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Work-related musculoskeletal pain and its self-reported impact among practicing dentists in Puducherry, India

Shekhawat KS, Chauhan A, Sakthidevi S, Nimbeni B, Golai S, Stephen L

Indian J Dent Res, 2020 8 10;31(3):354-357.
PMID: 32769266 DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_352_18

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSPs) is not uncommon among dentist and often limits their work efficiency impacting their quality of life.
Aim: The present research was conducted to identify site-specific pain resulting from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among practicing dentists and determine its impact on their quality of life.
Setting and Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted among practicing dentists of Puducherry Taluk, Puducherry, India.
Method and Materials: A closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 95 practicing dentists to identify site-specific MSP from the study subjects. Data on pain due to MSDs, frequency of pain, its impact on quality of life, relieving factors, patients attended per day, working hours per day, and awareness on ergonomics were also recorded.
Statistical Analyses: The data were analyzed for descriptive statistics, and Chi-square tests was used for proportions.
Results: Almost all respondents experienced pain due to MSDs. Approximately, 11.1% "always" experienced elbow pain; 5.6% "always" experienced pain in neck and back. Approximately, 83% "sometimes" experienced pain in the back. Pain in elbow was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.036), qualification (P = 0.029), and years of practice (P = 0.032). Approximately, 36% reported having an impact on their life.
Conclusion: The magnitude of the problem is slowly shifting from "sometimes" to "always." Although small in proportion, pain due to MSDs has an impact on dental practitioners' quality of life, and elbow pain was reportedly higher in the study setting. Measures need to be implemented before MSD becomes a career limiting occupational hazard.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among assembly workers in Malaysia

Roseni Abdul Aziz, Mat Rebi Abdul Rani, Jafri Mohd Rohani, Ademola James Adeyemi

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2014;11(1):33-38.
MyJurnal

Studies have identified working postures as a major risk factors associated with Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in industries. This study investigated the prevalence of WMSD among assembly workers in Malaysia and how psychosocial factors such as personal values and workers relationship with family and superior are associated with discomfort and pain. A survey was conducted among 127 workers at assembly process in the manufacturing industry. The workers were aged 28.74±6.74 years and 64.6% of them were males. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of workplace factors on WMSD at different body regions. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to investigate association between psychosocial factors and occurrence of discomfort and pain. Only occupation and job activities revealed any significant different with WMSD in the major body regions while there was no significant difference in gender, age and work duration classifications. Shoulder painis the most prevalent in terms of frequency and intensity of occurrence. Psychosocial issues that have to do with person values, effect of job on family relationship and workers rapport with superiors are all found to be associated with the discomfort and pain among the occupational group. Employers and concerned government agencies need to take more proactive steps in tackling the problem as the occurrence of WMSD will have a significant effect on the overall wellbeing of the working population.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome among computer users – a review of the associated risk factors and intervention strategies

Sethu, V.S.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(2):15-22.
MyJurnal

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (WRMSDs-UL) account for one of the largest types of occupational disorders worldwide. This broad term includes several disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tension neck syndrome and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) which are generally caused by poor postures, repetitive strain and psychosocial factors. Various workplace interventions have been investigated and employed to prevent the different WRMSDs-UL, but a common consensus to address the problem has yet to be achieved. This paper reviews and discusses the efficacies of some interventions which have been tested for the most prevalent type of WRMSDs-UL, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The focus will be on computer users who developed CTS out of the prolonged and repetitive use of keyboards and pointing devices. The interventions studied include engineering design, management strategies, personal development, medical treatment and multi-dimensional approaches. Outcome of the study reveals that the most effective approach would be one that is multi-dimensional in nature, with the inclusion of at least two or more intervention strategies at the same time.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Web-based KAP Intervention on Office Ergonomics: A Unique Technique for Prevention of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Global Corporate Offices

Madhwani KP, Nag PK

Indian J Occup Environ Med, 2017 Jan-Apr;21(1):18-22.
PMID: 29391743 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_145_17

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate web-based Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) intervention on office ergonomics - a unique method for prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) - in corporate offices that influences behavior modification.

