Effects of physical exercise on musculoskeletal disorders, stress and quality of life in workers

Analysis of the association between high workload and musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers according to physical activity level

BACKGROUND

A high workload has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, the hypothesis of the present study was that physical activity (PA) practice is able to attenuate this association.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the associations between high workload with musculoskeletal pain according to PA levels in public school teachers.

METHODS

Teachers (n = 239) from 13 public schools were evaluated. Workload was assessed using a Likert scale in which teachers reported their perception of their work routine as: very low, low, regular, high, and very high. Musculoskeletal pain and PA were assessed using questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of high workload with PA levels and musculoskeletal pain in different body regions, compared to participants with normal workload, adjusted by sex, age, and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

A high workload was associated with higher chances of reporting pain in the wrists and hands (OR = 3.55; 95% CI = 1.27-9.89), knee (OR = 3.09; 95CI%  = 1.09-8.82), and feet and ankles (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.03-9.76) in less active teachers. However, these associations were not observed in teachers considered more active.

CONCLUSION

PA practice is able to act as a good protector against musculoskeletal pain in teachers, even in individuals with a high workload.

Examining the Interaction between Exercise, Gut Microbiota, and Neurodegeneration: Future Research Directions

Physical activity has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on gut microbial diversity and function. Emerging research has revealed certain aspects of the complex interactions between the gut, exercise, microbiota, and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that changes in gut microbial diversity and metabolic function may have an impact on the onset and progression of neurological conditions. This study aimed to review the current literature from several databases until 1 June 2023 (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) on the interplay between the gut, physical exercise, microbiota, and neurodegeneration. We summarized the roles of exercise and gut microbiota on neurodegeneration and identified the ways in which these are all connected. The gut-brain axis is a complex and multifaceted network that has gained considerable attention in recent years. Research indicates that gut microbiota plays vital roles in metabolic shifts during physiological or pathophysiological conditions in neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, they are closely related to maintaining overall health and well-being. Similarly, exercise has shown positive effects on brain health and cognitive function, which may reduce/delay the onset of severe neurological disorders. Exercise has been associated with various neurochemical changes, including alterations in cortisol levels, increased production of endorphins, endocannabinoids like anandamide, as well as higher levels of serotonin and dopamine. These changes have been linked to mood improvements, enhanced sleep quality, better motor control, and cognitive enhancements resulting from exercise-induced effects. However, further clinical research is necessary to evaluate changes in bacteria taxa along with age- and sex-based differences.

Effects of exercises performed in the work environment on occupational stress: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Technological advances stimulate labor transformations in such a way that the search for productivity, goals and market competitiveness leads industries and companies to neglect the health and safety of their workers. There is a gap in the literature regarding means of intervention using physical exercises (PE), with details remaining unknown in terms of appropriate exercise prescriptions or types that minimize the effects of occupational stress.

OBJECTIVE

to verify the effects on workers' stress of PE performed in the work environment.

METHOD

this systematic review searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 08 databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, BIREME, LILACS, EBSCOhost, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Embase), in English and Portuguese, published between 2017 and 2021. The PICOS strategy was used to determine inclusion, being P: male and female workers; I: exercises performed in the work environment; C: control group without intervention; O: occupational stress; and S: controlled experiments. Methodological quality, risk of bias and reliability of assessments were analyzed using the TESTEX, Risk of Bias 2, and Kappa scales.

RESULTS

A total of 07 articles were included, of which, most had good methodological quality and unclear risk of bias. The intra- and inter-rater reliability test of methodological quality showed excellent agreement. As a limitation, the fragility in allocation concealment, blinding and absence of treatment analysis was noted in the studies evaluated.

CONCLUSION

PE in the workplace might have positive effects on reducing occupational stress, but further studies must be conducted to better clarify this. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022304106).

