This study analyzed the effect of workers' socio-psychological burden factors on musculoskeletal disorders. A survey was conducted targeting office and field workers in the Seoul metropolitan area. Analysis was performed using the results of 357 surveys out of 400 surveys. The analysis results were derived as follows. First, the socio-psychological burden factor did not show statistically significant results for musculoskeletal disorders. Second, it was found that job stress factors also had a positive effect on musculoskeletal disorders. Third, social psychological burden factors were found to be more positive than office workers than field workers. Fourth, there was a statistically significant correlation between job stress and musculoskeletal disease risk scores. From the above results, job stress factors affect musculoskeletal disease risk factors (work frequency, pain level, and duration) and the increase in musculoskeletal disorders and the number of accidents.

In order to conduct a study on the importance of the wrist joint, which causes a lot of pain among middle-aged people, in relation to work related to musculoskeletal disorders, the effect of stretching on grasping power was studied. In order to compare the grasping power of the wrist for middle-aged people in their 50s, the experiment was conducted by comparing before and after the wrist joint motion stretching. According to the experimental results of wrist gripping power for the control group and the experiment group on wrist gripping power, it was investigated that stretching did not change much in increasing wrist gripping power, but stretching application had an effect on wrist gripping power. In terms of preventing musculoskeletal accidents, reducing pain due to degenerative diseases, and preventing accidents, stretching seems to have an effect when approaching, so it is considered that continuous stretching before and after work is necessary. Therefore, it is suggested that stretching time secured quantitatively through safety and health education before work is necessary.

The study evaluated the accuracy and intra-rater reliability for OWAS (Ovako Working posture Analysing System), RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) to improve their evaluation accuracy and reliability. Participants (n = 163) with undergraduate degree were recruited in this study and trained for 6 hours about the ergonomic assessment methods. Ergonomic assessments were conducted using OWAS, RULA, and REBA for a representative work with dynamic posture found in manufacturing industries. The study compared action categories (overall level) and detailed evaluation scores for individual body part. Action categories of the participants significantly differed from the golden reference defined by ergonomic experts. The participants underrated or omitted scores for truck (37.4% of the participants) and legs (52.8%) in OWAS. Similarly, the participants underrated or omitted additional scores for all body parts except the hand and wrist in RULA (53.5%) and REBA (54.8%). On the other hand, the participants overrated scores for the hand and wrist in RULA (55.2%) and REBA (39.9%). The results found in this study can help of selecting focus points and parts during assessment and education to improve accuracy and reliability of the ergonomic assessment methods.

Musculoskeletal disorders including fracture, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and laminitis are common diseases in racehorses that can cause large economic losses in the racehorse industry. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being applied as new clinical tools for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of racehorses. To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of stem cell therapy, we analyzed the anti- and pro-inflammatory factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of racehorses before and after stem cell application using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (CCL5, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-18) were decreased while those of anti-inflammatory factors (TIMP-1, IL-10, TGF-β1, and VEGF) were increased significantly after application of equine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (eAD-MSCs) to racehorses with fracture. Moreover, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-18, and TNF-α) were decreased while those of anti-inflammatory factors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, IL-10, TGF-β1, and VEGF) increased significantly after stem cell application of eAD-MSCs in racehorses with tendonitis. After evaluating immunomodulatory effects of stem cell therapy on equine musculoskeletal disorders such as fracture and tendonitis, our results showed that expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors were decreased, while those of anti-inflammatory factors increased significantly after stem cell application of eAD-MSCs. These findings suggest that the healing effects of the stem cell therapy might be due to its modulation of inflammatory factors.

Objective : This study is a descriptive examination related to musculoskeletal disorders and the risk factors between pediatric and adult occupational therapists as a way to provide basic information for the purpose of preventing musculoskeletal disorders.Methods : This study surveyed 101 occupational therapists who are employed at ten general hospitals and social welfare centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. A questionnaire was used as the research tool for determining their socio-demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, workload, task frequency, and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 17.0.Results : The waist and back are the areas that pediatric and adult therapists complain about being the most painful. The next problem areas are the shoulders followed by the neck. When reviewing the occurrence of factors that influence musculoskeletal disorders according to the body area, the results show that these factors increased 4 to 15 times depending on the therapist's posture while treating patients, conducting their workload, and frequently doing tasks.Conclusion : The results show that the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders of occupational therapists is significantly higher. To enhance the posture and physical task environment for therapists working in a diverse range of departments, further studies are needed.

