased by 5.16 ± 0.47 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Many injuries incurred by patients crossing the border were severe, requiring multiple surgical interventions and a prolonged LOS. The higher number of procedures was significantly associated with longer LOS in all operatively treated patients. Future studies are needed to determine how we can optimize care for this unique patient population and facilitate post-discharge care.

Human platelet lysate - A potent (and overlooked) orthobiologic.

The knowledge of the essential role of platelets in tissue healing is gradually increasing and as regenerative medicine prompts new solutions, platelet-derived bioproducts have been proposed as a potential tool in this field. In orthopaedics and sports medicine, the use of PRP has been rapidly increasing in popularity as patients seek novel non-surgical approaches to acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. The concept of having platelets as a secretory organ other than a mere sponge-like coagulation component opens up new frontiers for the use of the platelet secretome. Platelet lysate is a solution saturated by growth factors, proteins, cytokines, and chemokines involved in crucial healing processes and is administered to treat different diseases such as alopecia, oral mucositis, radicular pain, osteoarthritis, and cartilage and tendon disorders. For this purpose, the abundant presence of growth factors and chemokines stored in platelet granules can be naturally released by different strategies, mostly through lyophilization, thrombin activation or ultrasound baths (ultrasonication). As a result, human platelet lysate can be produced and applied as a pure orthobiologic. This review outlines the current knowledge about human platelet lysate as a powerful adjuvant in the orthobiological use for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, without however failing to raise some of its most applicable basic science.

Frequency of Injury and Illness in the Final 4 Weeks before a Trail Running Competition.

We aimed to (i) determine self-reported injury and illness frequency in trail runners 4 weeks preceding competition; (ii) compare athletes with and without injury/illness by sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and competition distance; (iii) describe mechanism of injury, anatomical region (injury)/organ system (illness) involved, consequences of injury on preparation and self-perception of injury severity; (iv) compare anatomical region (injury) and organ system (illness) by sex. A total of 654 trail runners (age 36.2, IQR 30.6-43.0; 36.9% females) participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study by completing a self-reported questionnaire. Injury and illness frequency rates were 31.3% (n = 205, CI: 27.7-35.0%) and 22.3% (n = 146, CI: 19.1-25.7%), respectively. No significant difference was found between injured vs. non-injured or ill vs. non-ill study participants by sex, age, BMI and competition distance. Regarding injuries, gradual onset (41.6%) and knee (33.2%) were the most indicated mechanism and anatomical region of injury. At least 85.4% of trail runners changed their training following injury and 79% indicated that their injury would affect their competition performance. Regarding illness, the respiratory tract was the most frequent organ system involved (82.9%). Male and female participants reported similar proportions of anatomical regions (injury) and organ systems (illness) affected. These results could help to generate education strategies and appropriate medical support before and during these competitions.

Sleep debt induces skeletal muscle injuries in athletes: A promising hypothesis.

Sleep is a physiological state and it is fundamental for physical and cognitive recovery of athletes. Due to strenuous training and competitions, athletes may present sleep complaints compromising good quality and quantity of sleep. Studies have related sleep debt to the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes, but the mechanisms that can lead to this are not entirely clear. Studies involving animals and humans have shown that poor sleep quality can cause significant changes in hormones and cytokines. Demonstrating that this hormones changes lead to a decrease of testosterone and growth hormone levels and increased cortisol levels, important hormones in the process of protein synthesis and degradation. In athletes, the sport itself is a risk factor of injuries, and sleep debt may result in overtraining syndrome associated with inflammatory markers and ultimately to immune system dysfunction. Thus, we hypothesize that athletes who have sleep debt are more susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries due to increased catabolic pathway signaling, i.e. protein degradation and decreased anabolic pathway signaling, compromising muscle integrity. In this sense, we indicate the relationship between musculoskeletal injuries and sleep debt involving new targets for immunological signaling pathways that start the reduction of the muscle recovery process.

Associated factors and profile of injuries in professional ballroom dancers in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aims: Ballroom dance consists of a modality characterized by fast and dynamic movements performed in pairs, aiming at technical and artistic excellence. Objective: To analyze the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with injuries in professional ballroom dancers, considering possible differences between sexes. Method: 320 professional dancers of both sexes with a mean age of 31.48±8.63 years, who were in professional companies and/or dance schools from five regions of Brazil. The measurement was performed through an online self-administered questionnaire about general information and injuries. Results: A high frequency of musculoskeletal injuries (80.0%) was observed, especially osteoarticular ones (52.4%). In women, the lower limbs were the anatomical location most reported (31.1%) and the knee in male dancers (28.7%). Overweight men, with more than 11 years of dance practice, who danced in companies and also performed other physical activities, were more likely to have injuries. However, women were less likely to have injuries when they were overweight and more likely when they practiced other dance modalities besides ballroom dancing. Conclusions: Approximately 64.1% of ballroom dancers suffered an injury throughout their professional careers. For men, being overweight as well as the search for complementary activities to the physical training routine for both sexes, seem to influence the occurrence of injuries. Identification of the factors associated with injuries in ballroom dancers contributes both to preventive actions and to rehabilitation processes, favoring a healthy and safe career for professionals involved in this practice.

