Affiliations: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick,
Fredericton, NB, Canada | Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, ON, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Wayne J. Albert, 2 Peter Kelly
Drive, Fredericton, NB, Canada E3B 5A3. Tel.: +1 506 447 3254; Fax: +1 506 453
3511; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Background: The number of workplace shoulder compensation claims
resulting from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has decreased slightly in
recent years, however the median number of days off work remains unchanged,
which suggests an increase in injury severity [25]. Little information is
available regarding cumulative shoulder exposures, and there is no information
on their impact on shoulder pain. Methods: Seventy-nine automotive seat
frame assembly workers completed a questionnaire about the prevalence and
severity of shoulder pain and were videotaped performing assembly tasks.
3DMatch, a posture-matching software program, was used to calculate the peak
and cumulative shoulder moments and forces by matching postures seen in the
video with predetermined ranges of posture to be used in the biomechanical model. Results: Of the 45.6% who reported shoulder pain, there was a
mild correlation of pain severity with posterior shear of the shoulder. There
were no significant differences in peak loads between Pain and No Pain groups;
however, the No Pain group experienced significantly more cumulative caudal
shear. Conclusion: Although there was no difference in percent time spent
in different flexed postures between pain groups, those working some jobs may
be at an increased risk of developing MSDs based on the amount of time spent in
flexed postures, as well as the peak flexion moment acting on the shoulder.
