A study on musculoskeletal complaints and working postures in pathology specialists in Iran

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ehsan Rafeemanesh¹  Alireza Khooei²  Shabnam Niroumand³  Tina Shirzadeh⁴ 

[1] Department of Occupational Medicine, Medical Toxicology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square. Mashhad, Pardis, Iran;

关键词: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs);    Pathologist;    Nordic questionnaire;    Posture;    Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA);   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12891-021-04870-w

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries and disabilities among health care workers. This study investigates the relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and pathologist postures in laboratories.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, 40 pathologists were evaluated. MSDs in different body segments of the participants were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire. For postural analysis, 20 min film was recorded while using a microscope by subjects. Posture analysis was done by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method and their repetitive movements were scored. The data was analyzed by SPSS Version 11.5.ResultsThe mean age and duration of employment of subjects was 36.57 ± 7.54 years and 6.50 ± 6.30 years, respectively. Most MSDs were found in neck (65%), wrist (57.5%), upper back (50%) and lower back (47.5%). The mean RULA grand score was higher in participants with upper back and shoulder pain. A statistically significant relationship was found between the mean RULA grand, the upper back pain (P = 0.02) and the wrist pain (P = 0.003), as well as between the mean RULA B, the neck pain (P = 0.02) and the lower back pain (P = 0.05). The results showed a significant relationship between mean weekly working hours and tight (P < 0.001), wrist (p = 0.01) and ankle (P = 0.008).ConclusionThis study revealed high prevalence of MSDs among the pathologists. Therefore, performing ergonomic corrective actions is essential in order to improve their physical conditions at work.

【 授权许可】

CC BY