A painful symphony: the presence of overuse syndrome in professional classical musicians / Una sinfonía dolorosa: la presencia del síndrome de uso excesivo en músicos clásicos profesionales

Musculoskeletal problems are common in instrumental musicians. Little is known about the factors that place musicians at risk, and the ways in which musicians can prevent these problems. Overuse syndrome is the most reported diagnosis among instrumental musicians suffering from playing related musculoskeletal injuries. The study group comprised 50 musicians employed in Symphony Orchestra of the Serbian National Theatre of Novi Sad. Out of the 50 musicians, 30 (60 %) are male and 20 (40 %) female. Higher frequencies of the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms were neck, region of trapezius, back, shoulder, wrist, hand and arm. A larger number of musicians (81.8 %) had perception of high demand of the profession. This investigation with professional classical musicians should show the music-medical interest.

Los problemas musculo-esqueléticos son comunes en los músicos instrumentales. Poco se sabe sobre los factores que ponen en riesgo a los músicos y las formas en que los ellos pueden prevenir estos problemas. El síndrome de uso excesivo es el diagnóstico más informado entre los músicos instrumentales que sufren lesiones musculo-esqueléticas relacionadas al uso de instrumentos musicales. El grupo de estudio estuvo compuesto por 50 músicos de la Orquesta Sinfónica del Teatro Nacional Serbio de Novi Sad. De los 50 músicos, 30 (60 %) eran hombres y 20 (40 %) mujeres. La frecuencia más alta de presencia de síntomas musculoesqueléticos se produjo en el cuello, músculo trapecio, espalda, hombro, muñeca, mano y brazo. Un mayor número de músicos (81,8 %) tuvo una percepción de alta demanda de la profesión. Esta investigación con músicos clásicos profesionales debería ser de interés médico-musical.

Incidence rate of musculoskeletal injuries in brazilian army / Taxa de incidência de lesões musculoesqueléticas no exército brasileiro

The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) is a constant concern in all Armed Forces. Among risk factors for MSIs, physical training and sports can be considered the most frequent cause in military. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence rate of musculoskeletal injuries, identifying the anatomical distribution and its association with risk factors such as: body composition, age and physical training over the past 12 months. Three hundred fifty-one male cadets from the first year of the Brazilian Army officers training course and four hundred and fifty six students from the logistics sergeants training course (three hundred seventy-five male and eighty one female) volunteered to fill in a self-reported questionnaire which was developed based on a literature review and the clinical experience of the investigators. It contained questions concerning anatomical site of the MSIs, hours of physical activities per week, type of activities at the moment of injury and days of absences in physical activities. Among 807 subjects studied, 180 military have reported 220 MSIs. From this total, 143 have presented a single injury, 34 have suffered two injuries and three subjects have had three injuries each one during the last 12 months. Knee was the anatomical site with the higher incidence (7.06%) of MSIs over a 12-month period. Running was the activity with the higher incidence (11.77%) of injuries over a 12-month, accounting for 43.18% of all MSIs. When considered all activities of physical training, the MSIs incidence rate over a 12-month was 17.97%, which represents 71.36% of all MSIs. In young militaries, the largest amount musculoskeletal injuries occurred in the lower extremities and during military physical training, with running being the main activity in which the injuries occurred. Population, gender and body composition was not significantly associated with these types of injuries, while older age was associated in this study. The gradual and systematic progression of distance and speed during running training should be emphasized to prevent MSIs. (AU)

