Affiliations: Division of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA | School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio
State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Shawn C. Roll, PhD, Division of
Occupational Science {and} Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, CHP 133, Los
Angeles, CA 90089-9003, USA. Tel.: +1 323 442 1850; Fax: +1 323 442 1540;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort due to work
exposure is experienced by 90% of sonographers. Survey research has provided
a wealth of information to document this problem, but few studies have
attempted to directly measure and identify the source of these disorders. OBJECTIVE: This pilot observational study was conducted to obtain
direct measures of the relationship of sonographers to their environment during
the completion of sonographic examinations. METHODS: The Rapid Upper
Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to evaluate the positions of five sonographers
during 24 sonographic examinations. The observed positions were compared among
the various examinations and the association of these observed postures to
discomfort, sonographer height, and exam table height was evaluated. RESULTS: All participants reported an increase in musculoskeletal
discomfort at the end of the workday. Overall RULA scores ranged from 3.11 to
5.00 with upper extremity venous Doppler and transvaginal pelvic examinations
averaging the highest. Increasingly poor upper extremity positioning was
positively associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort (r=0.53, p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the examination being
performed, sonographers are working in positions that require further
evaluation and intervention. Longitudinal studies are needed that evaluate the
inter-relationship of biopsychosocial risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries.