Physical and psychological strain in upper Austrian elementary school teachers - an observational study

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main cause of pain leading to high economic burden and psychosocial disadvantages. In addition, psychological stress impacts the overall health as well as the quality of life. Elementary school teachers clearly are a cohort with a high risk of MSDs and stress. The 'BelaPrim' study was conducted to determine the physical and psychological conditions of elementary school teachers in Upper Austria and to investigate the influence of physical and psychological parameters on MSDs. Physical and mental strain was determined with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the 11-item short version of a German work-related behaviour and experience assessment (AVEM), respectively. Despite a high prevalence of MSDs, high scores were found on personality dimensions. Furthermore, qualitative results indicated the need of administrative/pedagogical support. A linear regression model showed that body height (+), work engagement (+), and emotions (-) are predictors for the occurrence of back pain.Practitioner summary: Despite a high proportion of physical complaints, Upper Austrian elementary school teachers show good mental health. Body height, a high work engagement, and low level of emotions are predictors for the occurrence of back pain. Health initiatives for elementary schools should have a multifactorial view to improve teachers' health.Abbreviations: BA: professional ambition; BE: willingness to spend; VB: striving for perfection PE: ability to distance; DF: tendency to resign in case of failure; RT: offensive problem-solving: OP; inner calm and balance; IR: experiencing success at work; EE: life satisfaction; LZ and SU: experiencing social support.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Construction Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in South China

Statistics showed that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the leading cause of productivity loss in the construction industry. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and associated factors among construction workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 construction workers in Guangdong Province, China. A demographic, work-related survey and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire were used to collect the workers' data. Descriptive statists and logistic regression were used for the data analysis. The results showed that the overall prevalence of WMSDs symptoms among the participants in any body region during the last 12 months was 57.9%. Neck (24.7%), shoulder (22.1%), upper back (13.4%), and lower back (12.6%) showed the highest prevalence of WMSDs. Age, exercise, work experience, work position, and level of fatigue after work were significantly associated with the prevalence of WMSDs symptoms in different body regions. The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of WMSDs symptoms among construction workers in south China is still high and is associated with different body areas compared to previous studies. The prevalence of WMSDs and risk-associated factors vary by country and region. This indicates that further local investigations are needed to propose specific solutions to improve the occupational health of construction workers.

Effect of physical activity intervention on the musculoskeletal health of university student computer users during homestay

Objectives. The coronavirus outbreak delivered the condition of dying from infection and forced people (especially university student computer users) to perform all working and non-working activities during homestay. In this situation, device usage for a longer duration is mainly responsible for work-related health issues. This study aims to discover the effect of a physical activity intervention (PAI) on computer users' musculoskeletal health during homestay. Methods. The investigation was performed on 40 university student computer users. To measure body discomfort before and after using the PAI, the body part discomfort scale of Corlett and Bishop was applied. Results. After implementing the PAI, the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) decrement in major body regions was reported as wrist/forearm (from 8.17 ± 1.45 to 4.57 ± 1.10), lower back (from 8.01 ± 1.42 to 4.40 ± 1.14), elbow (from 7.57 ± 1.71 to 3.49 ± 1.13) and neck (from 7.40 ± 1.71 to 4.02 ± 0.81). Conclusions. PAI significantly decreased the discomfort among users in various body regions. This research suggested that PAIs may reduce the risk of MSDs in the long term for different body regions.

Occupational Health: Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Computer Workers: A Narrative Review

Computer work has assumed a very important role for many companies, but specific occupational and health symptoms associated with the use of computers can appear. According to the literature, physical activity is considered a key player in the prevention and control of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, contributing to a better quality of life in computer workers. The principal aims of this review are to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship among sedentary behavior, physical activity and quality of life of computer workers; to outline the importance of promoting the development of an educational program for Occupational Health directed at computer workers at the level of quality of life, musculoskeletal symptoms, and physical activity; and to call for attention to the factors needed to initiate and maintain a health program that involves the active participation of workers who must be concerned about their health. This review demonstrates the important role of workplaces in health promotion and the opportunities that workplaces provide to establish and continue successful health-promotion programs for computer workers, generating important benefits for the health and quality of life of individuals and groups.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among taxi drivers in Yaoundé, Cameroon: preventive effect of physical activity

Background

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are very common conditions in the workplace. Among professional drivers, there would be an increased risk of developing these disorders. Identifying the associated factors would allow us to better devise effective prevention strategies. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers in the city of Yaoundé and to search for associated factors, mainly the level of physical activity.

Methods

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 151 adult male professional taxi drivers. We used a non-probabilistic consecutive and non-exhaustive sampling method. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and occupational data were collected. MSDs over the past 12 months were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire and physical activity level was determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Univariate logistic regression models, followed by a multivariate logistic regression, were used to determine factors associated with the presence of MSDs.

