Search Results (360)

Background/Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational health concern among medical laboratory workers (MLWs) worldwide. However, in cross-sectional epidemiological assessments, these are more accurately characterized as self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs). Despite growing awareness of physical ergonomic risk factors, the multifactorial etiology of these symptoms, such as psychosocial factors, remains incompletely understood in research laboratory settings. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSSs among MLWs in a Malaysian research institute, assess physical ergonomic risk in their daily tasks, and evaluate the empirical association between MSSs and psychosocial work engagement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among MLWs at a Malaysian medical research institute. The 12-month prevalence of self-reported MSSs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Physical ergonomic risk was evaluated utilizing the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Psychosocial work engagement was measured using the 17-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Results: A total of 115 MLWs participated, with 73 (63.5%) reporting MSSs. The neck had the highest complaints (n = 43, 37.4%), followed by the lower back (n = 35, 30.4%) and shoulders (n = 33, 28.7%). Multivariable modified Poisson Generalized Estimating Equations revealed that physical ergonomic risk (REBA) was significantly associated with symptoms in the shoulder, upper back, and lower back. Female sex was independently correlated with the overall prevalence of MSSs (aPR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.14–1.68), with marked associations observed for the neck and knees. Psychosocially, high “absorption” in work was significantly associated with upper back symptom prevalence (aPR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.15–2.14). Conclusions: Ergonomic strain demonstrates a strong association with axial and shoulder symptoms among MLWs, while demographic characteristics and cumulative tenure correlate with specific extremity symptoms. Paradoxically, high psychological absorption emerges as a distinct correlate of upper back symptoms, likely due to prolonged postural neglect during deep concentration. Occupational health programs may benefit from combining targeted ergonomic accommodations with strategies designed to mitigate the potential physical vulnerabilities of highly absorbed personnel. Full article

Manual material handling tasks are a major source of physical workload and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in industrial environments. This study evaluated the effects of a passive back-support exoskeleton (BSE) on muscle activity and perceived discomfort during lifting and lowering tasks performed under varying working height and weight conditions. Ten healthy male participants completed lifting and lowering tasks across seven height levels, seven weight levels (3–15 kg), and two exoskeleton conditions (with and without BSE). Surface electromyography was recorded from 12 muscles, and perceived discomfort was assessed using a visual analog scale. The BSE significantly reduced muscle activity in the middle trapezius, erector spinae longissimus, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius lateralis, while a slight increase was observed in the flexor digitorum superficialis. Among all muscles, the middle trapezius exhibited the greatest reduction with the BSE. The reduction in muscle activity was more pronounced during lowering tasks and at extreme working heights, indicating that the exoskeleton provided greater biomechanical assistance under excessive postural conditions. Perceived discomfort was also significantly reduced, particularly at extreme height levels and heavier loads (13–15 kg). These findings suggest that passive BSEs can effectively reduce physical demands and improve user comfort during material handling tasks, although potential load redistribution to distal muscles should be considered when implementing exoskeleton systems in occupational settings. Full article

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose substantial global burdens. Although Pilates is a recognized biopsychosocial intervention, a quantitative synthesis evaluating its occupational efficacy remains limited. Objective: To compute the pooled effect sizes of workplace Pilates interventions on musculoskeletal pain intensity, functional disability, muscular endurance, and health-related quality of life (QoL). Methods: Twelve randomized controlled trials (14 reports) involving diverse occupational cohorts were analyzed. Data dependency was resolved via outcome aggregation. Random-effects models calculated pooled effect sizes (Hedges’ g), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and 95% prediction intervals (PI). Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate, statistically significant reduction in functional disability (g = −0.660, 95% CI [−1.091, −0.229], p = 0.011). Conversely, pooled estimates for pain intensity (g = −0.461, p = 0.360), muscular endurance (g = 1.354, p = 0.223), and QoL (g = −0.146, p = 0.815) were non-significant. Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I²: 32.02–98.25%), and all prediction intervals crossed the null, indicating high uncertainty regarding future effects. Conclusions: Workplace Pilates consistently mitigates functional disability, but current evidence does not support significant pooled improvements in absolute pain, endurance, or QoL. This divergence between functional recovery and pain reduction aligns with biopsychosocial frameworks, suggesting improved work capacity despite variable pain relief. Given the high heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals, findings must be interpreted cautiously, highlighting the need for rigorously standardized trials. Full article

