Search Results (29)

Background/Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders globally, significantly impacting quality of life across diverse populations. Despite its association with middle-aged and older populations, evidence indicates that LBP is increasingly prevalent among younger age groups. Health science students are considered a potential risk factor for LBP; however, longitudinal studies are scarce. This study aims to determine the risk factors for LBP among health science students over a 2-year follow-up. Methods: One hundred ninety-seven of the third-class health science students (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical laboratory science, and Emergency Medical services) were contacted in June 2024. A self-administered modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and data about sedentary and physical activity behavior, as well as 1-month LBP (lasting at least 12 h and numeric rating scale > 5) and stress scores, were recorded. Results: A total of 172/197 (87.3%) respondents completed the questionnaire at the end of the 2-year follow-up. The mean age was 25 ± 3.5 (years) and body mass index (BMI) value 23.5 ± 4.3 (kg/m²). About 49% (n = 84) and 20% (n = 34) of the participants had 1-month LBP and functional disability, respectively. No significant association was found between health science programs and the presence of 1-month LBP (χ² = 0.55, p > 0.05). The logistic regression analyses found that males (OR = 0.269, p = 0.005) and a history of pain frequency (OR = 3.377, p = 0.001) had a significant association with LBP over time. Conclusions: This prospective study shows a high prevalence of 1-month LBP (48.8%) among health science students at Zefat Academic College. LBP was significantly related to sex (female) and pain frequency, but not to health science students. We believe that implementing ergonomic and educational strategies is recommended for this population. Full article

Background: Several studies have examined the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among university students internationally. We aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and potential risk factors for MSP among Majmaah University students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to students from different faculties at Majmaah University. We collected data via the validated Arabic versions of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations between MSP and demographic, ergonomic, lifestyle, and psychosocial variables. Results: A total of 257 students (n = 195, 75.9% female; n = 62, 24.1% male) were included in this study. The 12-month prevalence of MSP was 225 (87.5%), with the lower back (n = 119, 46.3%) and neck (n = 113, 44.0%) regions being the most affected. Compared with male students, female students reported a higher MSP prevalence (90.3% vs. 79.0%, p = 0.035). The multivariable model was significant (likelihood-ratio χ² = 26.042, df = 7, p < 0.001), accounted for Nagelkerke R² = 0.182 of variance, and showed good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ² = 8.505, df = 8, p = 0.386). Perceived stress was the only independent predictor of 12-month MSP (β = 0.084, adjusted OR = 1.087, 95% CI 1.034–1.143, Wald χ² = 10.732, p = 0.001), while sex, smoking, academic workload, and sleep duration were non-significant (all p > 0.127). Conclusions: MSP appears to be prevalent among Majmaah University students, with psychological stress emerging as a key independent risk factor. Preventive strategies should include stress management prioritization and ergonomic and physical activity education to support university student well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) is a versatile tool used for the assessment of orofacial function. The aim of this study was to introduce the Polish version of the NOT-S along with the results of its cultural adaptation. Methods: The original NOT-S was validated into the Polish language in accordance with the current questionnaire translation standards, including the cultural adaptation, which consisted of an examination of Polish society. The pilot study, as a cultural adaptation, was carried out among fifty people between the ages of 3 and 34 (Mean—15.8, SD—8.9). Results: During the translation, three word discrepancies were noted, and also many linguistic equivalences, such as semantic, empirical, conceptual, and other differences, were reported. The average total NOT-S score during cultural adaptation was 1.62 (SD 1.16; Range 0–5). Abnormalities in section III, i.e., habits (78%), were found most frequently in the subjects. A thorough data analysis showed statistically significant results in section IV of the interview, i.e., chewing and swallowing (p = 0.00073), and also significant results in section 3 of the examination, i.e., facial expression (p = 0.00006). Conclusions: The Polish version of the NOT-S is linguistically comprehensible and culturally equivalent, and can be used for the examination of children, adolescents, and adults. The findings of this study indicate that orofacial function screening is advisable in the healthy population. Full article