Results

The overall prevalence of MSDs was 86.8% (95% CI 80.8 – 91.4); the most affected areas were mainly the lower back (72.8%) the neck (42.4%), and the knees (29.1%). Job dissatisfaction was associated with MSDs (OR = 2.1 95%CI = 1.1–3.9). Most taxi drivers (62.9%) had a low physical activity level and no association was found between the physical activity level and MSDs.

Conclusions

MSDs are common ailments among taxi drivers in Yaoundé (Cameroon). There is a need to think about how to address job dissatisfaction and better identify other associated factors in order to define good prevention strategies.

Interventions to prevent and reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries and pain among healthcare professionals. A comprehensive systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the main causes of injury and pain in healthcare professionals. Previous reviews provided a fragmented view of the interventions available for WMSDs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description of interventions for preventing and reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries and/or pain among healthcare professionals, and to assess the methodological quality of studies.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed, based on the Effective Public Health Practice Project process. A comprehensive search was conducted on six peer-reviewed databases and manually. The methodological quality of the studies included was rated as weak, moderate, or strong. The studies were organized based on the 2019 classification of the interventions by Oakman and colleagues.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven articles were included reporting individual (n = 4), task-specific (n = 4), work organization and job design (n = 2), work environment (n = 1), and multifactorial (n = 16) interventions. Overall quality rating was strong for 6 studies, moderate for 16, and weak for 5. Individual interventions such as neuromuscular and physical exercise were effective in reducing pain. Task-specific and work organization interventions could prevent certain injuries. Significant reduction of both injuries and pain resulted from multifactorial interventions, which were reported by the majority of strong (n = 5) and moderate (n = 10) quality articles.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based information to plan interventions targeted towards reducing WMSDs. In particular, more efforts are needed to implement and extend effective multifactorial interventions. Moreover, studies about each professional healthcare target group are needed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Our results can guide policy-makers, healthcare managers and professionals to choose the best strategies to prevent and reduce WMSDs and to shape continuous education programs. This study prompts clinicians to develop inter-professional collaborations and to practice physical activities in order to reduce WMSDs.

The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Perception of Physical Activity and on the Perception of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers: Comparative Longitudinal Study Design

Lockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim(s): Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Methods: Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.

Positive Effects of an Online Workplace Exercise Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life Perception in Computer Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study Design

Computer workers' sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers' health.

AIM

To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers' perception of quality of life.

METHODS

Quasi-experimental study with two groups: a control group (n = 26) and an intervention group (n = 13). The inclusion criteria were that participants must be aged between 18 and 65 years old and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. The interventions consisted of workplace exercises, which were applied for 17 consecutive weeks, each session lasting 15 min, three times a week. The exercise programme, performed online and guided by a physiotherapist, consisted of mobility exercises, flexibility and strength exercises, with the help of a TheraBand® for elastic resistance. The control group were not subjected to any intervention. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36v2) were used in two assessment stages (M0-baseline and M1-final of intervention). A mixed ANOVA with interaction time*group was used to evaluate the effect of the exercise programme.

RESULTS

A good perception of the QoL was obtained in both stages. The exercise programme had a positive effect in the domains of Pain (ptime*group = 0.012, η2p = 0.158), Physical Function (ptime*group = 0.078, η2p = 0.082), Physical Performance (ptime*group = 0.052, η2p = 0.098), and Emotional Performance (ptime*group = 0.128, η2p = 0.061).

CONCLUSION

After 17 weeks of workplace exercises, it became clear that the intervention group positively increased their QoL perception, with this improvement being significant in the Pain domain, which resulted in an improvement in their health condition. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal exercise for CWs, with detailed exercise types, different intensities and focused on various health conditions.

Association between work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life among dental students: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Dental students are frequently affected by work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs) due to reasons such as working conditions, difficult education process and long work periods. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency and anatomical distribution of WMSs, and its effect on the quality of life (QoL) in dental students.

METHODS

Sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of one-hundred and five dental students were recorded. WMSs were scored by the participants with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Then, participants were asked to evaluate their QoL by scoring the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Form. Differences between independent groups for continuous variables were evaluated by Student's t-test and ANOVA as appropriate. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of demographic and health-related parameters in predicting the QoL subscales.

