Musculoskeletal Disorders

Introduction: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MDs) largely contribute to occupational diseases in the workplace. Prevention from these disorders requires their evaluation in different occupations. This study aimed to compare the MDs of the neck between the teachers of Physical Education (PE) and those of the other majors in the high schools of Tehran City, Iran. Methods: The study sample included 180 teachers of mathematics, PE, and the religion and lifestyle in the high schools of Tehran (with the Mean±SD age of 42.11±6.65 years, and the Mean±SD weight of 72.28±12.98 kg). The participants were selected from 19 districts of the Tehran Departments of Education using multistage cluster sampling. The standard Nordic questionnaire was administered to investigate MDs among the teachers. The obtained data were analyzed with the Chi-square test to compare the MDs of the neck between the three groups of teachers. Results: A significant relationship was observed between the neck problems of the female (P=0.016) and male (P=0.017) PE teachers and the other teachers. Moreover, the neck problems were associated with the teaching experience (P=0.024) and teaching major (P=0.004). Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems that regular exercise can reduce the developing risk of MDs in the neck. Thus, this study recommends the performance of regular exercise and the correction of job-related postures to all teachers.

Background : Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is the most important occupational disease that threatens the health of employees. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between workers' posture and musculoskeletal disorders. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two male and female workers working in a home appliance factory participated in this cross-sectional study. Musculoskeletal disorders were investigated using Nordic questionnaires. Posture evaluation was performed to measure the angles of forward head, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis using photogrammetry. Craniovertebral, shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis angles were photographed during the work and then measured using ImageJ software. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26 and Spearman's correlation test at a significance level of 0.05. Results : A significant relationship between the craniovertebral angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months was observed in the cervical region ( P <0.001). Also, a significant relationship was observed between the kyphosis angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months in the upper back and lower back ( P <0.001). Conclusion : The results showed that the workers’ posture during work is correlated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to ergonomic principles during work to maintain and improve the physical health of workers.