Background: Low back pain (LBP) and musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among agricultural workers. However, there is limited epidemiological evidence from rural regions of Ecuador, where working and living conditions may differ substantially from those in other settings. This study aimed to identify predictors of LBP among farmers in rural Ecuador to inform locally relevant prevention strategies. Methods: Participants aged 30 to 60 years (n = 103) were recruited through a traveling health clinic. Participants were assessed with behavioral and sociodemographic self-report questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Low back pain (LBP) was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which asked about symptoms experienced in the past 12 months. Bivariate (Chi-square and Fisher exact tests) and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses were conducted to explore associations between risk factors and LBP in individuals aged 30 to 60 years. Results: LBP was highly prevalent, affecting 78.6% of participants. Behavioral patterns were mixed, with low rates of smoking and moderate alcohol and coffee consumption associated with LBP. A normal body mass index (BMI) was observed in 66% of the sample, and over half reported stable mood and good self-perceived health. In the binary logistic regression analysis, only education level significantly predicted LBP, with secondary education acting as a protective factor. Conclusions: While lower back pain was widespread in the population studied, most risk factors that were analyzed were not significantly associated with its presence. Full article

Background and objective. Low back pain (LBP) is considered the most common and challenging disorder in health care. Although its incidence increases with age, a student’s sedentary behavior could contribute to this risk. Through machine learning (ML), advanced algorithms can analyze complex patterns in health data, enabling accurate prediction and targeted prevention of medical conditions such as LBP. This study aims to detect the factors associated with LBP among health sciences students. Methods. A self-administered modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was completed by 222 freshman health sciences students from May to June 2022. A supervised random forest algorithm was utilized to analyze data and prioritize the importance of variables related to LBP. The model’s predictive capability was further visualized using a decision tree to identify high-risk patterns and associations. Results. A total of 197/222 (88.7%) students participated in this study, most of whom (75%) were female. Their mean age and body mass index were 23 ± 3.8 and 23 ± 3.5, respectively. In this group, 46% (n = 90) of the students reported having experienced LBP in the last month, 15% (n = 30) were smokers, and 60% (n = 119) were involved in prolonged sitting (more than 3 h per day). The decision tree of ML revealed that a history of pain (score = 1), as well as disability (score= 0.34) and physical activity (score = 0.21), were significantly associated with LBP. Conclusions. Approximately 46% of the health science students reported LBP in the last month, and a machine-learning approach highlighted a history of pain as the most significant factor related to LBP. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid shift to remote working, which affected ergonomic conditions and increased the risk of upper body musculoskeletal pain (MSP). This study assessed the prevalence and impact of upper body MSP (affecting the head, neck, shoulders, and back) among academic staff at a University of Technology during the pandemic. Data were collected from 110 participants through an online, descriptive, cross-sectional survey adapted from the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and the McCaffrey Initial Pain Assessment Tool. The survey examined demographics, ergonomic practices, MSP, and psychological well-being before and during the pandemic. The sample included 59.1% female participants, with most being middle-aged. Persistent MSP was common, with 54.5% reporting neck pain and 59.1% experiencing back pain during the pandemic, alongside a significant decline in wrists in neutral position ergonomics (p = 0.012). Psychological well-being also worsened, as participants reported lower levels of cheerfulness, calmness, and energy than before the pandemic. While 81.9% of 90.9% participants with pre-existing MSP continued to experience pain, a small (9%) but notable proportion saw a decline in MSP during this period. These findings highlight a strong relationship between remote working conditions and MSP, with poor ergonomics and psychological distress contributing significantly to persistent pain. The results emphasise the need for institutions to provide ergonomic support, such as appropriate equipment and workstation adjustments, alongside mental health resources to mitigate the long-term impacts of remote working on physical and mental health. Full article