This study tried to develop a basis for quantitative index of working postures associated with WMSDs (Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders) that could overcome realistic restriction during application of typical checklists for WMSDs evaluation. The baseline data(for a total of 603 jbs) for this study was obtained from automobile manufacturing company. Specifically, data for back posture was analyzed in this study to have a better and more objective method in terms of job relevance than typical methods such as OWAS, RULA, and REBA. Major statistical tools were clustering, logistic regression and so on. The main results in this study could be summarized as follows; 1) The relationship between working posture and WMSDs symptom at back was statistically significant based on the results from logistic regression, 2) Based on clustering analysis, three levels for WMSDs risk at back were produced for flexion as follows: low risk(< 18.5°), medium risk(18.5°～ 36.0°), high risk(> 36.0°), 3) The sensitivities on risk levels of back flexion was 93.8% while the specificities on risk levels of back flexion was 99.1%. The results showed that the data associated with back postures in this study could provide a good basis for job evaluation of WMSDs at back. Specifically, this evaluation methodology was different from the methods usually used at WMSDs study since it tried to be based on direct job relevance from real working situation. Further evaluation for other body parts as well as back would provide more stability and reliability in WMSDs evaluation study.

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of smartphone usage and posture of users during using smartphone. A survey was conducted for 983 smartphone users to understand the association between smartphone usage and including subjective symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Main results from the survey were as follows; 1) 18.8% of the subjects experienced musculoskeletal symptoms at least at one of body parts. Specifically, 8.1%, 5.6%, 4.1%, and 11.3% of the subjects experienced musculoskeletal symptoms at neck, shoulder, elbow, and hand respectively, 2) The symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders were also associated with amount of text message and time for daily usage of smartphone. Specifically, relative risks of musculoskeletal disorders at hand/wrist/fingers in terms of "amount of text message" and "time for daily usage" for experienced user were 1.425 and 1.368 respectively to inexperienced user. This study identified 'amount of text message' and 'time for daily usage' as the major risk factors of smartphone usage in terms of musculoskeletal symptoms. The results of the study provided a good basis in order to remove or reduce the risks associated with musculoskeletal symptoms due to smartphone usage.

Dentists are known to be highly exposed to the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The present study investigated the prevalence of MSD among Korean dentists and association between their MSD and physical workload. In addition, detailed causes related to the physical workloads were identified in dental operation, and needs for improvement of dental instrument and environment were collected from Korean dentists. The standardized Nordic questionnaire was used to survey body troubles and three types of questionnaires were made to investigate the physical workloads, causes of the physical workloads and improvement priority of dental equipments, respectively. A total of 104 Korean dentists were participated in the survey. Neck trouble (82%) was the most prevalent in Korean dentists, and shoulder (68%) and low back trouble (56%) followed, while low back trouble was reported to be most frequent in previous studies. The body troubles were related to the physical workload of the corresponding body parts, although they were not associated with personal characteristics. Most Korean dentists selected ‘to keep direct view inside patient’s mouth’ and ‘no support of the hand with dental instruments’ as the causes of awkward and strenuous work postures. They wanted design improvement for some equipment in their operating room such as operating light and arrangement of workplace.

본 연구는 소방대원의 화재진압 업무를 인간공학적 평가도구(RULA, REBA)를 이용 하여 분석하고 타업종(병원, 자동차업종)과의 비교를 수행하였다. 첫째, 소방대원들의 업무 중 화재진압 업무의 인간공학적 작업자세 분석 및 평가하여 극단적인 작업자세에 대해서 살펴보았다. 요구조자 1인 운반법은 RULA, REBA의 평가 결과에서 모두 정밀조사가 필요하고 즉시 개선․조치가 요구되는 4단계로 평가되었다. 둘째, 화재진압 업무와 타업종과(병원, 자동차업종)의 분석 결과를 비교 분석을 실시 하였다. RULA로 평가한 결과 3, 4단계가 차지하는 비율이 72%로 자동차 업종(74%) 에서의 평가결과 보다 낮게 나타났지만 병원업종(37%)보다는 높게 나타났다. REBA로 평가한 결과 3, 4단계가 차지하는 비율이 36%로 병원(9%)과 자동차 업종(24%)에서의 평가결과보다 높게 평가된 것으로 나타났다.