RESULTS

The most common painful region in the last 12 months was the neck (66.7%). The body region with the most WMSs in the last 7 days was the upper back (43.8%). Physical health-related QoL of those with diagnosed musculoskeletal symptoms, and general health-related QoL of those using medicine due to any musculoskeletal symptoms were found to be statistically significantly lower (p = 0.018, p = 0.041, respectively). It was observed that the general and physical health, psychological well-being, and social relationship of the participants who reported the presence of neck pain in the last 7 days were statistically significantly lower (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.012; respectively). According to multiple regression analyses, pain occurrence in the body in the last 12 months and/or in the last 7 days had a negative impact on the participants' general and physical health, psychological well-being, social relationship, and environmental status and related QoL (p = 0.026, p = 0.047, p = 0.021, p = 0.001, p = 0.027, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that dental students' body regions, especially the neck and the back, are affected by WMSs. These negative changes observed in the body had a negative effect on the QoL of the dental students.

Musculoskeletal symptoms and presentism among professionals of public health management of Belem-PA, Brazil

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect the performance of workers and can increase presenteeism, a condition in which the employee comes to the workplace but does not produce satisfactory results because he is ill. Objective: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and its association with presenteeism among public health management professionals of Belem-PA, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 88 professionals from the Municipal Health Department of Belem. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used to characterize the sample; the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to identify the prevalence of pain, numbness, and tingling symptoms in the body; and the Stanford Presenteeism Scale to characterize presenteeism. Associations between variables were analyzed using a 5% significance level. Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper and lower back were the most prevalent. Presenteeism was significantly associated with daily workload, physical activity, and the presence of diagnosed musculoskeletal diseases or injuries. In the past 12 months, musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, upper and lower back, wrists/hands, and hips/thighs have been associated with presenteeism. In the past 7 days, presenteeism has been associated with symptoms in the upper back and lower back. Conclusion: The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in health management professionals are associated with presenteeism.

Effects of an intervention program with health education and hatha yoga on the health of professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms

Introduction

Musculoskeletal and mental disorders are relevant in the workers' disease process, and ergonomic interventions that include guidance and physical exercise consist of strategies of health promotion. Integrative and complementary practices are presented as a possibility of promoting comprehensive care and yoga consists of a therapeutic alternative.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an intervention including educational measures and hatha yoga in musculoskeletal pain, disability, and stress in professionals of a university hospital.

Methods

We selected 125 professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms of intensity ≥ 1 who did not practice yoga and randomly assigned them to intervention (n = 63) and control (n = 62) groups, requesting answers to the following questionnaires: initial characterization, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a numeric scale, the Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale. The intervention group went through a 12-week program with educational measures and hatha yoga. At the end of the study period, both groups answered to the questionnaires once again. We compared data before and after the intervention and between groups.

Results

Both groups presented improvements after 12 weeks, but the difference between mean results obtained in the first and second data collections revealed that the levels of pain, disability, and stress decreased more strongly in the intervention group than in the control group. Considering that the intervention group began the program in worse clinical conditions, the program led to a reduction in the difference between groups, but this was not enough for the intervention group to reach better results than the control.

Conclusions

The intervention promoted improvements in the intensity of pain, disability, and stress among the participants of the intervention group. Similar programs could be explored in the promotion of occupational health.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background

The impact of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) permeates various occupations.

Objective

To compare WMSS and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers (DGWs) and staff of Works Department (SWD) in Enugu.

Methods

One-hundred adults (DGW = 50, SWD = 50) participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of WMSS and related risk factors. Data were analysed using independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression at p < 0.05.

Results

The DGWs (86%) had a significantly (χ2 = 24.45, p < 0.001) higher WMSS than the SWD (38%). Lower-back (54%) and shoulder (52%) were the most affected body parts among the DGWs in comparison to the hips/thighs (20%) among the SWD. Work-related factors such as daily work-duration (χ2 = 75.44, p < 0.001), lifting training (χ2 = 96.24, p < 0.001), and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of facemask (χ2 = 100.0, p < 0.001) and gloves (χ2 = 96.09, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with general WMSS among the DGWs. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 1.29, p = 0.018), work duration > 8 h/day (OR = 0.001, p = 0.028), female gender (OR = 6.98–10.26, p < 0.05), sleep duration < 6 h/day (OR = 0.56–0.73, p < 0.05) and poor exercise behaviour (OR = 0.15, p = 0.013) were the identified independent risk factors of WMSS among DGWs, while DBP (OR = 0.99, p = 0.012) and female gender (OR = 6.47, p = 0.032) were the only identified independent risk factors for SWD.

