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Kasem J, Davies MAM, Chainey S, Ronca F. Musculoskeletal complaints in English law enforcement officers: a cross-sectional study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024; 30:84-89. [PMID: 37434478 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2235844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints are prevalent in law enforcement officers (LEOs), but research that examines their risk factors is limited. This study aimed to identify the self-reported MSK complaint prevalence and perceived causes in LEOs. Methods. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to identify the 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSK 'trouble' (ache, pain, discomfort) for nine body sites. The perceived cause, participant characteristics and occupational role were reported. Body fat percentage was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Results. Complete submissions of 186 questionnaires were received (80% male, median age 40.6 years, interquartile range 10.1). Eighty-six per cent of officers reported having an MSK complaint in the last 12 months, where lower back, shoulder and neck complaint prevalence was 59.1, 48.4 and 42.5%, respectively. The occupational role was associated with the site and presence of complaints (p < 0.05), where armed officers presented with more shoulder, lower back and hip/thigh complaints. Age, sex and body fat did not impact complaint prevalence. Participants mainly attributed their complaints to occupation equipment or to sport and exercise. Conclusion. MSK complaints were highly prevalent in this cohort, particularly armed officers. Further research is required to establish the impact of these complaints and how they can be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judi Kasem
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, UK
| | | | - Spencer Chainey
- Jill Dando Institute of Security and Crime Science, University College London, UK
| | - Flaminia Ronca
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, UK
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2
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Ramaj Jewett B, Tomes C, Voigt K, Mokha GM. The effects of equipment carriage on functional movement quality among law enforcement officers. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:2277-2287. [PMID: 37026409 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2199954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) use protective equipment to ensure safety. However, equipment carriage has been shown to impair movement quality and may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of equipment load carriage on functional movement as measured by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). It was hypothesised that FMS scores would be negatively impacted by equipment carriage. A counterbalanced cross-over study was utilised and a convenience sample of 31 males and one female active-duty LEOs were included. Participants completed the FMS under two conditions: with and without equipment. Significant median decreases in the equipment condition were observed for hurdle step, shoulder mobility, and rotary stability (p < .01), and deep squat and dominant limb active straight leg raise (ASLR) (p < .05). The non-dominant limb ASLR and trunk stability push-up were similar between conditions (p > .05). Load carriage appears to impair functional movement among LEOs.Practitioner summary: Equipment carriage interferes with functional movement and neither of the two load carriage systems tested were superior to the other. When choosing between duty belt verses duty belt and outer carrier vest carriage, LEO preference, body type, and acclimation to a given carriage type should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin Tomes
- College of Health, Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Kristin Voigt
- College of Health, Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - G Monique Mokha
- College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
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3
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Poff BA, Aronson A. Symptomatic subcutaneous mass in a police officer: An underrecognized occupational complication. JAAD Case Rep 2023; 36:102-104. [PMID: 37274143 PMCID: PMC10238825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Aronson
- Correspondence to: Adam Aronson, MD, Skin Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery Center, 180 Newport Center Dr. Suite 158, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
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4
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Hsiao H. Assessment of challenges in patrol vehicles and with equipment among law enforcement officers. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 108:103946. [PMID: 36455489 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the challenges Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) have encountered with their vehicle and equipment and the correlation between equipment configuration and LEO body dimensions is critical for improving vehicle/equipment specifications to better accommodate today's LEOs. 974 LEOs participated in a study on their vehicle, equipment, and body measurements at 12 sites across the U.S. 88% participants reported discomfort/pain at the end of a shift. The most affected body areas were the lower back and hips. Handguns, radios, and handcuffs on duty belt and seat adjustment were associated with the discomfort/pain. 41% LEOs identified inadequate seat adjustment. Stature, buttock-popliteal length, eye height (sitting), knee height (sitting), shoulder-grip length, popliteal height, sitting height, hip breadth, and body weight were key parameters associated with seat adjustment needs. A third of officers experienced neck pain associated with the use of in-vehicle mobile data terminals and more fore/aft adjustment was needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Hsiao
- Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX, USA; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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5
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Koblauch H, Zebis MK, Jacobsen MH, Haraldsson BT, Klinge KP, Alkjær T, Bencke J, Andersen LL. Influence of Wearing Ballistic Vests on Physical Performance of Danish Police Officers: A Cross-Over Study. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21051795. [PMID: 33807527 PMCID: PMC7961692 DOI: 10.3390/s21051795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to investigate the influence of wearing a ballistic vest on physical performance in police officers. Methods: We performed a cross-over study to investigate the influence of wearing a ballistic vest on reaction and response time, lumbar muscle endurance and police vehicle entry and exit times. Reaction and response time was based on a perturbation setup where the officers’ pelvises were fixed and EMG of lumbar and abdominal muscles was recorded. We used a modified Biering–Sørensen test to assess the lumbar muscle endurance and measured duration of entry and exit maneuvers in a variety of standard-issue police cars. Results: There was a significant difference of 24% in the lumbar muscle endurance test (no vest: 151 s vs. vest: 117 s), and the police officers experienced higher physical fatigue after the test when wearing a vest. Furthermore, officers took longer to both enter and exit police cars when wearing a vest (range: 0.24–0.56 s) depending on the model of the vehicle. There were no significant differences in reaction and response times between the test conditions (with/without vest). Discussion and Conclusion: Wearing of a ballistic vest significantly influenced the speed of movement in entry and exit of police cars and lumbar muscle endurance, although it does not seem to affect reaction or response times. The ballistic vest seems to impair performance of tasks that require maximal effort, which calls for better designs of such vests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Koblauch
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (M.K.Z.); (B.T.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-41898802
| | - Mette K. Zebis
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (M.K.Z.); (B.T.H.)
| | - Mikkel H. Jacobsen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University College Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Bjarki T. Haraldsson
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (M.K.Z.); (B.T.H.)
| | | | - Tine Alkjær
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bencke
- Human Movement Analysis Laboratory, Amager-Hvidovre Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
| | - Lars L. Andersen
- National Research Centre for Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark;
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Colgan DD, Eddy A, Bowen S, Christopher M. Mindful Nonreactivity Moderates the Relationship between Chronic Stress and Pain Interference in Law Enforcement Officers. JOURNAL OF POLICE AND CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 36:56-62. [PMID: 34421195 PMCID: PMC8372831 DOI: 10.1007/s11896-019-09336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With high levels of both chronic stress and chronic pain, law enforcement provides a unique population in which to study the potential mitigating impact of cognitive and affective reactivity on the stress-pain link. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the moderating role of mindful nonreactivity in the relationship between chronic stress and pain interference in law enforcement officers (n = 60). METHODS A regression analysis was conducted to determine if chronic stress predicted pain interference, and subsequently, to compute an estimate of the interaction effect of the chronic stress and mindful nonreactivity on pain interference. RESULTS Results demonstrated the overall model was significant, F (3,55) = 5.29, p =.003, R2 = .47. When controlling for mindful nonreactivity, chronic stress significantly predicted pain interference, b = .76, t (55) = 3.40, p = .001, such that every one unit increase in chronic stress was associated with a .76 unit increase in pain interference. Results also demonstrated a significant interaction effect of mindful nonreactivity and chronic stress on pain interference, b = -.04, t (55) = -2.86, p = .006. The Johnson-Neyman technique was conducted and revealed among individuals with low levels of mindful nonreactivity, chronic stress significantly predicted pain interference. However, for individuals with greater levels of mindful nonreactivity, chronic stress no longer predicted pain interference. CONCLUSIONS Findings contribute to a growing understanding of how mindfulness can mitigate harmful effects of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Dharmakaya Colgan