Main motivation for this study was to identify the relationship between high-risk hospital jobs and their symptoms associated. This study has three objectives; 1) Evaluate major jobs of hospital workers based on Criterion(Notification number 2003-24 from Ministry of Labor in Korea) for high-risk musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs), 2) Relate each jobs in criterion and the hospital jobs considered in this study, 3) Relate each jobs in criterion and MSDs symptoms of hospital workers. A total 141 hospital jobs was evaluated. Specifically, a total 688 hospital workers participated in the questionnaire survey in this study. There were two most jobs belonged to the numbers 2 and 4 from criterion. Most hospital workers participated in this study thought that the numbers 1 and 2 from criterion were associated with their jobs. In terms of MSDs symptoms, the numbers 1 and 2 from criterion were associated with their jobs as well. Further study for hospital jobs should be focused on breaking down quantification levels of each numbers in the criterion due to its atypical and non-repetitive job characteristics of hospital jobs.

This study has three objectives; 1) Evaluate major jobs of hospital workers based on Criterion(Notification number 2003-24 from Ministry of Labor in Korea) for high-risk job for musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs), 2) Relate each jobs in criterion and the hospital jobs considered in this study, 3) Relate each jobs in criterion and MSDs symptoms of hospital workers. A total 141 hospital jobs was evaluated. Most hospital jobs belonged to the numbers 2(Job with repetitive motions by neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand more than 2 hours a day) and 4(Job with unsupported and deviated postures by neck or back more than 2 hours a day) from criterion. Most hospital workers participated in this study thought that the numbers 1(Job with keyboard or mouse work more than 4 hours a day) and 2 from criterion were associated with their jobs. Further study for hospital jobs should be focused on breaking down quantification levels of each numbers in the criterion due to its atypical and non-repetitive job characteristics of hospital jobs.

It has been very important to have an exact evaluation for risk factors in order to prevent WMSDs(Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders). However, most WMSDs evaluation methods have always been some problems of possibilities associated with subjective evaluation. Therefore, this study tried to conduct a sort of usability analysis on three major evaluation methods(OWAS, RULA, REBA). Specifically, major subjects in the study consisted of three parts as follows; comparison of the results between experienced and inexperienced observers, analysis for the consistency of the results in terms of different evaluation times, and analysis for the consistency of the results in terms of different job characteristics(based on the part of the automobile). The results of the study were summarized as follows; 1) There was statistically significant difference of the results by RULA and by REBA between experienced and inexperienced observers. This might be due to the fact that experienced observers have had better ability to detect the important working posture during evaluation. However, the results by OWAS did not give any significantly different results between experienced and inexperienced observers, 2) All three checklists applied by experienced subjects did not show any single result significantly different in terms of different evaluation times. This might have to do with high intra-observer reliability from some of previous studies, 3) The five parts of an automobile were selected as five major jobs with different job characteristics in the automobile industry. Specifically, they were door part, front part(hood, etc.), inside part(dash board, seats, etc.), rear part(trunk etc.), and bottom part. All three methods did not show any significant differences for the results from each observers. Further study on this subject would eventually provide a sophisticated evaluating guidelines for WMSDs regarding determination of observer-specific evaluation, identification of repetitive number of evaluations for stable results for each checklist, determination of job-specific evaluation methods, and so on.

목적 : 본 연구는 발파 9(The Valpar whole body range of motion work sample 9)를 통하여 다양한 자세에서 농업인의 신체 운동범위유지능력을 측정하고, 근골격계 질환 예방 운동프로그램이 작목 유형별, 성별에 따른 작업 숙련도 유지와 통증수준의 감소에 미치는 효과를 확인하고자 한다. 연구방법 : 본 연구는 농업인 근골격계 질환 예방 운동프로그램 참여자 중 발파 9 연구 참여에 동의한 농업인을 대상으로 2008년 12월부터 2009년 2월까지 3개월 동안 실시하였다. 작업 숙련도와 통증 정도측정은 작업치료학 전공자 5명이 발파 9를 이용하여 운동프로그램 실시하기 전과 후에 각각 1회 시행하였다. 근골격계 질환 예방 운동프로그램(탄성밴드를 이용한)은 주 2회, 12주 동안 진행되었다. 결과 : 연구결과는 주요 작목 유형별, 성별로 나누어 비교하였다. 주요 작목 유형은 수도작 종사자 16명과 과수 종사자 8명으로 구분하였으며, 성별은 여성 15명, 남성 9명으로 구분하여 분석하였다. 주요 작목 유형별로 수도작과 과수 종사자 모두 운동 프로그램 전과 후에 작업 숙련도가 ‘월등하게 적합함’상태를 유지하였고, 성별에서도 두 군 모두 운동 전과 후에서 ‘월등하게 적합함’을 유지하는 결과를 보였다. 이를 통해 근골격계 질환 예방을 위한 운동프로그램의 수행이 농업인의 작업 숙련도를 ‘월등하게 적합함’수준으로 유지시킬 수 있었으며, 부위별 통증 수준 또한 과수업 종사자의 경우 운동 전․후로 목, 어깨, 무릎 등의 통증을 완화시켰고, 수도작 종사자의 경우에도 손목, 목, 어깨 순으로 통증을 완화시키는 것을 알 수 있었다. 결론 : 본 연구를 통하여 근골격계 질환 예방 프로그램의 참여로 농업인의 작업수행시 작업숙련도를 유지하고, 통증정도를 감소시킬 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a workplace-based work-conditioning program (WCP) on the management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in an automobile-parts manufacturing company. In total, 1,110 subjects with WRMDs participated in workplace-based WCP emphasizing function-centered management and ergonomics. We investigated the incidence of WRMDs variables (number of persons diagnosed with industrial accident-related WHMDs, number of cases of WRMD) and financial benefits (cost of workers' compensation insurance and lost work days related to WRMDs) per year before and after WCP. Additionally, we compared self-reported pain intensity and functional disability in subjects with musculoskeletal pain before and after the WCP. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and functional disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI) and the Oswestry disability Index (ODI). The number of person diagnosed with industrial accident-related WRMDs, the number of cases of WRMD, the cost of workers' compensation insurance and lost work days related to WRMDs per year decreased by 51%, 37%, 34%, and 47%, respectively, and VAS, NDI, and ODI scores decreased significantly after implementation of WCP (p<.05). Thus, the results of the present study suggest that function-centered, workplace-based WCP was effective in managing WRMDs at an automobile-parts manufacturing company.

