The relationship between working posture and musculoskeletal disorders among electrical industrial workers in Isfahan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc, Department of corrective exercise & Sport injury, Faculty of physical education and sport sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate professor, Department of corrective exercise & Sport injury, Faculty of physical education and sport sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant professor, Department of corrective exercise & Sport injury, Faculty of physical education and sport sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of corrective exercise & Sport injury, Faculty of physical education and sport sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is the most important occupational disease that threatens the health of employees.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between workers' posture and musculoskeletal disorders.
Materials and Methods: Eighty-two male and female workers working in a home appliance factory participated in this cross-sectional study. Musculoskeletal disorders were investigated using Nordic questionnaires. Posture evaluation was performed to measure the angles of forward head, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis using photogrammetry. Craniovertebral, shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis angles were photographed during the work and then measured using ImageJ software. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26 and Spearman's correlation test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: A significant relationship between the craniovertebral angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months was observed in the cervical region (P<0.001). Also, a significant relationship was observed between the kyphosis angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months in the upper back and lower back (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that the workers’ posture during work is correlated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to ergonomic principles during work to maintain and improve the physical health of workers.

Keywords


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