Background: With the increasing use of computers, laptops and hand-held communication devices globally among office employees, creating awareness on office ergonomics has become a top priority. Emphasis needs to be given on maintaining ideal work postures, ergonomic arrangement of workstations, optimizing chair functions, as well as performing desk stretches to reduce MSD arising from the use of these equipment, thereby promoting safe work practices at offices and home, as in the current scenario many employees work from home with flexible work hours. Hence, this justifies the importance of our study.

Objective: To promote safe working by exploring cost-effective communication methods to achieve behavior change at distant sites when an on-site visit may not be feasible.

Materials and Methods: An invitation was sent by the Medical and Occupational Health Team of a multinational corporation to all employees at their offices in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia to take up an online Nordic questionnaire, a screening tool for musculoskeletal symptoms, shared in local languages on two occasions - baseline evaluation (n = 240) and a follow-up evaluation after 3 months (n = 203). After completing the baseline questionnaire, employees were immediately trained on correct postures and office ergonomics with animation graphics. The same questionnaire was sent again after a 12-week gap only to those employees who responded to the baseline questionnaire on initial assessment.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software and variables were compared using odds ratio as well as Chi-square test.

Results: Of the 203 employees who responded, 47.35% had some musculoskeletal symptoms. Among them 58.7% had lower back pain, 46.9% had upper back pain, 44.1% had wrist pain, 39.5% had shoulder pain, and 37% had knee pain. The percentages are high as some participants had multiple complaints i.e. 2 or 3 complaints. However, only 40% of these employees had ongoing symptoms at the time of evaluation (past 7 days). A subsequent 3-month evaluation after web-based intervention showed a significant 41-50% decline in ongoing symptoms.

Conclusions: We conclude that newer technology using web-based animation graphics is a highly efficient technique to create office ergonomics awareness and has the potential to become a best practice in countries where language is a communication barrier and an on-site visit may not be feasible due to meagre resources.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Venous Air Embolism during Elective Craniotomy for Parasagittal Meningioma

Hassan WMNW, Asmah Z, Saedah A

Med J Malaysia, 2013;68(1):69-70.
PMID: 23466772 MyJurnal

We report a case of a 59 year old man who developed venous air embolism (VAE) during an elective craniotomy for parasagittal meningioma resection. The surgery was done in the supine position with slightly elevated head position. VAE was provisionally diagnosed by sudden decreased in the end tidal carbon dioxide pressure from 34 to 18 mmHg, followed by marked hypotension and atrial fibrillation. Prompt central venous blood aspiration, aggressive resuscitation and inotropic support managed to stabilize the patient. Post operatively, he was admitted in neuro intensive care unit and made a good recovery without serious complications.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Validity test for Simple Ergonomics Risk Assessment (SERA) method

Ezrin Hani Sukadarin, Baba Md Deros, Jaharah A. Ghani, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Nur Syazwani Mohd Nawi, Norhidayah Abdull

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(10):0-0.
MyJurnal

Validity test is important during the development of ergonomics measurement. Failure to conduct validity tests will result in the measurement method being developed to be incapable of providing reliable ergonomics measurements. The objective of this study is to conduct validity test on the simple method ergonomics measurement which was developed. The method named Simple Ergonomics Risks Assessment (SERA). Content validity test and criterion validity test were conducted. The content validity test consists of 6 ergonomics experts who actively provide inputs and positive feedbacks to improve the measurement method being developed. Meanwhile, the criterion validity test involves data collection of complaints on body parts among oil palm workers which were derived from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and ergonomics risk assessment scores obtained from SERA. Both findings were tested with the Chi-square test to explore possible relations between the two findings. Results from the test conducted showed that there are significant relations in the scores of neck posture; hip, right and left shoulder, right and left wrists and the right hand associated with fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvesting activities. In the loose fruits collection, the Chi-square test showed significant relations in the scores of neck posture, hip, right and left shoulders, right wrist, right arm and the left hand. However, there are body parts such as the legs which showed no significant relation. More tests should be conducted to further explore the validity of the method being developed. Findings from both validity tests show that SERA were verified by the experts and tested with validated method so that it is valid to be applied in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Validity and reliability of Vicon™ motion capture camera over the traditional anthropometric method

Muhammad Fikri, Z., Ruzy Haryati, H., Seri Rahayu, K.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):142-151.
MyJurnal