Background: Radiology and ultrasound technologists are exposed to sustained static postures, repetitive movements, equipment handling, and patient-positioning tasks that increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). During Ramadan, increased healthcare demand associated with Umrah may further increase occupational workload in Madinah. Objective: To estimate the 7-day prevalence of WRMSDs and identify occupational factors associated with pain intensity among radiology and ultrasound technologists working during Ramadan in Madinah. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 237 radiology and ultrasound technologists working in Madinah during Ramadan 1447/2026. Participants were recruited using online convenience and snowball sampling through professional networks and social-media platforms. The survey included the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), a 0–10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and demographic and occupational variables. Bivariate analyses and multivariable linear regression with robust standard errors were used to examine factors associated with pain intensity. Results: Overall, 89.5% of participants reported WRMSDs during the preceding 7 days. The lower back (56.5%) and neck (40.5%) were the most affected regions. Mean pain intensity was 5.55 ± 2.28. Higher pain intensity was associated, after adjustment for the variables included in the model, with older age, working as an ultrasound technologist, managing 11–20 or more than 30 patients per shift, and frequent night-shifts, with the strongest association observed among participants working at least three-night-shifts per week (B = 3.27, 95% CI 2.43–4.10). BMI, sex, years of experience and shift duration were not independently associated with pain intensity after adjustment. Conclusions: WRMSDs were highly prevalent among radiology and ultrasound technologists working during Ramadan in Madinah. Night-shift frequency and very high patient workload showed the largest occupational associations with pain intensity. These findings identify workload distribution and night-shift scheduling as potential areas for occupational health evaluation during periods of increased healthcare demand. Because of the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Full article

Background: This scoping review maps and synthesizes the scientific evidence on the epidemiological profile and determinants of sick leave and work-related accidents in Brazil, with an emphasis on studies using data from the Brazilian Federal Medical Expert Service of the Ministry of Social Security. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, eight databases (SciELO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase) were searched for quantitative observational studies published between 2000 and 2025. Out of the 218 studies identified, 18 met the eligibility criteria. Results: Cross-sectional designs (66.7%) and ecological/time-series designs (22.2%) predominated. The findings identified musculoskeletal disorders as the leading cause of work absence; mental disorders were the third leading cause, exhibiting an upward trend; and a significant influence of institutional factors, especially the Social Security Technical Epidemiological Nexus, on the observed patterns. Determinants operate at the individual, occupational/organizational, and institutional levels. Conclusions: Empirical research on work disability in Brazil remains fragmented, providing limited capacity for causal inference. The findings support five priority areas: sectoral risk management, workplace mental health, territorial strategies for musculoskeletal disorders, sick leave trajectory policies, and data governance, all of which necessitate longitudinal and quasi-experimental studies to evaluate interventions and the impact of institutional changes. Full article

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain one of the most prevalent occupational health problems worldwide. To prevent the development of these WMSDs in an office space, a chair designed for office monitoring capable of accurately identifying ten representative seated postures and measuring environmental factors was developed and validated. Methods: To evaluate office working conditions, the chair has three embedded Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs): one directed towards seat pressure management, one directed towards environmental measurements and one PCB to manage the entire system. Machine learning approaches were then applied to establish a model that effectively predicts the seated position. The environmental data were also analyzed. Results: The seated position classification presented an accuracy of 80.99% in controlled conditions, while in a real-world context the accuracy was 65.98%. The environmental management showed low errors, except for the PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, with relative errors above 30%. Conclusions: This work presents an initial promising first step for an ergonomic office management solution. Full article

