Work - Volume 79, issue 4

Authors: Castro, Leticia S.R. | Nogueira, Débora S.S. | Fu, Carolina | Casarotto, Raquel A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intensive care physiotherapists are exposed to situations that may cause physical and mental overload, which can lead to the onset of work-related musculoskeletal complaints. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze these complaints and to identify activities causing greater overload, factors associated with complaints, and management and prevention strategies. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 125 physiotherapists in the Intensive Care units (ICU) of a tertiary hospital. The questionnaire used was formulated from questionnaires validated in the literature such as Nordic Questionnaire and Bork Questionnaire. Chi-square test was performed to compare the groups with and …without complaints. Logistic regression was used to assess the association effects of the variables on the presence of complaints. RESULTS: Of those interviewed, 76% had a work-related complaint in the last year, with the “lower back” being the most affected region. Eighty percent had complaints for more than one site. “Transfer” was considered the activity causing the greatest overload. Female sex (p  = 0.023), lack of physical activity (p  = 0.028), inadequate ventilation (p  = 0.001) and inadequate furniture (p  = 0.006) showed a statistically significant association effect with the presence of complaints. Inadequate ventilation (p  = 0.003) and female sex (p  = 0.004) influenced the number of affected areas. Physical activity was considered the main strategy for prevention. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal complaints accounted for a high percentage of the analyzed sample, mainly in the lower back. The extent of complaints suggests that strategies should be developed and changes in work dynamics should be carried out. Show more

Keywords: Cumulative traumatic disorders, repetitive stress injury, intensive care units, occupational health, physical therapists, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230422

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1815-1827, 2024

Authors: Matheson, Leonard N. | Verna, Joe L. | Mayer, John M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Multidimensional Task Ability Profile (MTAP) is a measure of self reported physical work capacity developed for injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to determine readiness to return to work. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the concurrent validity of a new short form MTAP (MTAP-SF) comprised of 16 lifting and/or carrying items with the MTAP 55-item version. The hypothesis addressed is whether the validity of a version that imposes less respondent burden (MTAP-SF) would be comparable to the more burdensome instrument (MTAP-55). METHODS: MTAP scores were compared with demonstrated lift capacity in 1,252 healthy adults. Parallel …regression analyses were conducted to examine the explanatory power of both MTAP versions. RESULTS: Age, gender, body mass and MTAP-SF explained 55% of the variance (p  < 0.001) in demonstrated lift capacity, equivalent to MTAP-55. CONCLUSIONS: Self reported performance in physical work capacity tasks accounts for significant variance in lifting performance. MTAP-SF diminishes respondent burden while maintaining validity and may be useful for managing MSDs by enhancing understanding of the evaluee’s psychophysical component in return-to-work rehabilitation planning. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, work capacity evaluation, return to work, functional capacity evaluation, physical functional performance, occupational health, disability evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230438

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1829-1841, 2024

Authors: Daffin, Lee | Innes, Stanley | Stuelcken, Max C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is known that even under static conditions a backpack wearer will need to make some adjustments to maintain postural stability. There is a paucity of research exploring the impact of altering the position of the feet with imposed loads of variable distance from the posterior midline. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if changes in the horizontal position of a fixed load when wearing a backpack affect specific variables derived from foot tracings of males and females standing with their self-selected natural feet position. METHODS: 150 healthy volunteer participants were …instructed to adopt a natural stance across four conditions: Backpack with no weight, backpack with a weight (5% of body mass) placed at 0 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm distance from the posterior body. Foot tracings were made for each condition. Base of Support (BoS), Feet Width (FW), and Feet Opening Angle (FOA) were calculated. RESULTS: The BoS significantly decreased in loaded conditions (0 cm, 20 cm and 40 cm) compared to unloaded. This was supported by FW and FOA significant findings that once the load was imposed the response was to approximate the feet and reduce ‘toeout’. CONCLUSION: This reaction of people to reduce their BoS in response to added backpack load appears counter intuitive and raises the question of whether this is maladaptive. Clarification by further investigation will inform backpack wearers to counter this instinctive response to load and increase postural stability. Show more

Keywords: Photogrammetry, feet position, preferred stance, base of support, postural assessment, backpacks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230488

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1843-1850, 2024

Authors: Hazelzet, Emmelie | Bosma, Hans | de Rijk, Angelique | Houkes, Inge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To improve the sustainable employability (SE) of employees in low-skilled jobs, there is an urgent need to implement more effective approaches for this group. OBJECTIVE: This evaluation study aimed to get insight into the effect and implementation process of an organisational intervention called ‘Healthy HR’ (HHR), which promoted the job control and SE of employees in low-skilled jobs in two Dutch organisations. METHODS: An effect evaluation with a pretest-posttest design and a mixed-methods process evaluation were conducted. Quantitative data were collected at baseline (N  = 120) and at 12 months’ follow-up (N  = 71). Paired t -tests …and dose-response analyses were performed (N  = 50). Mixed-methods process data were collected on the implementation process using questionnaires, individual interviews with employees and employer representatives (N  = 26), focus groups (N  = 4) and logbooks. RESULTS: A positive effect was found for job control at 12 months’ follow-up. An effect on the distal outcome SE was not significant. The dose-response analysis showed that a higher dose of HHR resulted in better job control. This positive effect was supported by the qualitative process analysis. HHR had a positive impact on the awareness level about health and healthy workplaces among all stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a promising participatory approach to improve job control for employees in low-skilled jobs by actively involving them in a genuine dialogue and giving them an active voice. Effects on SE might require a longer follow-up. Show more