Anthropometric study is one of the oldest branches of study in ergonomics where it serves a purpose in study of
proportion and size for human body. One of the common methods used in anthropometric measurement is traditional
measurement or direct measurement. However, Malaysia is still left behind other countries in development of national
anthropometric database. Researchers in Malaysia are still relying on the traditional anthropometric (TA)
measurement. There are several important factors that contribute to problems in TA such as accuracy, time, posture,
identification of landmarks, instrument positions and orientations, and pressure exerted due to measuring equipment. In
view of the fact that the difficulties of obtaining human anthropometry, it becomes necessary to propose a method which
has less contact executed to respondent. This study aims to propose a new anthropometric measurement method using
motion capture camera (MCC) method, later to develop the database for youth male population. A pilot test was done
in order to confirm the measuring procedure as well as the flow of the study. Next, the Minitab statistical software used
to check the validity and reliability of data using the tests of a) Accuracy-Pearson/Spearman Correlation b) BiasPaired
T-Test c) Test-Retest Reliability-Pearson/Spearman Correlation d) Precision-Mean Absolute Difference and
Relative Error Measurement. Results showed that the validity and reliability of this motion camera has successfully
obtained and the anthropometric data for youth male respondents has successfully constructed. These findings can be
used and expended to the national anthropometric database to be utilised in ergonomics design.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Validity and Reliability of the Wii Balance Board for Static Balance Assessment in Healthy Young Adults

Kaewkaen K, Uthama S, Ruengsirarak W, Puntumetakul R

Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Mar;26(2):114-121.
PMID: 31447614 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.2.12

Introduction: The Wii Balance Board (WBB) is a commonly used tool for balance assessment, however the inconsistency in the reported validity for the WBB when used for the assessment of healthy young adults needs to be clarified.
Aim: To investigate the concurrent validity and reliability of the WBB for balance assessment in healthy young adults.
Methods: Thirty-two young adults participated in this study. Their ability to balance was tested while standing on a WBB and a laboratory-grade force platform, under three conditions: feet together with eyes open, feet together with eyes closed and semi-tandem standing with eyes open. They had 10 min resting period between tests. The agreement between the WBB and the laboratory-grade force platform was investigated, and the reliability of the WBB was determined.
Results: A poor agreement between the WBB and the laboratory-grade force platform was found for all standing conditions [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.03 to 0.07]. A moderate to high reliability was found for the WBB for balance assessment in healthy young adults (ICC = 0.66 to 0.76).
Conclusion: The WBB was found to be a reliable tool for static balance assessment in healthy young adults. However, it had poor validity compared to the laboratory-grade force platform.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Upper Instrumented Vertebrae (UIV) Tilt Angle Is an Important Postoperative Radiological Parameter That Correlates With Postoperative Neck and Medial Shoulder Imbalance

Chan CYW, Chiu CK, Ler XY, Ng YH, Chian XH, Tan PH, et al.

Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2018 Oct 01;43(19):E1143-E1151.
PMID: 29557927 DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002645

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between postoperative upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) tilt angle with postoperative medial shoulder and neck imbalance.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Studies had found that current recommendations for UIV selection were not predictive of good postoperative shoulder balance.
METHODS: A total of 98 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with Lenke 1/2 curves who underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2013 and 2014 with minimum follow-up of 2 years were recruited. Radiological parameters: UIV tilt angle, T1 tilt, cervical axis, and clavicle angle were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up.
RESULTS: Mean age was 16.2 ± 6.2 years. Mean follow-up was 37.9 ± 6.5 months. There were 73.5% Lenke 1 and 26.5% Lenke 2 curves. Significant factors affecting postoperative T1 Tilt were postoperative UIV tilt angle, preoperative T1 tilt, and preoperative UIV tilt angle. Postoperative UIV tilt angle and preoperative cervical axis were significant factors affecting cervical axis at final follow-up. UIV level was not significant independent factor that affected postoperative T1 tilt and cervical axis. There was strong correlation between postoperative UIV tilt angle and T1 tilt for the whole cohort (P

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Understanding upper body playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among piano and non-piano players using a photogrammetry

Yuen GK, Clements JB, Ramalingam V, Sundar V

Clin Ter, 2021 Mar 15;172(2):163-167.
PMID: 33763681 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2021.2305