- Neurology Department, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Or. 97239
| | - Ashley Eddy
- Pacific University, School of Graduate Psychology, 222 SE 8th Ave, Suite 212, Hillsboro, OR 97123
| | - Sarah Bowen
- Pacific University, School of Graduate Psychology, 222 SE 8th Ave, Suite 212, Hillsboro, OR 97123
| | - Michael Christopher
- Pacific University, School of Graduate Psychology, 222 SE 8th Ave, Suite 212, Hillsboro, OR 97123
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Abstract
Police officers perform a variety of physical tasks that can range from deskwork to chasing down fleeing suspects on foot. If not sufficiently prepared these tasks can lead to an increased risk of injury or task failure. The aim of this study was to profile the routine dispatch tasks performed by the Australian law enforcement officers of a state police force by frequency and duration. Participants for this study (n = 53: male n = 43, age = 33.5 ± 7.7 years, years of service = 7.2 ± 6.4 years: Female n = 10; age = 31.6 ± 9.1 years, years of service = 7.1 ± 6.1 years) were drawn from ten different police stations. Data reporting the tasks attended, their priorities, and their durations were gathered from a computer-aided dispatch system. Data from 77 shifts (3.8 ± 4.0 tasks/shift) captured 292 tasks attended (29.2 ± 17.5 task per station). ‘Check bona fides’ (checking an individual’s identification; 27%) was the most frequently occurring task followed by attending a domestic incident (14%). The longest task was attending an accident (mean = 43.50 ± 78.85 min, range 2–249 min). The results of this study suggest that police tasks are highly varied in terms of type and duration and these may differ between regions. An understanding of the dispatch tasks police officers are required to attend can inform injury mitigation and return-to-work rehabilitation practices.
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8
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Abdelall ES, Eagle Z, Finseth T, Mumani AA, Wang Z, Dorneich MC, Stone RT. The Interaction Between Physical and Psychosocial Stressors. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:63. [PMID: 32528259 PMCID: PMC7247805 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Do physical and psychosocial stressors interact to increase stress in ways not explainable by the stressors alone? A preliminary study compared participants' stress response while subjected to a physical stressor (reduced or full physical load) and a predetermined social stressor (confronted by calm or aggressive behavior). Salivary cortisol samples measured endocrine stress. Heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA) measured autonomic stress. Perceived stress was measured via discomfort and stress state surveys. Participants with a heavier load reported increased distress and discomfort. Encountering an aggressive individual increased endocrine stress, distress levels, and perceived discomfort. Higher autonomic stress and discomfort were found in participants with heavier physical load and aggressive individuals. The results suggest a relationship where physical load increases the stressfulness of aggressive behavior in ways not explainable by the effects of the stressors alone. Future research is needed to confirm this investigation's findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa S Abdelall
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Industrial Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zoe Eagle
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tor Finseth
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ahmad A Mumani
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Industrial Engineering Department, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zhonglun Wang
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Michael C Dorneich
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Richard T Stone
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Malbon C, Knock DC, Critchley DR, Debra J Carr P. The effect of breast size and bra type on comfort for UK female police officers wearing body armour. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 84:103012. [PMID: 31987508 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.103012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Within the Police service of England and Wales the wearing of ballistic and stab resistant body armour is common, with most police forces mandating its usage when away from the police station. Of all the serving police officers in England and Wales 29.1% are female (Hargreaves et al., 2017). A survey was developed and then distributed by the Police Federation of England and Wales to all servicing police officers up to the rank of Inspector. The survey returned 2633 responses after cleaning of the data. From the responses it was seen that the predominant bra type worn is underwired (71%) and the predominant UK bra size is 34B (9%). It was also determined that the predominant areas where the body armour either rubbed or caused discomfort were the left and right anterior mammary regions and the posterior lateral sacral region. By understanding the distribution of bra size, type of bra worn and areas of discomfort or rubbing it helps further understand the issues faced by female police officers and how body armour design could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Malbon
- Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK.