Physical therapists, because of their care work, are susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to their caregiving duties. These disorders have a significant economic and social impact. Objectives: To analyze the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists and their associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional design study was conducted among physical therapists who were working in the Community of Madrid. An online questionnaire was used and distributed through the professional association. This questionnaire included sociodemographic and occupational variables as well as the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, specifically designed for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms in an ergonomic or occupational health context. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: 212 questionnaires were analyzed. 98.1% reported a musculoskeletal problem in the past 12 months. The most affected regions were the neck (85.4%), upper back (59.4%), lower back (73.1%), shoulder (53.8%), and wrist and hand (63.2%). Neck disorders were associated with women (AOR = 2.41; 95%CI = 1.20–4.82); shoulder disorders with women (AOR = 7.79; 95%CI = 1.02–56.64) and older age (AOR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.01–1.11); lower back disorders with women (AOR = 3.86; 95%CI = 1.11–13.49), a four-year bachelor’s degree (AOR = 3.56; 95%CI = 1.09–11.62), treating trauma patients (AOR = 0.13; 95%CI = 0.02–0.62), and using manual therapy (AOR = 0.34; 95%CI = 0.15–0.78). Conclusions: 98.1% of the physical therapists reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 12 months. Several variables were associated with musculoskeletal disorders: gender, level of education, age, and type of patient and treatment. Further research is needed to identify preventive measures that can reduce the high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among physical therapists. Full article

Background: Postural changes are considered a public health problem, especially those that affect the spine, as they may predispose to degenerative conditions of the spine in adulthood. Musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of chronic pain, illness, reduced educational performance, productivity, and quality of life, and are responsible for increased absenteeism, which could compromise the future career of students. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of postural changes and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in different anatomical regions in the 12 months prior and 7 days prior to the application of the questionnaire and the number of affected anatomical regions. Methods: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. It included 508 students selected by a stratified random sample. Our outcomes were the Portuguese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Adam’s test, a scoliometer, and the visual analog pain scale associated with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: In total, 79.3% of the students tested positive with the Adam’s test. The neck, shoulder, lumbar region, and knee stood out in all of the temporal references, the 12 months prior (44.3%; 35.2%, 50.2%, 34.1%) and the 7 days prior (16.5%, 16.9%; 28.9%, 17.5%), and even in the restriction of activity due to painful symptoms in the 12 months prior (4.3%, 5.3%, 10.6%, 8.5%). Conclusions: Out of 497 students, 403 were identified with postural changes. The high prevalence rate of identified musculoskeletal symptoms in the anatomical regions of the neck, lumbar region, and shoulder raises the need for intervention in students. Gender appears to generate differences between men and women. Pain from multiple body sites is frequent among young adults. Full article

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is a worldwide method of coronary revascularisation. The aim of this study was to assess the immediate and long-term effects of Nordic Walking (NW) training added to a standard cardiac rehabilitation programme on physical activity (PA) and capacity and life quality, as well as selected proatherogenic risk factors. Methods: The studied group comprised 50 patients (considering exclusion criteria, 40 patients), aged 56–70, with CCS after elective PCI qualified them for a 6-weeks-long cardiac rehabilitation. The follow-up period lasted 4 months, and control visits occurred at 2 and 4 months. The studied patients were randomly divided into two groups: control group—standard cardiac rehabilitation programme and experimental group—standard cardiac rehabilitation programme additionally combined with NW training. Results: The cardiac rehabilitation programme in the experimental, compared to the control group, increased intense PA (from 731.43 ± 909.9 to 2740 ± 2875.96 vs. from 211.43 ± 259.43 to 582.86 ± 1289.74 MET min/week) and aerobic efficiency—VO2peak (from 8.67 ± 0.88 to 9.96 ± 1.35 vs. from 7.39 ± 2 to 7.41 ± 2.46 METs), as well as quality of life according to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (from 3.57 ± 0.51 to 4.14 ± 0.36 vs. from 3.29 ± 0.47 to 3.57 ± 0.51 points). The walking distance assessed with the 6-min walk test did not differ between the groups before the beginning of the rehabilitation programme. Both at the I follow-up and II follow-up time points, a significant increase in the walking distance was noted in the control and experimental groups compared to baseline, and the difference between both groups was significant at the end of follow-up (378.57 ± 71.35 vs. 469.29 ± 58.07, p = 0.003). Moreover, NW had a positive effect on the modulation within selected biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis, as well as subjective quality of life and well-being. Conclusions: Introducing NW training into the cardiac rehabilitation process proved to be a more effective form of therapy in patients with CCS treated via PCI, as compared to the standard cardiac rehabilitation programme alone. Full article