This study investigated the complex interfaces between knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP); biomechanical risks; and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among heavy manual handling workers. A cross-sectional study surveyed 99 industrial manual lifting workers within manufacturing factories (mean age: 33.4 ± 7.7 years; mean job experience: 7.95 ± 6.5 years) using a validated online questionnaire assessing demographics, occupational conditions, biomechanical risk, lifting KAP, and MSD prevalence via the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Associations with 12-month and active 7-day MSD prevalence were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. The 12-month prevalence of MSDs was 56.6%, predominantly affecting the lower back (51.0%). The MSD group reported significantly higher biomechanical risks. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in safety practices (p = 0.025), particularly regarding pre-work stretching, load-weight assessment, and overhead lifting. Higher biomechanical risk was significantly associated with 12-month MSDs without 7-day pain (RRR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.16, p = 0.012). Conversely, greater knowledge demonstrated a significant protective association against 12-month MSDs without 7-day pain (RRR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.99, p = 0.045). Age-related vulnerability significantly increased active 7-day MSDs. MSD prevalence is driven by cumulative biomechanical hazards. Although knowledge is associated with lower long-term risk, a critical knowledge-to-practice gap exists. Interventions must prioritize workplace ergonomic risk reduction with age-tailored adjustments. These should be integrated with active, practice-based training to foster behavioral modification. Full article

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have been reported to be very common among hospital workers and particularly nurses. They are assumed or found to be a result of physical workload or poor posture at work and only secondarily a consequence of (general) stress. Due to the increasing workload, more and more digestive endoscopy nurses have WMSDs, but there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the specific factors and patterns of WMSDs in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 digestive endoscopy nurses from 35 cities across 10 provinces in China. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and latent class analysis (LCA) to identify associated factors and WMSD occurrence patterns. Results: The overall 12-month prevalence of WMSDs was high (82.5%), particularly in the neck, shoulder, and lower back. Frequent participation in complex endoscopic procedures (adjusted OR range 1.6–1.7) and 6–10 years of work experience (adjusted OR range 1.7–2.5)—rather than daily procedure volume alone—were independently associated with an increased likelihood of WMSDs (p < 0.05). BMI, analyzed using three categories (<24, 24–27.9, ≥28 kg/m²), was not significantly associated with WMSDs in any body region. The LCA revealed three distinct WMSD patterns characterized by multisite pain: a Full-body Pain group (19.0%), a Neck–Shoulder–Lower Back–Upper Back Pain group (42.25%), and a Mild Pain group (38.75%). Conclusions: This study found that digestive endoscopy nurses were at high risk for WMSDs, mainly due to repetitive physical strain and ergonomic challenges. As this was a cross-sectional study, the reported associations should not be interpreted as causal. Ergonomic training, improved workstation design, and workload optimization are important measures to ensure nurses’ health and improve the quality of care. Full article

The objective of this study was to assess the performance of posture recognition systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) using deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) approaches for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in manufacturing. The study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Four open-access databases were screened in May 2026 without date restrictions: PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore. The selected studies had to be original, peer-reviewed studies written in English. The study had to evaluate the performance of an AI posture recognition system (ML or DL) for the prevention of WMSDs in manufacturing using at least one of the following parameters: accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, or F1 score. The risk of bias for each included study was assessed using PROBAST (Prediction Model Study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool). A meta-analysis was conducted to pool the values of the five performance metrics separately. Logit and Freeman-Tukey transformations were applied prior to pooling, and the results were compared after back-transformation. Cochran’s Q test, the I² statistic, and inter-study variability (τ²), computed using the generalized inverse variance method with the restricted maximum likelihood model, were applied to assess heterogeneity. Forest plots including pooled values with 95% confidence intervals were used to present the results. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to test the effect of AI methods and ergonomic tools on performance and to explore potential causes of heterogeneity. Finally, publication bias (Egger’s test) and certainty of evidence (GRADE method—Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) were assessed to ensure the generalizability of the results. Ten studies were included: Among the 200 studies identified through database searches and the snowball method, 12 met the inclusion criteria and were selected. Two studies were excluded due to an insufficient number of participants, bringing the final number of studies considered to 10. The logit transformation yielded the best overall fit for the normality of the data distribution for the use of a random-effects model. High posture detection performance was observed, with pooled values ranging from 84.78% (95% CI: 80.23–88.19%, specificity with Freeman-Tukey) to 93.40% (95% CI: 89.57–95.89%, precision with logit). The values obtained with logit were higher than those obtained with Freeman-Tukey, with differences ranging from 2.75% to 4.75% across all performance metrics. Meta-regression showed that DL outperformed ML for all metrics, with differences ranging from 5% to 17%. RULA and REBA achieved better performance than other ergonomic tools. However, high heterogeneity (I² > 90%) and substantial inter-study variability were observed in all analyses, and a very low level of evidence was evidenced for all performance parameters. Consequently, the results should be interpreted with caution, particularly regarding the deployment of the systems in real-world settings. Future work could strengthen training and testing procedures on datasets, as well as external validation. These aspects are essential for effective use in manufacturing environments to ensure operator safety by reducing their exposure to WMSD risks associated with work postures. Full article