A incidência de lesões musculoesqueléticas (LME) é uma preocupação constante em todas as Forças Armadas. Entre os fatores de risco para LME, treinamentos físicos e esportes podem ser considerados a causa mais frequente em militares. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a taxa de incidência de lesões musculoesqueléticas, identificar a distribuição anatômica e sua associação com fatores de risco, tais como: composição corporal, idade e treinamento físico nos últimos 12 meses. Trezentos e cinquenta e um cadetes do primeiro ano da Escola Preparatória de Cadetes do Exército brasileiro e quatrocentos e cinquenta e seis alunos do curso de Sargento logístico (trezentos e setenta e cinco homens e oitenta e uma mulheres) se ofereceram para preencher um questionário auto relatado que foi desenvolvido com base em uma revisão da literatura e a experiência clínica dos pesquisadores. Ele continha perguntas sobre o local anatômico das LME, horas de atividades físicas por semana, tipo de atividades no momento da lesão e dias de ausência em atividades físicas. Entre 807 sujeitos estudados, 180 militares relataram 220 LME. A partir deste total, 143 apresentaram uma única lesão, 34 sofreram duas lesões e três indivíduos tiveram três lesões cada nos últimos 12 meses. O joelho foi o local anatômico com maior incidência (7,06%) de LME ao longo de um período de 12 meses. A corrida foi a atividade com maior incidência (11,77%) de lesões ao longo de 12 meses, representando 43,18% de todas as LME. Quando considerado todas as atividades de treinamento físico, a taxa de incidência de MSI ao longo de um período de 12 meses foi de 17,97%, o que representa 71,36% de todas as LME. Em militares jovens, a maior quantidade de lesões musculoesqueléticas ocorreu nas extremidades inferiores e durante o treinamento físico militar, sendo a corrida a principal atividade na qual ocorreram as lesões. População, gênero e composição corporal não foram significativamente associados a esses tipos de lesões, enquanto a idade avançada foi associada neste estudo. A progressão gradual e sistemática da distância e da velocidade durante o treinamento em corrida deve ser enfatizada para evitar LME. (AU)

Prevalência de lesões musculoesqueléticas em bailarinos contemporâneos do Balé da Cidade de Teresina / Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in contemporary ballet Bancers in the City of Teresina

Objetivo: Verificar as lesões musculoesqueléticas mais prevalentes em bailarinos contemporâneos do Balé da Cidade de Teresina. Métodos: será realizado um estudo transversal descritivo explicativo feito com 12 bailarinos de 18 á 35 anos de idade do balé da cidade de Teresina, onde será aplicado 3 questionários. Questionário bipolar- avaliação de fadiga, nórdico musculoesquelético e outro elaborado pela autora do trabalho. Resultados: Foram obtidos através dos questionários que avaliam dores, fadiga no trabalho e tipos de lesões nos bailarinos. Conclusão: Pode concluir-se que dor, fadiga pode ocasionar vários tipos de lesões musculoesqueléticas em bailarinos contemporâneos.

Objective: To verify the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries in contemporary ballet dancers in the city of Teresina Methods: a descriptive cross - sectional study will be carried out with 12 ballet dancers from 20 to 40 years of age from the ballet of the city of Teresina, where 3 questionnaires will be applied. Bipolar questionnaire - evaluation of fatigue, musculoskeletal and other Nordic elaborated by the author of the work. Results: They were obtained through questionnaires that evaluated pain, fatigue at work and types of injuries in dancers. Conclusion: It can be concluded that pain, fatigue can cause several types of musculoskeletal injuries in contemporary dancers

Skeletal injuries sustained during the Haiti earthquake of 2010: a radiographic analysis of the casualties admitted to the Israel Defense Forces field hospital.

PURPOSE: To report the distribution and types of skeletal injuries demonstrated on the images taken at the field hospital following the Haiti 2010 earthquake. METHODS: Following the January 12, 2010, earthquake, the State of Israel dispatched a field hospital to Haiti, managing 1,111 patients from January 17, 2010, to January 26, 2010. Four hundred and seven patients (37 %) had 684 radiographic images, most of them (87 %) due to presumed skeletal injuries. RESULTS: There were 224 limb fractures (excluding the hands and feet), with 77 % of them in the lower limbs (30 % femur, 17 % tibial shaft, 16 % ankle). Out of 37 axial skeleton fractures, 30 involved the pelvis (21 anterior posterior, three vertical shear, three lateral compression, three combined). Nine traumatic dislocations (five hips, three shoulders, one knee) were reduced. After reviewing all the digital radiographs, on a PACS-compatible radiography screen, few false diagnoses (2 %) were encountered, with none of them affecting the management of these injuries. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the radiological results emerging from a field hospital following a mass casualty event. Laptop personal computer-based workstations provide an adequate solution for radiographic image viewing in a field hospital setting. Recognition of the prevalence and distribution of skeletal injuries can improve the preparedness of such delegations before departure in the future.