Conclusion: The obtained results conclude piano players are highly prone to the risk of developing PRMSD in the upper body.
Results: The findings showed piano players have a higher NDI, lower CVA, and RSP when compared with the non-piano players at a statistically significant level of p-value <0.05.
Objective: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSD) are a common problem for the pianist. The poor upper body ergonomics influences the natural positioning of the neck and shoulders, which involves forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP). This misaligned position could produce a sensation of pain over the upper body, which affects the piano player and computer users with similar ergonomic posture. Recently, photogrammetry methods are commonly applied in a clinical setting to assess posture. The goal of this research is to compare the upper body playing-related muscu-loskeletal disorders between the piano and the non-piano players by applying photogrammetry.
Materials and Methods: This causal-comparative study includes 70 participants with 35 piano and 35 non-piano players. The participant's FHP was assessed using a digitized photo to record the Craniovertebral angle (CVA) with the support of Kinovea software. Besides, digital Vernier Calliper used to assess the scapular index on the RSP and Neck disability indices (NDI) used to measure neck pain and functional disability of the participants.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture/physiology*
Understanding ergonomics: a practical approach for improving workplace safety and health

Zafir M.M., Fazilah M.H.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2007;4(1):19-27.
MyJurnal

Ergonomics management is a process that will have a significant, positive effect on a company’s profits through cost reduction, quality improvement, performance improvement and productivity enhancement. Also known as human factors of human engineering, it basically describes the interaction between an employee and his/her job functions, with the emphasis being on reducing unnecessary physical stress in the workplace. The goal of ergonomics is to enable workers to be more effective by matching the requirements and demands of the job to the abilities and limitations of the workers rather than trying to force the workers to fit the job. This paper theoretically describes the benefits of understanding the ergonomics to the workplace. The components and activities required to implement ergonomics management also have been discussed. Besides that, the practical approach of ergonomics has been described by giving practical workplace improvement suggested by scholars. By approaching work practices (stretching, reaching, and sitting) from an ergonomically correct point of view, a worker actually becomes stronger, healthier and more productive.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Two-week test-retest reliability of the Polar® RS800CX™ to record heart rate variability

Williams DP, Jarczok MN, Ellis RJ, Hillecke TK, Thayer JF, Koenig J

Clin Physiol Funct Imaging, 2017 Nov;37(6):776-781.
PMID: 26815165 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12321

Recently, research has validated the use of Polar® heart rate monitors as a tool to index heart rate variability (HRV). In the current investigation, we sought to evaluate the test-retest reliability of both time and frequency domain measures of HRV using the Polar® RS800CX™ . Continuous HRV data were collected as 60 nominally healthy adults underwent a resting and orthostatic stress test. We evaluated reproducibility by means of the interclass correlation coefficient for absolute agreement and consistency, and the standard error of measurement. We found moderate reliable 2-week test-retest reliability of HRV using the Polar® RS800CX™ , results that are in line with previous studies that have validated the stability of HRV using other methods of measurement (e.g. electrocardiogram). Additionally, when examining different methods of spectral density estimation, we found that using the auto-regressive transformation method provides the most stable indices of HRV. Taken together, our results suggest that the Polar® RS800CX™ is not only a valid method to record HRV, but also a reliable one, particularly when using the auto-regressive transformation method.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture*
Fulltext Thismiadomei and T.terengganuensis (Thismiaceae), two new species, and T.javanica, a new record from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

Yunoh SM, Nikong D

PhytoKeys, 2019;124:123-137.
PMID: 31274980 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.124.34728

Two new species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia Griff. (Thismiaceae), Thismiadomei Siti-Munirah and T.terengganuensis Siti-Munirah from Peninsular Malaysia, are described and illustrated. Thismiadomei, characterized by its perianth lobes that are upright and curve inward, but are imperfectly connate, falls within sectionOdoardoa. Thismiaterengganuensis is characterized by its mitre with three appendages on its apex, so falls within sectionGeomitra. Both new species are unique and totally different from other described species, T.domei by the trichomes on its outer perianth tube surface and T.terengganuensis by its mitre with slender appendages. Thismiajavanica J.J.Sm, also from Terengganu, is a new record for Peninsular Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext The study on range of motion of hip and knee in prayer by adult muslim males.a preliminary report

