(1) Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), discomfort, fatigue, pain, and other acute and chronic work-related injuries are common among dental clinicians. Hand instruments constitute a primary risk factor for these conditions. The overall goal of this study was to compare in dental hygienists with healthy hands, and in those with MSDs, the effect of three different handle designs on instrumentation-related muscle work, comfort, fatigue, and quality of tactile feedback. (2) Methods: Clinicians tested three periodontal curettes: one with a novel adaptive silicone handle, another with a rigid resin handle, and the third with a rigid silicone handle. Ten hygienists-five with MSDs and five without-each scaled three typodonts using the three different curettes. Statistical analysis was performed using a General Linear Model (GLIM) and Tukey\'s post hoc test, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was implemented. (3) Results: On average, mean comfort and fatigue across all instruments were significantly worse in testers with MSDs, who also expended significantly more work to complete the same task. In all testers, a novel adaptive handle design was associated with significantly reduced total muscle work and post-instrumentation fatigue, as well as better comfort than conventional rigid handle designs. (4) Conclusions: An adaptive curette handle design demonstrated significantly better ergonomic outcomes than conventional rigid curette handle designs. Hygienists with MSDs expend significantly more muscle work during dental instrumentation.

Prolonged sitting with awkward posture during sewing results in musculoskeletal disorders among sewing operators. This study aimed to identify the compatibility of the sewing furniture with operators\' anthropometry. Therefore, 13 anthropometric measurements of 368 sewing operators were collected and compared with sewing furniture dimensions. The results showed that all anthropometric measurements other than hip breadth were larger for male participants. In addition, statistical analysis performed on the collected data showed significant variation compared to the existing dimensions of sewing machines. Results also indicated a high mismatch for different dimensions of the sewing table and chair, such as seat height, seat width, seat depth, table depth, etc. For this reason, sewing operators often experience musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, this study recommends some guidelines for designing the sewing workstation, which might act as a basis for manufacturers or importers to set provisions for sewing machines.

BACKGROUND: As a result of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related lockdown restrictions, people with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders could be at increased risk of physical and psychological disabilities. This review aimed to summarise the impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on people with MSK disorders.
METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched for studies in the English language published until June 10, 2024. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research. Two reviewers independently abstracted data from the included studies. Data were summarised using narrative synthesis, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment.
RESULTS: The search strategy identified 637 articles, 129 of which were removed as duplicates. Fifteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. The sample size the studies reviewed ranged from 40 to 1800. Having MSK disorders during COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions led to increased risk of pain, stress, depression, anxiety, MSK related injuries, decreased quality of life and increased use of emergency department.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report that COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions led to increased risk of pain, MSK injuries and healthcare resource utilisation as well as decreased quality of life among patients with MSK disorders. These results may help inform policy and management strategies in future for people with MSK disorders to mitigate the negative impact of pandemic.

UNASSIGNED: In the military, neck pain is second to low back pain among musculoskeletal disorders. However, the prevalence and related factors of neck pain in military personnel have not been systematically investigated, which may lead to the lack of neck pain prevention and the generation of additional medical expenses, posing challenges to medical care. This review aimed to obtain the prevalence and related factors for neck pain in military personnel in an attempt to provide directions for prevention and intervention.
UNASSIGNED: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases in December 2021. Two researchers independently screened studies according to eligibility criteria and assessed study quality.
UNASSIGNED: We screened titles and abstracts of 503 articles, and 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen articles received moderate to high-quality evaluations. Neck pain is common in the military, with 1-year prevalence as high as 83% and lifetime prevalence as high as 78%. Old age (OR = 5.0), poor neck mobility (OR = 3.61), shoulder pain (OR = 4.9), low back pain (OR = 2.3), high-G pilots (OR = 1.6), longer flight time (OR = 2.53), type of aircraft (OR = 3.93), and use of helmets and night vision systems (OR = 1.9) may be associated with the prevalence of neck pain.
UNASSIGNED: Neck pain is highly prevalent in military personnel and exhibits a substantial lifetime prevalence rate. The high prevalence rate of neck pain in the military is related to many individual-related factors and work-related factors. The in-depth assessment and prevention of specific factors is an important direction of future research.