Keywords: Employees in low-skilled jobs, evaluation, mixed-methods, job control, sustainable employability, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230507

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1851-1866, 2024

Authors: Li, Yan | Xu, Haijuan | Li, Rongzong | Cheng, Muxiang | Wen, Cuiju

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most commonly reported occupational diseases worldwide. Healthcare workers, such as medical radiation staff, are susceptible to WMSDs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and their influencing factors among professionals working in medical radiation institutions. METHODS: This study employed cluster random sampling and included 1669 medical radiation staff members from medical units and institutions in Guangdong Province, China. The modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to analyze musculoskeletal symptoms in nine body regions over the previous 12 months. The chi-square test was used to analyze …the association between WMSDs and these factors. Logistic regression was used to identify potential influencing factors. RESULTS: This study collected 1669 complete and valid questionnaires. The overall self-reported prevalence of WMSDs among medical radiation staff was 15.3%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that gender, alcohol consumption, senior rank hospital, repetitive motions at work, overtime work, and prolonged maintenance of the same posture increased the risk of WMSDs (P  < 0.05). Adjustable work chairs and comfortable workplace temperatures were protective factors against WMSDs (P  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Being female, alcohol consumption, higher hospital level, repetitive motions, working overtime, and maintaining a single posture contributed to the risk of neck, shoulder, and lower back WMSDs among medical radiation staff. Prevention and management strategies to facilitate reduction in adverse health effects on the occupational health of the medical radiation staff should be considered. Show more

Keywords: Radiation exposure, medical staff, occupational health, MSD, musculoskeletal pain, work-related musculoskeletal symtoms

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230552

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1867-1877, 2024

Authors: Tang, Meirun | Fu, Lifei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Amidst the post-COVID-19 economic downturn and the expanding higher education landscape in China, employee employment challenges have given rise to the widespread overqualification issue. This phenomenon has attracted extensive attention and is prompting a need for an in-depth exploration of perceived overqualification. However, existing studies predominantly concentrate on its outcomes rather than antecedents, leaving a notable gap in understanding the influence mechanism between individual advantageous resources (e.g., job embeddedness, career adaptability) and overqualification, particularly in specific events such as career shocks. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the interplay between employees’ career adaptability, job embeddedness, and the …mediating role of relative deprivation in shaping perceived overqualification, particularly in the aftermath of career shocks. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was conducted using data gathered from 339 questionnaire responses. Partial Least Square (PLS) path analysis, R’s necessary condition analysis (NCA), and the Random Forest (RF) algorithm were employed to scrutinize the relationships and identify critical factors influencing perceived overqualification. RESULTS: The findings indicate that after encountering career shocks, career adaptability and job embeddedness not only directly impact perceived overqualification but also exert their influence indirectly through the mediation of relative deprivation; Career adaptability, job embeddedness, and relative deprivation are necessary conditions for perceived overqualification, with relative deprivation having the most significant impact. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, focusing on the psychological changes of employees after suffering career shocks provides valuable guidance for managers in channelling the emotional and cognitive responses of their employees. Show more

Keywords: Conservation of Resources Theory, Turnover Unfolding Model, Relative Deprivation, Career Shocks, Overqualification, Necessary Conditions Analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230587

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1879-1893, 2024

Authors: Chen, Na | Hu, Yitong | Liang, Man | Qin, Xiangnan | Liu, Jun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research on muscle activity to reduce injuries during firefighting training has getting increasing attention. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the activity changes in nine muscles of firefighters during the seven firefighting training programs, and to analyze the influence of different firefighting training programs on muscle activity. METHODS: Ten healthy male firefighters were recruited to measure the field surface electromyographic activities (including the percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction electromyography (% MVC) and the integrated electromyography value (iEMG)) during all the firefighting training programs. RESULTS: The results showed that the electromyographic …activity of gastrocnemius (GA) was stronger in climbing the hooked ladder and climbing the six-meter long ladder training programs. Arms, shoulders, and lower limb muscles were more activated, myoelectric activities were more intense, and fatigue in these areas was more likely to occur during climbing five-story building with loads. Compared with other muscles, erector spine (ES) had a higher degree of activation during different postures of water shooting. The Borg scale scores of shoulders, trunk, thighs and calves were also higher. CONCLUSION: After completing all training programs, GA, tibialis anterior (TA), trapezius (TR), and ES were strongly activated, and all muscles had obvious force. The % MVC and iEMG analyses correspond well with the Borg Scale score. The results can provide certain reference for reducing the musculoskeletal injury of firefighters, carrying out scientific training and formulating effective injury prevention measures for them. Show more

