The effect of three ergonomics interventions on body posture and musculoskeletal disorders among stuff of Isfahan Province Gas Company

Abstract

Background:Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is high among computer users. The study investigates the effect of three ergonomic interventions on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among the staff of Isfahan Province Gas Company, including training, sport, and installation of software.Materials and Methods:The study was performed in the summer of 2013 on 75 (52 men, 23 women) Isfahan Province Gas Company employees in three phases (phase 1: Evaluation of present situation, phase 2: Performing interventions, and phase 3: Re-evaluation). Participants were divided into three groups (training, exercise, and software). The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software and McNemar test, t-test, and Chi-square test.Results:Based on the evaluations, there was a decrease in musculoskeletal symptoms among the trained group participants after they received the training. McNemar test showed that the lower rate of pain in low back, neck, knee, and wrist was significant (P < 0.05). The results obtained from the RULA method for evaluation of posture showed an average 25 points decrease in the right side of the body and 20 points decrease in the left side of the body in the group subjected to training. Based on t-test, the decrease was significant.Conclusion:The study demonstrated that majority of the participants accepted interventions, which indicates that most of the people were unsatisfied with the work settings and seeking improvement at the workplace. Overall, the findings show that training, chair adjustment, and arrangement in workplace could decrease musculoskeletal disorders.

Pain perception of overweight forestry workers: A retrospective study on effects of an occupational training program

“…We have been proven that a specifi c training program can reduce the pain perception in overweight forestry worker, especially in the shoulders and the lower back. These results are supported by fi ndings in other studies that indicate the positive effects of training interventions by focusing on work-specifi c requirements as well as of sedentary and moderate activities on LBP in overweight subjects (Curwin et al, 2013;Abate, 2014;Smuck et al, 2014;Habibi & Soury, 2015). Further research should investigate the effects of a training intervention regarding the amount of body fat instead of bodyweight.…”

“…Other existing studies also show positive training effects on musculoskeletal pain especially in overweight subjects (Abate, 2014). That means the results from the overweight sample confi rm the existing positive effects of training interventions based on work-specifi c requirements (Curwin et al, 2013;Habibi & Soury, 2015). No differences can be found comparing the normal weight IG to the normal weight CG.…”

A randomized controlled trial of the effect of participatory ergonomic low back pain training on workplace improvement

“…A number of effects of PE have been reported, including decreased musculoskeletal symptoms and industrial accidents, reduced work injury-related expenditure, and fewer days of absence 6,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16] . However, the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown no effect on the prevalence of low back pain or neck pain 17) ,n od ecrease in pain intensity 18) , and no prophylactic effects on musculoskeletal disorders 19,20) .…”

Ergonomic Work Station Design to Improve Workload Quality and Productivity of the Craffsmen

“…Some of the problems associated with occupational health are workload. The method used to determine the amount of workload, one of them by calculating the pulse of work with the method of 10 pulses, while the measurement of resting pulse rate method 15 seconds [7]. Carrivick et.al.…”