| | - Dr Clare Knock
- Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Dr Richard Critchley
- Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Prof Debra J Carr
- Defence and Security Accelerator, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK
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10
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Larsen LB, Ramstrand N, Tranberg R. Duty belt or load-bearing vest? Discomfort and pressure distribution for police driving standard fleet vehicles. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 80:146-151. [PMID: 31280798 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Police working in active duty have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, with lower back pain being the most frequently reported. As a part of uniform regulations, Swedish police are mandated to wear body armour and duty belts at all times during work. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different load carriage designs on invehicle sitting pressure and self-rated discomfort among police. Results showed less discomfort when wearing the alternate load carriage system incorporating a load-bearing vest and thigh holster compared to the standard load carriage system consisting of a duty belt. Pressures in the lower back were reduced when wearing the load-bearing vest whereas pressures in the upper back region increased. Relocating appointments away from the waist has the potential to improve sitting positions and the ergonomic situation for police when driving fleet vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bæk Larsen
- ADULT Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, PO Box 1026, SE 551 11, Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Nerrolyn Ramstrand
- CHILD Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, PO Box 1026, SE 551 11, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Roy Tranberg
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, PO Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
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11
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Larsen LB, Ramstrand N, Fransson EI. Psychosocial job demand and control: multi-site musculoskeletal pain in Swedish police. Scand J Public Health 2018; 47:318-325. [PMID: 30253688 DOI: 10.1177/1403494818801507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Police have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. While physical factors contributing to this have been explored, little is known regarding the contribution of the psychosocial work environment. This study explores the association between elements of the JDC model, social support and multi-site musculoskeletal pain among Swedish police. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, responses from 4185 police were collected using a self-administered online survey. The survey included questions on the psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal pain, as well as several potential confounding factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the degree of association between 1) the indices for job demands, job control, social support and multi-site musculoskeletal pain and 2) the four categories of the JDC model, social support and multi-site musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS The overall psychosocial work environment of Swedish police was characterised by low control and high social support. Police who reported active and high strain jobs were found to have an increase in the odds ratio for multi-site musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.08-1.94) and 1.84 (1.51-2.24), respectively). High demands, which is a component in the categories for active and high strain jobs, was also found to be associated with an increase in the odds ratio for multi-site musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.66 (1.45-1.91)). High social support was associated with a decrease in the odds ratio for multi-site musculoskeletal pain (OR 0.72 (0.57-0.86)). CONCLUSIONS The psychosocial work environment should be considered when investigating factors related to the health and wellbeing of police.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise B Larsen
- 1 ADULT research group, Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Sweden
| | - Nerrolyn Ramstrand
- 2 CHILD research group and Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Sweden
| | - Eleonor I Fransson
- 3 ADULT research group, Department of Natural Science and Biomedicine, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Sweden
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12
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Multi-site musculoskeletal pain in Swedish police: associations with discomfort from wearing mandatory equipment and prolonged sitting. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 91:425-433. [PMID: 29411113 PMCID: PMC5908816 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders are considered as a major issue affecting the health and well-being of active duty police. Discomfort from wearing mandatory equipment and sitting for long periods of time in fleet vehicles are workload factors linked to musculoskeletal disorders in police. This study aims to determine the prevalence of multi-site musculoskeletal pain among Swedish police and to explore the possible association to discomfort experience when wearing mandatory equipment and sitting for long periods in fleet vehicles. Methods In this cross-sectional study responses from 4185 police were collected through a self-administered online survey including questions about physical work environment, mandatory equipment and musculoskeletal pain. Multi-site pain was determined through summing pain sites from four body regions. Binomial logistic regression was performed to explore the association between multi-site musculoskeletal pain: (1) discomfort from wearing mandatory equipment and (2) sitting for long periods in fleet vehicles. Results The prevalence of multi-site musculoskeletal pain at least 1 day per week within the previous 3 months was 41.3%. A statistically significant association between discomfort from wearing mandatory equipment and multi-site musculoskeletal pain was found; duty belt [OR 5.42 (95% CI 4.56–6.43)] as well as body armour [OR 2.69 (95% CI 2.11–3.42)]. Sitting for long periods in fleet vehicles was not significantly associated to multi-site musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion Multi-site musculoskeletal pain is a considerable problem among Swedish police and modifying mandatory equipment to decrease discomfort is suggested as a potential means of decreasing the musculoskeletal pain experienced by many police officers.