The implementation of lean manufacturing to increase productivity often neglects the impact on the environment and the well-being of employees. This can result in negative consequences such as environmental harm and poor employee satisfaction. To address this issue, an integrated ergo-green-lean conceptual model was developed in the literature. However, no case study has been conducted to support this model. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the practical outcomes of implementing the integrated framework in an automobile parts industry. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were identified, including ergonomic risk score, job satisfaction, carbon footprint emission both from direct energy consumption and material wastage, cycle time, lead time, die setup time, and rejection rate. Various assessment techniques were employed, such as the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) with the Standard Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ), job stress survey, carbon footprint analysis (CFA), and value stream mapping (VSM) to evaluate the KPIs at the pre- and post-intervention phases. The results demonstrate significant improvements in job satisfaction (49%), improved REBA score of 10 postures with very high risk numbers by 100%, a 30.3% and 19.2% decrease in carbon emissions from energy consumption and material wastage, respectively, a 45% decrease in rejection rate at the customer end, a 32.5% decrease in in-house rejection rate, a 15.5% decrease in cycle time, a 34.9% decrease in lead time, and a 21% decrease in die setup time. A Python regression model utilizing sklearn, pandas, and numpy was created to assess the relationship between process improvement and the chosen KPIs. Full article

Background: Healthcare workers, particularly nurses and apprentice nurses, are at high risk of the development of hand eczema due to daily exposure to wet work. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of hand eczema in a group of first-, second-, and third-year apprentice nurses at the University Hospitals of Trieste (northeastern Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Two hundred forty-two Nursing School students were recruited. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire based on the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, and all patients underwent a medical examination to evaluate their skin condition based on standard scores. Transepidermal water loss was also measured. The factors associated with hand eczema were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The prevalence of hand eczema was low in students both before and after the traineeship (17.9 and 21.5%, respectively), but clinical signs of mild skin damage, mainly skin dryness, were present in 52.3 and 47.2%, respectively. The factor associated with hand eczema was a personal history of atopic eczema (odd ratios 2.61, 95% confidence intervals 1.18–5.80), while exposure to irritants and glove use did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Our findings might be explained by the preventive measures adopted for skin protection among healthcare workers in Trieste since the apprenticeship. Full article

This study surveyed 114 Taiwanese and 57 Thai workers in a tape manufacturing factory in Taiwan and evaluated their symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) and associated risk factors by using the revised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Task-appropriate biomechanical and body load assessment tools were also employed to examine biomechanical and body load during four specified daily tasks. The results indicated that the prevalence of discomfort symptoms in any body part within one year was 81.6% for the Taiwanese workers and 72.3% for the Thai workers. The body part in which the Taiwanese workers most frequently experienced discomfort was the shoulders (57.0%), followed by the lower back (47.4%), the neck (43.9%), and the knees (36.8%); where the Thai workers most frequently experienced discomfort was the hands or wrists (42.1%), followed by the shoulders (36.8%) and the buttocks or thighs (31.6%). These locations of discomfort were associated with task characteristics. Heavy-material handling (>20 kg) more than 20 times per day was the most significant risk factor for WMSDs for both groups, and this task must thus be urgently improved. We also suggest that providing wrist braces for Thai workers may assist in alleviating their hand and wrist discomfort. The biomechanical assessment results indicated that the compression forces acting on the workers’ lower backs exceeded the Action Limit standard; administrative controls must thus be instituted for two heavy-material handling tasks. In the factory, some tasks and workers’ movements when completing these tasks must be assessed and improved immediately by using appropriate tools. Although the Thai workers were engaged in more physically demanding tasks, their WMSDs were milder than those of the Taiwanese workers. The results of the study can serve as references for the prevention and reduction of WMSDs in local and foreign workers in similar industries. Full article