Prevalência de lesões musculoesqueléticas em ?atletas adolescentes / Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in young athletes

Introdução: As lesões esportivas em adolescentes variam em decorrência de fatores tais como tipo de esporte praticado, tempo despendido e nível de exigência. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de lesões musculoesqueléticas em atletas adolescentes. Métodos: Coleta de dados de prontuários (contendo idade, data de nascimento, estatura, massa corporal, modalidade esportiva, gênero, localização anatômica, classificação e origem da lesão) dos atletas atendidos no serviço de Fisioterapia do IME-UCS, que apresentaram lesões musculoesqueléticas de julho de 2005 a junho de 2009. Resultados: O gênero masculino apresentou maior número de lesões (67,6%). A maioria das lesões foi de origem traumática (69%). O voleibol apresentou maior número de lesões (28,0%). A lesão mais frequente foi entorse (24,8%) e o joelho teve maior prevalência de lesões (25,3%). Conclusão: É de grande importância a realização de estudos sobre prevalência de lesões musculoesqueléticas, pois possibilita aos profissionais que trabalham com esporte planejar seus treinamentos, podendo evitar possíveis lesões.

Introduction: Sports injuries in adolescents vary due to factors such as type of sport, time spent and level of demand. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in adolescent athletes. Methods: Data collection of records (containing age, date of birth, height, body mass, sport, gender, anatomical location, classification and origin of the lesion) of the athletes met in the service of Physiotherapy of the EMI-UCS, who had musculoskeletal injuries July 2005 to June 2009. Results: Males had higher number of lesions (67.6%). Most injuries were traumatic (69%). Volleyball had a higher number of injuries (28.0%). The most frequent injury was ankle sprain (24.8%) and had higher prevalence of knee injuries (25.3%). Conclusion: It is of great importance for studies on the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries because it enables professionals working with sports to plan your workouts and can prevent possible injury.

El análisis multifactorial del trabajo estático y repetitivo. Estudio del trabajo en actividades de servicio / The Multifactorial Analysis of Static and Repetitive Work. Study of the Work in Services Activities

El trabajo de oficina y, específicamente, el trabajo con computador se realizan en períodos prolongados de trabajo estático, lo que se asocia con el desarrollo de desordenes músculo esqueléticos. En consecuencia, los autores desarrollaron un estudio transversal, a partir de la evaluación de trabajadores de oficina (n=377) de una empresa dedicada a actividades de servicio (gestión de información y atención al cliente), con el objetivo de explorar la relación entre la estructura del trabajo, la naturaleza de las tareas y la presencia de problemas osteomusculares e identificar los principios de una estrategia que estimule la transición postural. La información se recolectó a través de un formulario que indagó sobre variables relativas al tipo de cargo que desempeña el trabajador, el tiempo dedicado a actividades informáticas, incapacidades, antecedentes médicos y sintomatología actual. Como principales antecedentes médicos en la población evaluada se encontró: hipertensión arterial (HTA), 8%; dislipidemia, 23%; diabetes, 3%, e hipoglicemia, 4%. En los trabajadores evaluados se encontró que el 80% refiere dolor, específicamente relativo al miembro superior: manos, 26%; codos, 3%, y hombros, 4%. En columna cervical, 32%; lumbar, 16%, y dorsal, 6%. Finalmente, se evidenció que el 80% del tiempo laboral del personal estudiado es empleado en actividades de trabajo estáticas, dedicadas en su mayoría a la digitación de datos. Los resultados de este estudio se aplican al desarrollo de principios para el diseño de tareas y de una estrategia que busca potenciar las transiciones de postura en el trabajo.

The office work and specifically the work with computer are develop in long periods of static work, which is associated with the development of muscle skeletal disorders. In consequence, the authors made a transverse study with office workers (n=377) of a company dedicated to service activities (management of information and attention to costumers) in order to explore the relationship between the work structure, the nature of the tasks and the presence of muscle skeletal disorders, and to identify a strategy to stimulate the postural transition. The information was collected in a question paper that went into variables related to the type of task that the worker develops, the time that he dedicates to office and computer activities, disabilities, medical precedents and current symptomatology. The main medical precedents founded in the evaluated population was: arterial hypertension (HTA), 8%; lipidomics, 23%; diabetes, 3%, and hypoglycemia, 4%. In the evaluated population was found that 80% suffer pain, specifically relative to upper limbs: hands, 26%; elbows, 3%, and shoulders 4%. In cervical column, 32%; lumbar column, 16%; and dorsal column, 6%. Finally, it was proved that 80% of the worker’s time is dedicated to static work, specifically to typing information. The results of this study are applied to the development of principles to design tasks and to develop a strategy to promote the posture transitions at work.