Ariff, M.S., Arshad, A.A.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2015;14(1):49-58.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Praying represents a fundamental activity of daily living in Muslim community. Muslims need to adopt several postures that require deep flexion of the knee and hip to perform this daily obligation. This is a preliminary report of the study on hip and knee range of motion conducted to obtain normative passive and functional range of flexion data during Muslim prayers in both weight-bearing joints of normal Muslim adults. Methods: A cohort of Malay men aged between 20 to 30 years was recruited in this cross-sectional study. Passive range of motion and flexion angles of the joints in various postures during prayer were measured using a standard goniometer. The difference against existing normative range of motion database available and the influence of various factors were analysed. Factors analysed include body mass index and other anthropometric measurements. Results: Sixty participants recruited for the preliminary phase of this study. The mean (SD) of passive hip and knee flexions were higher compared to other existing normative range of motion database. A unit increase in body mass index will have 0.782 units lower of knee range of motion. The hip and knee flexion arc were from 74.1° to 119.0° and from 3.3° to 119.7° respectively. Conclusion: The range of motion involved for prayers was more for the knee but less for the hip as compared to the measured passive range of motion. Body mass index has a significant linear negative relationship with the passive range of motion of the knee, but not the hip.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext The relation of risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among manual material handling workers in Malaysian automotive industries

Mirta Widia, Siti Zawiah Md Dawal, Nukman Yusoff

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(10):0-0.
MyJurnal

Most studies have examined the association of ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort in developed countries. Meanwhile the data are still lacking in developing countries such as Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among manual material handling workers in Malaysian automotive industries. A total of211 manual material handling workers from automotive industries completed a set of questionnaire on the individual, physical and environmental factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The Chi-Square test and logistics regression analysis were used to determine the relationship of the risk factors and musculoskeletal. The findings highlighted that job tenure was significantly correlated with musculoskeletal discomfort among the workers (OR=2.33-5.56). The most significant physical risk factor that was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort was bending the trunk forward slightly, hands above knee level, which was significantly related to lower back discomfort (OR=5.13, 95%CI=1.56-16.8), thigh discomfort (OR=5.1, 95%CI=1.01-25.53) and wrist discomfort (OR=3.65, 95%CI=1.06-12.53). Twisting of the trunk (over 45o) and bending sideways were significantly associated to lower back discomfort (OR=4.04, 95%CI=1.44-14.44), and thigh discomfort (OR=4.3, 95%CI=1.29-8.50). The findings also highlighted that environmental factors was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (p < 0.05. Musculoskeletal discomfort can be reduced by lowering work-related risk factors among automotive manual material handling workers, particularly by focusing on significant factors, including job tenure, bending or twisting postures and environmental factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and risk factors among women assembly workers in the semiconductor industry

Chandrasakaran A, Chee HL, Rampal KG, Tan GLE

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Dec;58(5):657-66.
PMID: 15190650

A cross-sectional study to determine work-related musculoskeletal problems and ergonomic risk factors was conducted among 529 women semiconductor workers. Overall, 83.4% had musculoskeletal symptoms in the last one year. Pain in the back (57.8%), lower leg (48.4%) and shoulder (44.8%) were the three most common musculoskeletal problems. Significant associations were found between prolonged standing and upper and lower leg pain, between prolonged sitting and neck and shoulder pain and between prolonged bending and shoulder arm, back and upper leg pain. The study therefore showed a clear association between work-related musculoskeletal pain and prolonged hours spent in particular postures and movements.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
The management of solitary thyroid nodules under local anaesthesia

Cunningham IG, Lee YK

Aust N Z J Surg, 1975 Aug;45(3):285-9.
PMID: 1058690

A group of patients with solitary nodules of the thyroid were treated at the University of Malaya by surgery under local anaesthesia. This was done in order to expedite exploration of a potentially malignant condition. This group comprised 43 patients, and four cancers were found. The standard technique used was satisfactory from the viewpoint of both the patient and the surgeon. The pattern of this condition in a Malaysian population is documented, the technique used is described, and thyroidectomy under local aneaesthesia is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
The limits of stability and muscle activity in middle-aged adults during static and dynamic stance