Occupational driving of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) became increasingly important in parcel delivery faced with the explosive growth of e-commerce. Since musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent the most reported driving-related health problem, we aimed to analyze the risk of low back pain (LBP) and upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) associated with driving LDVs for parcel delivery. In 306 postal workers exposed to driving and 100 unexposed workers, information on occupational driving, physical/psychosocial constraints, and work organization were collected via a questionnaire. MSDs were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire, 14 additional questions regarding LBP, and a standardized clinical examination for UEMSDs. Statistical modeling consisted of multivariable logistic regression for UEMSDs and the item response theory approach for LBP. UEMSDs were associated with the distance of rural rounds and inversely associated with urban/mixed delivery rounds. Handling heavy loads was associated with LBP, and high physical demands during delivery rounds were related to MSDs. Karasek dimensions and mobbing actions were associated with MSDs. Work recognition, driving training, using an automatic gearbox, and the utilization of additional staff during peak periods were inversely associated with MSDs. Our results suggest that the distance driven in rural settings and high physical demands were associated with MSDs, while some organizational factors could protect from MSDs. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries and disabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MSDs and occupational factors affecting MSDs among ethnic lychee–longan harvesting workers in northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the areas of three upper northern provinces of Thailand. The study areas are located in the highlands and rural plains, where many ethnic minority groups live, including Indigenous, Mien, Karen, and Lua. The majority of them work in a farm of perennial fruit trees, mainly lychee and longan. During the harvest season, 404 participants were recruited for the study using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires that included general information, an ergonomic risk assessment, and a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessing MSDs in 10 body parts. The average age of lychee–longan harvesting workers was 48.8 years. Almost all (99.5%) reported MSDs in one or more body regions in the previous seven days of work. The prevalence of MSDs was highest in the hands (82.9%), followed by the shoulders (82.2%) and the neck (79.7%). The total ergonomic risk scores, which included awkward posture, heavy carrying and lifting, repetitive activity, land slope, and equipment, were found to be significantly associated with MSDs in part of the neck (AOR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.11–1.23), shoulder (AOR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.10–1.21), elbow (AOR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.12–1.24), hand (AOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.07–1.18), finger (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.24–1.44), upper back (AOR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.09–1.20), lower back (AOR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.11–1.22), hip (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.06–1.15), knee (AOR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.12–1.24), and feet (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.15–1.28) when adjusting for ethnicity, sex, age, BMI, and work experience. Many parts of ethnic workers’ bodies have been affected by occupational injuries, with a high risk of upper extremity injury. As a result, using an ergonomic approach to improving the working environment and appropriate posture movement is very beneficial in preventing MSDs among ethnic harvesting workers. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their association with smartphone addiction and smartphone usage among university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 313 university students aged 18 years and older who owned a smartphone and used it during the preceding 12 months participated in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of upper limb MSDs, smartphone addiction/overuse, and levels of physical activity were recorded using the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, the smartphone addiction scale (short version), and the international physical activity questionnaire (short form), respectively. Data collection was performed on campus between March and May 2021. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the prevalence of upper limb MSDs and smartphone addiction/overuse and levels of physical activity. The 12-month prevalence of MSDs of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand regions due to smartphone use among participants was found to be 20.13%, 5.11%, and 13.42%, respectively. Shoulder (odds ratio (OR) = 11.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.64–27.94, p < 0.001), elbow (OR = 15.38, 95% CI = 1.92–123.26, p = 0.01), and wrist/hand MSDs (OR = 7.65, 95% CI = 2.75–21.22, p < 0.001) were more prevalent among participants who were categorized as having smartphone addiction/overuse measures. Promoting awareness about the healthy use of smartphones, including postural education and decreasing screen time, is necessary to reduce smartphone-related MSDs. Full article