While musculoskeletal disorders increased, its prevention efforts were rather decreased or its operation was insufficient. This study aims to examine the actual conditions of musculoskeletal disorders at Electronics Company in Korea, analyze occupational danger factors related to musculoskeletal disorders through analysis of components of wrong workplaces and works, evaluate degree of danger of factors examined, analyze association between danger factors and musculoskeletal disorders, accumulate data of musculoskeletal disorders which are not enough in Korea and further prepare the foundation of improving working environment and developing prevention/management program of musculoskeletal disorders.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of immediate feedback and informational prompt on safe sitting behaviors that may cause VDT syndromes. Participants were three white color workers and an ABCB within-subject design was adopted. Safety Posture System was developed specifically for the present study. The system could detect participants' unsafe sitting postures using sensors and provide feedback and prompt on the computer monitors. The results indicated that both immediate feedback and informational prompt considerably increased safe sitting behaviors. More importantly, the immediate feedback was more effective than the informational prompt in increasing safe sitting behaviors.

This paper was proposed to show the comprehensive review of laws and regulations on the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that are being established and carried out in various countries. Ten countries including USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and 6 European countries which were regarded as the leaders in the prevention of MSDs were selected for review. Comparative analysis were performed on the laws, regulations, and guidelines of MSDs among different countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of the various efforts of the advanced countries concerning on preventing MSDs and suggest the improvement factors that might be introducible to Korean policies. Some recommendations were made to improve the appropriateness and efficiency of our MSDs prevention policies based on the comprehensive review and comparative analysis. It is expected that the results of this study would be used as valuable information when revising relevant legal system.

The goal of this study is to propose the effective method of investigating the injurious factors and making improved plans that prevents the workers against musculoskeletal disorders at an diesel engine manufacturing company and the same business field with similar working conditions and process. A questionnaire were adopted to analyze the symptoms of workers' musculoskeletal disorders, and an ergonomic assessment method such as RULA, OWAS were performed to find out harmful factors of workplace and working posture. Based on the result of the evaluation, to enhance the working environment, improvement of worktable, working space, tools, and outfit was suggested, and induction of mechanical system was also suggested. It can be concluded that the method and process described in this paper could be helpful for diagnosing the musculoskeletal disorders and making improvement plans to the diesel engine fuel injection system manufacturing company and the same business field with similar working conditions and process.

The goal of this study is to propose the effective method of investigating the injurious factors and make improvement plans that prevents the workers against musculoskeletal disorders at plastic product companies and the same business field with similar working conditions and process. A questionnaire are adopted to analyze the symptoms of workers' musculoskeletal disorders, and ergonomic assessment methods such as RULA, OWAS are performed to find out harmful factors of workplace and working posture. Based on the result of the evaluation, to enhance the working environment, improvement of worktable, working space, tools, and outfit was suggested, and induction of mechanical system was also suggested. It can be concluded that the method and process described in this paper could be helpful for diagnosing the musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and making improvement plans to the plastic product companies and the same business field with similar working conditions and process.