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13
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Halder P, Mahmud T, Sarker E, Karmaker C, Kundu S, Patel S, Setiawan A, Shah K. Ergonomic considerations for designing truck drivers' seats: The case of Bangladesh. J Occup Health 2018; 60:64-73. [PMID: 29151447 PMCID: PMC5799102 DOI: 10.1539/joh.16-0163-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this work was to investigate the fitness of the existing truck seats for Bangladeshi truck drivers and suggest a guideline for drivers' seats based on their anthropometry. Methodology: In this study, eight anthropometric measurements of 120 Bangladeshi truck drivers and seven seat dimensions of ninety trucks of three brands namely, TATA, ASHOK LEYLAND, and ISUZU were considered for investigating the considerable mismatch between seat dimensions and drivers' anthropometry. The data were analyzed using two-sample t-tests to identify the relationship between existing seat dimensions and drivers' anthropometry. Results: The results showed a mismatch in seat dimensions and anthropometric measurements for nearly all truck brands and the existing seat dimensions were found to be inappropriate for Bangladeshi drivers. For all the truck brands, the percentage mismatch of seat height, seat depth, seat width, backrest height, and steering wheel clearance varied between 71% and 98%, 23% and 79%, 33% and 84%, 28% and 65%, and 53% and 100% respectively. Subsequently, an attempt was made to provide ergonomically correct seat dimensions for Bangladeshi truck drivers. Further, generalized equations to design the appropriate seat dimensions were developed using the least square regression technique. The recommended seat height, depth and width, backrest height, and steering wheel clearance were found to be appropriate for 82%, 79%, 76%, 98%, and 100% of drivers respectively. Conclusion: The analysis and results of this study can be useful in developing guidelines for design and manufacture of truck driver seats in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pobitra Halder
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University.,Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Jessore University of Science and Technology
| | - Tamanna Mahmud
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Jessore University of Science and Technology
| | - Eity Sarker
- Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University
| | - ChitraLekha Karmaker
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Jessore University of Science and Technology
| | - Sazal Kundu
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University
| | - Savankumar Patel
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University
| | - Adi Setiawan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Malikussaleh
| | - Kalpit Shah
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University
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14
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Cardoso M, Girouard M, Callaghan JP, Albert WJ. An ergonomic evaluation of city police officers: an analysis of perceived discomfort within patrol duties. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2016; 23:175-184. [DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1249728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jack P. Callaghan
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Waterloo, Canada
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15
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Ramstrand N, Zügner R, Larsen LB, Tranberg R. Evaluation of load carriage systems used by active duty police officers: Relative effects on walking patterns and perceived comfort. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 53 Pt A:36-43. [PMID: 26674402 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of two different load carriage systems on gait kinematics, temporospatial gait parameters and self-reported comfort in Swedish police. METHODS 21 active duty police officers were recruited for this crossover study design. Biomechanical and self-report data was collected on two testing occasions. On occasion 1, three dimensional kinematic data was collected while police wore a/no equipment (control), b/their standard issues belt and ballistic protection vest and c/a load bearing vest with ballistic protection vest. Police then wore the load bearing vest for a minimum of 3 months before the second testing occasion. RESULTS The load bearing vest was associated with a significant reduction in range of motion of the trunk, pelvis and hip joints. Biomechanical changes associated with the load bearing vest appeared to reduce with increased wear time. In both the standard issue belt condition and the load bearing vest condition, police walked with the arms held in a significantly greater degree of abduction. Self-report data indicated a preference for the load bearing vest. CONCLUSION The two load carriage designs tested in this study were found to significantly alter gait kinematics. The load bearing vest design was associated with the greatest number of kinematic compensations however these reduced over time as police became more accustomed to the design. Results from this study do not support selection of one load carriage design over the other and providing individuals with the option to choose a load carriage design is considered appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roland Zügner
- Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - Roy Tranberg
- School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Sweden; Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University, Göteborg, Sweden
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