Conclusion

WMSS is significantly higher among DGWs than the SWD. High DBP, female gender, working beyond 8 h per day, sleeping less than 6 h per day, and insufficient exercise increase the risks of WMSDs, especially among the DGWs. To mitigate the adverse effects of WMSDs, SWD and DGWs require break and leave periods, PPE and assistive devices, exercise, medical check-up, and workplace ergonomics.

Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: narrative review

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major causes of morbidity among workers. They comprise several signs and symptoms, as e.g. pain, paresthesia, fatigue and limited range of motion, which can be related to work tasks. Workplace-related factors include physical, psychological, social and biomechanical hazards. The main kinetic factors associated with MSDs include repetitive movements, exerting excessive force, awkward postures, compression and mechanical vibration. Accurate knowledge of epidemiological aspects, evaluation of ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal symptoms, and workplace exercise may help reduce the occurrence of MSDs. The aim of the present review is to analyze the applicability of preventive strategies against MSDs among workers. We performed a narrative review based on a survey of databases PubMed and BIREME and included studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We found that workplace exercise is beneficial for both employers and workers. Risk analysis of MSDs is essential for early identification of occupational hazards and to prevent health consequences and costs associated with absenteeism.

Musculoskeletal disorders, stress perception and physical activity in police officers

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to analyze association between stress perception and physical activity with the prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (SMSD) in police officers. The police officers (n=142) answered the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient was used to measure strength and direction of relationship between PSS-10 and prevalence of SMSD and showed a positive correlation between variables in the last 7 days (r=0.34, p=0.00001) and in the last 12 months (r=0.40, p=0.00001). The mean prevalence of SMSD in the last 12 months was lower among police officers practicing physical activity (W=1888.5, p=0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the practice of physical activities as well as efforts to reduce stress perception both decrease the odds of musculoskeletal disorders. This study indicated that stress level and physical activity practice influenced in prevalence of SMSD. Multidisciplinary interventions with actions to reduce stress level and encourage physical activity practice are needed to control SMSD prevalence.

Computer users' ergonomics and quality of life - evidence from a developing country

This study is aimed at investigating the quality of workplace ergonomics at various Pakistani organizations and quality of life of computer users working in these organizations. Two hundred and thirty-five computer users (only those employees who have to do most of their job tasks on computer or laptop, and at their office) responded by filling the questionnaire covering questions on workplace ergonomics and quality of life. Findings of the study revealed the ergonomics at those organizations was poor and unfavourable. The quality of life (both physical and mental health of the employees) of respondents was poor for employees who had unfavourable ergonomic environment. The findings thus highlight an important issue prevalent at Pakistani work settings.

Rehabilitation-Oriented Serious Game Development and Evaluation Guidelines for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background

The progress in information and communication technology (ICT) led to the development of a new rehabilitation technique called “serious game for functional rehabilitation.” Previous works have shown that serious games can be used for general health and specific disease management. However, there is still lack of consensus on development and evaluation guidelines. It is important to note that the game performance depends on the designed scenario.

Objective

The objective of this work was to develop specific game scenarios and evaluate them with a panel of musculoskeletal patients to propose game development and evaluation guidelines.

Methods

A two-stage workflow was proposed using determinant framework. The development guideline includes the selection of three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics technologies and tools, the modeling of physical aspects, the design of rehabilitation scenarios, and the implementation of the proposed scenarios. The evaluation guideline consists of the definition of evaluation metrics, the execution of the evaluation campaign, the analysis of user results and feedbacks, and the improvement of the designed game.

Results

The case study for musculoskeletal disorders on the healthy control and patient groups showed the usefulness of these guidelines and associated games. All participants enjoyed the 2 developed games (football and object manipulation), and found them challenging and amusing. In particular, some healthy subjects increased their score when enhancing the level of difficulty. Furthermore, there were no risks and accidents associated with the execution of these games.

Conclusions

It is expected that with the proven effectiveness of the proposed guidelines and associated games, this new rehabilitation game may be translated into clinical routine practice for the benefit of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.