Advances in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Research: Towards Improving Health, Quality of Life and Safety

A special issue of Theoretical and Applied Ergonomics (ISSN 3042-7126).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2026 | Viewed by 6323

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Guest Editor
International Institute of Biomechanics and Occupational Ergonomics, Toulon University, 83130 La Garde, France
Interests: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; risk factors; risk assessment; prevalence; occupational ergonomics; dynamic and kinematic motion analysis; posture; biomechanical modeling and simulation; motion analysis; muscle modeling; muscular fatigue; safety; occupational health; sport performance; sport medicine; intelligent wheelchair; neuro- or biorobotics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major public health problem worldwide. They are responsible for significant absenteeism, disability and direct and indirect costs. They affect work habits and the quality of work, as well as the quality of life and well-being of workers; all work environments are impacted. Many factors contribute to and reinforce the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated symptoms: working in awkward postures, the repetition of the same movements, the handling of heavy loads, unsuitable ergonomics, exposure environments, psychosocial context, etc. However, musculoskeletal disorders can also result from hereditary or congenital pathological processes. We welcome any research that can (1) help us understand and assess the causes and impact of musculoskeletal disorders on quality of life, safety and productivity; (2) propose recommendations and develop awareness and training policies; and (3) develop and explore new methodological and technical solutions that exploit new technologies (artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, wearable sensors, intelligent sensors, etc.).

This Special Issue therefore focuses on research and innovation aimed at improving the prevention and assessment of musculoskeletal disorder risks, irrespective of the work environment. Such research may take into account new working conditions, such as flexible working, telework, well-being and new forms of employment. We welcome contributions on the above topics, in any of the following forms: reliability studies, validity studies, cross-sectional studies, correlative studies, observational studies, study protocols, longitudinal studies, and case studies, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Prof. Dr. Philippe Gorce
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • work-related musculoskeletal disorders
  • biomechanics
  • occupational ergonomics
  • prevention
  • ergonomic risk assessment
  • risk factors
  • prevalence (overall and body areas)
  • safety 
  • occupational health
  • machine learning
  • virtual reality/augmented reality
  • wearable sensing technology in musculoskeletal disorders
  • artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal disorders
  • application of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) in musculoskeletal rehabilitation
  • sports injury and rehabilitation
  • health-related quality of life
  • well-being
  • health professionals (surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, caregivers, stretcher bearers, dentists, midwives, etc.)
  • industrial and tertiary workers