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are highly prevalent among construction workers. Ergonomics training and exercise are both used for their management, but the incremental benefit of adding exercise to ergonomics training in this population is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate whether adding a supervised exercise programme to ergonomics training provides additional benefit over ergonomics training alone in construction workers with WRMSDs. Methods: In this single-centre, two-arm randomized controlled trial, 52 male construction workers with musculoskeletal complaints were allocated to an ergonomics training plus exercise group (n = 26) or an ergonomics training alone group (active comparator, n = 26) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale—VAS); secondary outcomes were musculoskeletal symptom burden (Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, NMQ-E), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale—FSS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index—PSQI), and occupational burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory—MBI). The pre-specified primary contrast was the baseline-adjusted between-group difference at 12 weeks (ANCOVA), with a responder analysis as a sensitivity check. Results: Both groups improved significantly from baseline in terms of pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and musculoskeletal symptom burden (all p < 0.001) and in personal accomplishment (p < 0.001); emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were unchanged in both arms. Baseline-adjusted between-group comparisons showed no statistically significant incremental effect of added exercise on pain (adjusted difference −0.34, 95% CI −0.99 to 0.32), fatigue, sleep, symptom burden, or any burnout dimension. The exercise arm showed numerically greater improvements in pain, fatigue, and symptom burden and a higher proportion achieving ≥30% pain relief (96% vs. 77%; odds ratio 7.5), but these differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.099). Conclusions: Over a period of 12 weeks, ergonomics training with or without added exercise was associated with significant improvements in musculoskeletal and related outcomes; however, adding exercise to ergonomics training produced no statistically significant incremental benefit. A non-significant trend toward greater pain response with added exercise warrants confirmation in larger, longer trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid growth of the companion animal industry has increased demand for professional pet grooming services; however, occupational health risks among pet groomers remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), occupational burnout, and associated occupational and ergonomic factors and their interrelationships among pet grooming professionals. Methods: A total of 180 pet grooming professionals were recruited through geographically stratified convenience sampling across northern, central, and southern Taiwan. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing demographics, workload, ergonomic equipment, and working postures. MSD symptoms were evaluated using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and occupational burnout was assessed using the Taiwan Ministry of Labor Burnout Assessment Scale. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with MSD severity and occupational burnout. Results: MSDs were highly prevalent, with 95% of participants reporting symptoms in at least one body region. The most affected regions were the right shoulder (71.7%), neck (70.6%), upper back (65.6%), and lower back (65.6%). Significant associated ergonomic factors included excessive bathing tub depth (≥46 cm), non-adjustable grooming tables, prolonged trunk flexion, and horse-stance postures. Higher workload intensity, including frequent bathing tasks and handling aggressive or large animals, was significantly associated with greater MSD severity (p < 0.05). Moderate-to-severe personal- and work-related burnout were identified in 43.3% and 37.2% of participants, respectively. MSD severity was positively correlated with personal-related burnout (r = 0.491, p < 0.001) and work-related burnout (r = 0.428, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis results indicated the MSD score was a significant predictor of both personal- and work-related burnout (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Pet grooming professionals experience a substantial burden of MSDs and occupational burnout associated with ergonomic strain and physically demanding work. Non-neutral postures and inadequately designed equipment were significantly associated with greater MSD severity. The close association between MSDs and burnout underscores the interrelationship between physical and psychological occupational health. Ergonomic workplace modifications and targeted occupational health interventions are necessary to improve worker well-being and industry sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Musculoskeletal discomfort disorders (MSDs) are common occupational health problems among nurses, particularly in critical care settings due to physically demanding tasks and prolonged patient care activities. However, evidence regarding MSDs among critical care nurses in Malaysian teaching hospitals remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity, and associated workplace factors of musculoskeletal discomfort among critical care nurses in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 308 critical care nurses working at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Descriptive statistics, simple logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 30. Results: The prevalence of severe musculoskeletal discomfort among respondents was high, with 82.1% reporting severe discomfort. Several workplace-related factors were significantly associated with severe musculoskeletal discomfort in the bivariable analysis, including awkward back bending, carrying heavy equipment, manual orthopedic patient handling, insufficient rest breaks, awkward working positions, working while injured, and inadequate training on injury prevention. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified manual orthopedic patient handling (AOR = 1.882, 95% CI: 1.033–3.426, p = 0.039) and insufficient rest breaks during shifts (AOR = 2.581, 95% CI: 1.466–4.543, p = 0.001) as significant predictors of severe musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal discomfort is highly prevalent among critical care nurses. Workplace ergonomic strain and inadequate recovery periods significantly contribute to severe musculoskeletal discomfort. Strengthening ergonomic practices, safe patient handling strategies, and occupational health interventions is essential to improve nurses’ well-being and maintain quality patient care. Full article