Objective: Rapid bone development in growing children causes excessive tension in the lower extremities\' muscles and tendons, leading to reduced flexibility and increased musculoskeletal disorder risk. Further, lack of exercise causes obesity. Therefore, we created a stretching exercise protocol to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in elementary school (middle and upper grades) children during their growth period, when rapid bone development begins. Patients and Methods: We examined the effects on pain, injury, and flexibility. Fifty-three (boys: 34, girls: 19) students in grades 3-5 (ages 9-11) performed the stretching exercises at school thrice a week for one year, and we compared the results before and a year after the intervention. Results: A three-minute stretching exercise routine achieved an intensity of 4.6-4.9 metabolic equivalents (METs; equivalent to brisk walking). Obesity (P=1.000), flexibility problems (inability to bend forward [P=0.754] or squat problems [P=1.000]), bone/joint pain (P=1.000), and injury (P=1.000) did not significantly increase. Conclusion: Stretching exercises during the growth period may help prevent childhood musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, and flexibility loss.

BACKGROUND: Due to the burden of musculoskeletal diseases in the elderly and the multifactorial nature of such conditions, controlling the pain caused by these disorders requires multidisciplinary approach. This approach requires the participation of the elderly in applying effective prevention measures. This study aims to design a multidisciplinary educational intervention based on health belief model (HBM) for elderly residents of nursing homes.
METHODS: This is a parallel randomized clinical trial among elderly people aged 60 years and over living in a nursing home who suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Eligible participants will be divided into two groups including the intervention group who will receive a multidisciplinary intervention (vitamin D consumption, psycho-social stress management, and physiotherapy) and the control group who will receive usual care. Data collection instruments will include demographic data, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), the visual analogue scale (VAS), and a self-designed questionnaire containing the HBM constructs. The interventions will be carried out by the educational team (general practitioner, psychologist, physiotherapist, and health education specialist). Interventions include changing the wrong beliefs of the elderly, taking 800 units of vitamin D daily, daily walking exercise by the elderly for at least 30 min and maintaining proper body posture during daily activities, muscle relaxation, relaxation techniques, regular exercise, examining their diet and eliminating stimulants (such as smoking and coffee), regular visits with friends and family, and deep breathing techniques. All questionnaires will be completed by the elderly before, after, 3, and 6 months after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study will evaluate the effect of an educational intervention based on a multifaceted pain control approach for elderly people who reside in nursing homes in order to reduce musculoskeletal pain in the elderly living in nursing homes. One of the features of this study is its focus on improving the health of elderly residents in nursing homes. Given the increase in the elderly population worldwide, the findings from the current trial might benefit elderly populations.
BACKGROUND: IRCT20220904055881N1 . Registered on 11 February 2023.

OBJECTIVE: Both physical and psychosocial risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders occur in the professional nursing group, and previous literature suggested that their interaction may increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain among nurses. The aim of the study was to examine perceived workload and stress as well as physical findings and musculoskeletal complaints in nurses.
METHODS: The participants consisted of 42 female nurses, age range 23-60 years. They marked on a pain drawing the site/sites that was/were painful at the moment of testing, its duration and intensity. Thereafter they were examined using the movement and respiration domains from the Global Physiotherapy Examination (GPE). Furthermore, a subjective workload measure was made using the paper version of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index and stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire.
RESULTS: Almost the entire study group declared that pain experienced in at least 1 location was chronic, i.e., had lasted ≥1 year (97%). The most frequent locations of pain were low back (22.4%) and cervical/head (21.6%) regions. In the GPE, most scores indicated restricted and reduced movement, with the subdomain flexibility having the highest deviation from the predefined standard. Furthermore, the results indicated hampered respiration, especially visible in standing position. Out of all workload scores, the highest was obtained for temporal demand. Perceived stress level was found to be moderate and significantly associated to chronic chest/ thoracic pain. Interestingly, the compression of thorax test positively correlated with mental (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and physical demand (r = 0.35, p < 0.05), whereas the elbow drop test and temporal demand correlated negatively (r = -0.37, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, the majority of nurses participating in this study had long-lasting pain and limited flexibility of the body and hampered respiration, which both may enhance intensity of experienced musculoskeletal pain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):257-70.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) are a significant reason for general practice consultations in the United Kingdom. Current models of care include consultation with a General Practitioner (GP) or a First Contact Physiotherapy Practitioner (FCPP). Evidence suggests that FCPP led care is safe, yet it is unknown whether patients share this belief.
OBJECTIVE: To explore patients\' perspectives of general practice consultation for MSKDs, including views on safety, satisfaction and recommendations for future practice.
METHODS: A secondary data analysis utilising qualitative data from the Patient Reported Experiences and Outcomes of Safety in Primary Care (PREOS-PC) questionnaire completed by 426 general practice patients who consulted with a MSKD between December 2019 and October 2022. Responses to the question \'What changes, if any, would you suggest to your GP surgery to make sure that health care is provided safely?\' were analysed using content analysis.
RESULTS: 606 responses across three timepoints were analysed. Two themes and six subthemes were identified; views on safety and satisfaction (inherent trust in the system, provision of face-to-face appointments, prompt access to care, person-centred care) and recommendations for future practice (appointment system: prompt access to face-to-face appointments, delivery of care: co-ordinated and collaborative person-centred care).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients commented that FCPP consultations provided quick and accurate diagnoses and targeted advice. Recommendations for future practice included prompt access to face-to-face appointments, phone calls to be answered more quickly, improved communication for test results and follow ups, patients to feel listened to with a more individualised approach, and better continuity of care.