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2369 KB  
Article
A Pilot Study on Injury Risk Assessment in Emergency Care Using Dual Motion Capture Systems
by Xiaoxu Ji and Xin Gao
Theor. Appl. Ergon. 2026, 2(3), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/tae2030013 - 9 Jul 2026
Viewed by 198
Abstract
Manual lifting is a common occupational activity associated with an increased risk of low back disorders. In this study, 22 participants from UPMC Hamot, organized into 11 pairs, were recruited. A combination of motion capture techniques and an injury assessment tool was used [...] Read more.
Manual lifting is a common occupational activity associated with an increased risk of low back disorders. In this study, 22 participants from UPMC Hamot, organized into 11 pairs, were recruited. A combination of motion capture techniques and an injury assessment tool was used to investigate the relationships among body anthropometrics, three-dimensional trunk and lower-limb kinematics, and lumbar spinal loading. Potential differences in lifting mechanics were observed between male and female participants. Males exhibited greater trunk flexion and higher compressive loading, while females demonstrated greater hip and knee flexion with reduced trunk motion. These findings indicate that spinal loading during lifting is influenced by an interaction between anthropometric characteristics and movement coordination patterns, with variable behavioral trends affecting load distribution across the trunk and lower extremities. The results provide biomechanical insight that may inform the development of bio-ergonomic training techniques aimed at reducing lumbar spine loading and minimizing injury risk in occupational lifting tasks. Full article
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24 pages, 4252 KB  
Article
Navigating Expert Opinions on Best Practices During Manual Handling for Patient Positioning in Long-Term Care Settings
by Stephen Sunday Ede, Jonathan Kenneth Sinclair, Jessica Macbeth, Matthew Dickinson and Ambreen Chohan
Theor. Appl. Ergon. 2026, 2(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/tae2020007 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 927
Abstract
Patient manual handling during positioning is widely recognised to have a sparse evidence base, exposing healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). This study aimed to provide in-depth insight into the challenges of manual patient bed positioning in [...] Read more.
Patient manual handling during positioning is widely recognised to have a sparse evidence base, exposing healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). This study aimed to provide in-depth insight into the challenges of manual patient bed positioning in long-term care settings to identify best practices for optimising care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively recruited subject experts in the UK (n = 9; aged 30–62 years). Interviews focused on challenges, best practices, and solutions to patient manual handling positioning. Data were explored using thematic and framework analysis. Major gaps were evident in HCP training and in key aspects of positioning, including patient bed mobility, postural management, and turning patients into the side-lying position. Experts identified a need for realistic, comprehensive training for HCPs on the integrated, optimised use of low-tech equipment (e.g., wedges, breathable pillows, sliding systems, and sleep systems) for safe, single-handed patient positioning. This study provided novel recommendations for optimising practices in patient bed mobility, posture care, repositioning, and turning into side-lying, aimed at improving patient outcomes and mitigating occupational risks. Full article
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17 pages, 1010 KB  
Article
Comparison of Pedobarographic Profiles of Young Males While Walking Barefoot and in Different Footwear
by Filip Bolčević and Dalibor Kiseljak
Theor. Appl. Ergon. 2026, 2(2), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/tae2020006 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 521
Abstract
Walking, a fundamental human activity, has significant implications for health. This study aimed to determine the influence of different types of footwear (boots, running shoes, and indoor court shoes) on maximum plantar force and pressure. The sample included 19 healthy male students. Plantar [...] Read more.
Walking, a fundamental human activity, has significant implications for health. This study aimed to determine the influence of different types of footwear (boots, running shoes, and indoor court shoes) on maximum plantar force and pressure. The sample included 19 healthy male students. Plantar pressures and forces were measured with a pedobarographic device. The maximum forces on the forefoot were highest when walking barefoot and lowest when wearing boots (p < 0.05). For the midfoot, a significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between the barefoot condition and the other three conditions; forces were lowest when walking barefoot. Compared with the other conditions, the maximum forces on the hindfoot were highest when participants wore boots (p < 0.01). The maximum pressure on the forefoot was highest when participants walked barefoot compared with the footwear conditions (p < 0.01). For the midfoot, wearing running shoes resulted in the highest values, which were significantly different (p < 0.01) from those obtained when wearing indoor court shoes or walking barefoot. Compared with the other three conditions, wearing running shoes resulted in the lowest maximum pressure on the hindfoot (p < 0.01). The plantar force and pressure gait parameters indicate that cushioning has biomechanical significance during movement. Full article
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Other

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20 pages, 2136 KB  
Systematic Review
Continental Umbrella Review and Meta-Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevalence Among Healthcare Professionals
by Philippe Gorce and Julien Jacquier-Bret
Theor. Appl. Ergon. 2025, 1(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/tae1010007 - 28 Aug 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3595
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a significant impact on healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to conduct an umbrella review and meta-analysis to examine the overall body area prevalence of WMSDs by continents, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic [...] Read more.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a significant impact on healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to conduct an umbrella review and meta-analysis to examine the overall body area prevalence of WMSDs by continents, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Mendeley, PubMed/Medline, Science.gov, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were screened without date limitation to identify relevant meta-analyses. The selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction process were performed independently by two reviewers. Ten meta-analyses were included from the 3853 unique records, for a total of 100,211 participants, including dentists, nurses, surgeons, and mixed healthcare professionals. High heterogeneity (Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistic) was observed. The largest number of meta-analyses was performed among nurses. Subgroup analysis by continent revealed an imbalance in the number of works, with Asia being the most documented. The analysis of prevalence rates was complete in Asia (overall and nine body areas), and partial in Europe (neck, shoulder, wrist) and Africa (lower back only). A ranking of the most exposed areas by continent was proposed. The lower back was the most exposed area (Africa: 54.5%; Asia: 56.6%). It would be relevant in future work to consider the numerous cross-sectional studies in order to improve subgroup analyses by continent and, thus, complete and strengthen the initial results presented in this first umbrella review. Full article
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