Power grid maintenance tasks often involve sustained arm elevation, asymmetric upper-limb loading, and repetitive pulling, all of which may increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study evaluated the effects of a passive upper-limb exoskeleton on muscle activity, subjective fatigue, task workload, and usability in three representative power grid maintenance tasks: insulator installation, insulated rod handling, and hand-chain hoist operation. A randomized crossover design was adopted, and twenty-two healthy young male participants completed all tasks under exoskeleton (EXO) and no-exoskeleton (NoEXO) conditions. Surface electromyography was used to quantify muscle activity, and subjective assessments included Borg CR-10, NASA-TLX, an exoskeleton wearing experience questionnaire, and the System Usability Scale (SUS). In the static tasks, the exoskeleton significantly reduced %MVC of the trapezius, deltoid, and biceps brachii, while in the dynamic task, significant reductions were mainly observed in the deltoid and trapezius during the arm-raising phase. The exoskeleton also reduced local discomfort in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists and improved selected workload dimensions, particularly physical demand and effort. The mean SUS score was 74.2, indicating acceptable usability. These findings suggest that the passive upper-limb exoskeleton can effectively reduce proximal upper-limb loading in power grid maintenance tasks, with the greatest benefit observed in static overhead work. Full article

Repeated sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transitions load the knee extensors and may contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Reducing this load requires assistive devices and monitoring of knee function, which depend on real-time onset/offset detection and direction-aware classification of each transition. However, no prior wearable surface electromyographic system has delivered this capability for real-time. This study presents a deep learning method that computes both onset/offset detection and direction discrimination of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit in a developed wearable surface electromyographic system in real-time. Two ESP32-S3 nodes and a hub record from the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis and run a per-burst convolutional detector, while the hub runs a dual-branch classifier with seventeen handcrafted features. Trained offline on the public Gait120 dataset, the networks are deployed unchanged with embedded-firmware parity to the MATLAB reference. Under leave-one-subject-out evaluation on Gait120, the offline classifier separated each transition with 99.6% accuracy and the detector achieved 96.6% completeness. In real-time recordings from thirty healthy adults, the system retained 85.6% classification and 82.0% detection accuracy, with ≈100 ms latency and a 618 KB network footprint. Results show that a low-power wearable delivers combined detection and phase discrimination in real-time, supporting the potential application in assistive-device control and knee-joint monitoring. Full article