UNASSIGNED: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are widespread among workers of informal small-scale enterprises. Specifically, lower back pain is a prevalent occupational health problem across various industries, including weaving factories. Lower back pain significantly impairs the functioning, performance, and productivity of weavers. However, information on the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among weavers of Bahir Dar City and nationwide is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain among weavers working in Bahir Dar City.
UNASSIGNED: A multicentered institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 403 weavers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, from April to May 2023 using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire. Samples were proportionally allocated to each institution, and study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression were adopted for the multivariate logistic regression analysis after verifying the model fitness. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P-value < 0.05 were considered to identify the associated factors of lower back pain among weavers.
UNASSIGNED: The results revealed that the overall annual prevalence of lower back pain was 63.5% (95% CI = 58.8-68.5). Longer working hours [AOR = 2.580 (CI = 1.517-4.384)], lack of back support [AOR = 1.938 (CI = 2.089-3.449)], repetitive movement of the back during weaving [AOR = 5.940 (CI = 2.709-13.02)], awkward posture [AOR = 2.915 (CI = 1.677-5.065), static working posture [AOR = 4.505 (CI = 2.298-8.831)], and job stress [AOR = 3.306 (CI = 1.896-5.765)] were significantly associated with lower back pain among weavers.
UNASSIGNED: Lower back pain among weavers was found to be highly prevalent. Working longer hours, lack of back support, repetitive movement of the back, awkward posture, static posture, and job stress were significantly associated with lower back among weavers. The study recommends prompt interventions on weavers to ensure that they use sitting support, weave for <8 h per day, change positions every 2 h, reduce job-related stress, and minimize task repetition, thereby enhancing their working conditions and minimizing the occurrence of lower back pain.

UNASSIGNED: The study aimed to evaluate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevalence and its correlation with stress in medical students at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Saudi Arabia.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 416 participants participated in this study by answering an online questionnaire. We included medical students from UQU of both genders, ranging from the first year to the sixth year. A questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic data. The data were collected using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) and Standardized Nordic questionnaire.
UNASSIGNED: Among 416 medical students surveyed, 219 (52.60%) were males. A significant proportion of participants, 294 (70.70%), reported experiencing pain during the last 12 months. Female students exhibited significantly higher scores of MSDs compared to their male counterparts. Students who reported working between 51-90 hours per week had a significantly higher MSD score than those who worked 0-50 hours or 91 or more hours. The findings of this study indicated that the most prevalent MSDs were low back pain (50.20%), followed by neck pain (31.70%), and female medical students exhibited significantly higher stress levels than male medical students.
UNASSIGNED: Musculoskeletal disorders represent a prevalent health issue among medical students, there is a significant association between factors such as being a female and body mass index. Additionally, psychological stress is a widespread concern among medical students, given the demanding nature of their lifestyle. Interestingly, our findings revealed that there exists a moderately positive relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and stress in this particular population.