Keywords: Firefighter, muscle activity, ergonomics, surface electromyography (sEMG), % MVC, iEMG, firefighting training program

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230614

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1895-1908, 2024

Authors: Ollé-Espluga, Laia | Vargas-Leguas, Hernán | Torrens Mèlich, Lluís | Juan Serra, Marta | Arcas, Maria Marta | Cortès-Franch, Imma

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2018, Barcelona City Council implemented a pilot phase of an organisational change in the municipal home care service (HCS) system. Inspired by the Buurtzorg model, the new model promotes the creation of self-managing teams operating in a restricted community setting. OBJECTIVE: To assess the pilot phase of the new model, focusing on employees’ working and employment conditions as well as on their health and well-being outcomes. METHODS: Mixed-methods impact evaluation. First, a quantitative evaluation was conducted between October 2018 and October 2020, using a pre-post study design with one pretest and two posttest measurements …in an intervention and a comparison group. The intervention group was composed of the members of the work teams implemented in the pilot phase from October 2018 onwards (baseline n  = 44). The comparison group consisted of workers from the same districts working under the usual HCS system (baseline n  = 72). Next, a qualitative study was conducted in workers from the intervention group in winter 2021–2022 (n  = 10). RESULTS: The pre-post study results yielded positive changes for the intervention group in social support and autonomy, as well as in many of the employment conditions. This group also experienced increases in psychological demands, painful positions, fatigue and psychological distress. Two main themes affecting workers’ well-being emerged from the interviews: factors inherent to the self-management model and external factors. CONCLUSIONS: Health and well-being outcomes seem to depend on the balance between job demands, resources, and ways of channelling conflicts within teams. Show more

Keywords: Home care services, self-organising teams, employment conditions, working conditions, health, evaluation study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230668

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1909-1924, 2024

Authors: Guo, Zenghui | Chen, Zhiyuan | Pai, Junjun | Fang, Bin | Liang, Wenhao | Su, Guosheng | Zheng, Feng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the unfavourable neck-shoulder muscle loads caused by poor posture, the people who use the laptop for a long time may face the risk of neck and shoulder injuries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study investigates the impact of the screen height on the muscle activation of head flexion, neck and shoulder, and the cervical spine torque to provide the favorite screen height for laptop user. METHODS: Twelve healthy young participants completed a 15-minute task of the reading at the four different screen heights. sEMG signals of the splenius capitis (SC) and upper trapezius …(UT) were measured and calculated the root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) to determine muscle fatigue. The different height of laptop users was simulated and the forces on the spine of users at different screen heights were analyzed by Jack. RESULTS: Adjusting the height of the laptop screen can effectively reduce head flexion and muscle activity of SC and UT, and has a positive effect on reducing fatigue of SC, but has no significant effect on UT. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting the height of the laptop screen can delay the occurrence of SC muscle fatigue to a certain extent. The joint analysis of sEMG spectrum and amplitude reports that the screen heights of D15 and D45 have the highest and the lowest frequency of fatigue, respectively. At the same time, the moment of spineT1/T2 and spineL4/L5 decrease with the increase of screen height. Show more

Keywords: Posture, occupational health, ergonomics, electromyography, muscle fatigue, neck pain, shoulder pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230719

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1925-1937, 2024

Authors: Keskin, Gülseren | Gümüşsoy, Süreyya | Taşdemir Yiğitoğlu, Gülay

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic have serious traumatic effects on people, who may experience sleep problems, anxiety, and fear in the face of such a stressor. OBJECTIVE: This study is conducted to examine the relationship between sleep quality and fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and personality traits in working women. METHOD: This research was a descriptive study between June to August 2021. The study was conducted with 425 participants. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, COVID-19 Fear Scale, Beck Anxiety Scale, and the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Short Form were applied to the participants. T-test, ANOVA, and …Pearson correlation analysis, were used. RESULTS: In the study, it was found that the total average score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 18.83±5.5, while the score of sleep quality was 5.40±3.3 and the anxiety score was 14.01±12.4. On the other hand, the score of Extraversion was determined as 3.73±1.7, Neuroticism was 3.79±1.8, and Psychoticism was 1.97±1 in the study. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between sleep quality and fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and neuroticism in working women (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbance; daytime dysfunction, use of sleep medication, sleep duration, sleep latency with anxiety; sleep latency, sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, sleep duration were found to be linked to neuroticism, and use of sleep medication and sleep duration were found to be linked to psychoticism. It was concluded that there was a relationship between sleep quality and fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and personality traits in working women. Show more

Keywords: Distress, fear, pandemic, personality, sleep, gender

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230724

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1939-1950, 2024