Ku PX, Abu Osman NA, Wan Abas WAB

J Biomech, 2016 Dec 08;49(16):3943-3948.
PMID: 27865478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.11.006

Balance control plays an important role in maintaining daily activity. However, studies on postural control among middle-aged adults are scarce. This study aims (i) to examine directional control (DCL) and electromyography activity (EMG) for different stability levels, and (ii) to determine left-right asymmetry for DCL and muscle activity among sedentary middle-aged adults. Twenty healthy, middle-aged adults (10 males, 10 females; age=50.0±7.5yrs; body height: 1.61±0.10m; body mass: 70.0±14.5kg) participated in the study. EMG for left and right side of rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) were recorded. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of dynamic level on DCL and EMG, whereas independent sample t-test was conducted to analyse the asymmetries of DCL and EMG for the left and right leg. When the dynamic tilt surface increased, DCL scores significantly decreased (except forward, forward-rightward, and backward-leftward direction) and only RF muscle indicated significant differences. Left-right asymmetry was found in BF and MG muscles. No significant gender difference was observed in DCL and EMG. These data demonstrated that increased dynamic tilt surface may increase the displacement of center of pressure of certain directions, and stimulate RF activity in dynamic stance among sedentary middle-aged adults. Further studies should be conducted to examine the dynamic stance and muscle activity of the lower limb in age-matched patient groups with balance abnormalities.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture/physiology*
Fulltext The impact of work rest scheduling for prolonged standing activity

Rahman IA, Mohamad N, Rohani JM, Zein RM

Ind Health, 2018 Nov 21;56(6):492-499.
PMID: 30210096 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0043

Prolonged standing can cause discomfort on the body of the workers and can lead to injury and occupational disease. One of the ergonomic intervention is through improving the work-rest scheduling. The purpose of this study are to identify the fatigue level from the perception of the worker and to investigate the impact of the work-rest scheduling to the standing workers for 12 h working time with a different gender. This study involved two methods which are self-assessment of the worker and direct measurement by using electromyography (EMG). For self-assessment, 80 workers have been interviewed using questionnaire in order to identify the fatigue level. For direct measurement, EMG was attached to the 15 selected workers at their respective leg and lower back to analyse the muscle efforts. In terms of perception, the results show the discomfort and fatigue level at the lower body region in the following order as foot ankle, lower back and leg. There is a significant difference between gender on discomfort pain for foot ankle and leg. The results show short frequent break by 10 min can reduce the fatigue at the leg and infrequent long break is preferable in order to reduce the fatigue at the lower back. In conclusion, it was found that prolonged standing affect the muscle fatigue and discomfort especially lower extremities such as foot ankle, lower back and leg. Besides that, different type of work rest scheduling and gender have significant result towards the muscle fatigue development.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture/physiology
The effects of toe-out and toe-in postures on static & dynamic balance, risk of fall and TUG score in healthy adults

Khan SJ, Khan SS, Usman J

Foot (Edinb), 2019 Jun;39:122-128.
PMID: 30580888 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2018.06.002

BACKGROUND: Toe-in and toe-out foot positions have not yet been tested for dynamic balance and risk of fall. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these two modifications on static and dynamic postural stability and risk of fall through instrumental (Biodex Balance System®) and functional (timed up and go-TUG test) tools.
METHODOLOGY: Twenty healthy adults (8 males, 12 females, age: 29±4.10years, BMI: 21.56±2.36kg/m2) participated in this study. Static and dynamic (levels 8 and 2) balance with single stance and double stance and dynamic (level 8 and levels 6-2) for risk of fall with double stance were tested with the Biodex Balance System with three self-selected feet positions: straight (13.8°), toe-out (35.6°) and toe-in (-11.9°) for each test condition. Additionally, TUG test was performed with toe-out and toe-in gait.
RESULTS: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences (p<0.05) between straight and modified toe angles in balance at dynamic level 2 with both double and single stance conditions. Significant differences (p<0.001) were also found in TUG scores for the test conditions.
CONCLUSION: Toe-in and toe-out gait modifications have significant effects on balance at higher levels of platform tilt and functional balance. Further investigations with knee osteoarthritis patients and electromyography may provide insight in balancing strategies adopted by the body in toe-out and toe-in gait.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture/physiology*

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