Understanding and fixing WMSDs in herbal medicine workers at Luang Por Poen Hospital, Thailand

Dwi Rosella Komalasari; Umi Budi Rahayu; Suryo Saputra Perdana; Tasa Kasumbung; Pakaratee Chaiyawat

doi:10.26905/abdimas.v9i2.12730

Understanding and fixing WMSDs in herbal medicine workers at Luang Por Poen Hospital, Thailand

Dwi Rosella Komalasari, Umi Budi Rahayu, Suryo Saputra Perdana, Tasa Kasumbung, Pakaratee Chaiyawat

Abstract

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) affect millions globally, involving painful conditions of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves due to workplace factors like repetitive tasks and awkward postures. Common ergonomic risks include repetitive tasks, awkward postures, forceful exertions, and prolonged static positions. A program at Luang Por Poen Hospital in Thailand educated workers in the Herbal Medicines division on WMSDs, with management support. The program provided education on WMSDs to workers and management, with strong support from company leadership. Workers were instructed to perform muscle stretching exercises before, during, and after work, and to continue these exercises at home. Over a month, supervisors observed workers' stretching routines. The Nordic Body Map Index (NBMI) was used to assess pain; workers reported pain in various body regions. Severe neck pain decreased from six workers to one, and severe back pain from three workers to none. However, severe shoulder pain remained unchanged. No workers reported severe pain in the arm, back, buttock, wrist, calf muscle, or ankle after the program. In conclusion, incorporating stretching into the work routine benefits workers by improving physical health, mental well-being, and productivity. Encouraging regular stretching and providing opportunities for stretching breaks can create a healthier, more ergonomic work environment.

Keywords

Nordic body map index, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Worker

Full Text:

PDF

References

Ab Wahab, M., & Tatoglu, E. (2020). Chasing productivity demands, worker well-being, and firm performance: The moderating effects of HR support and flexible work arrangements. Personnel Review, 49(9), 1823-1843. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2019-0026

Adiyanto, O., Mohamad, E., Jaafar, R., Ma’ruf, F., Faishal, M., & Anggraeni, A. (2022). Application of Nordic body map and rapid upper limb assessment for assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A case study in small and medium enterprises. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 14(4), 10-19. https://doi.org/10.30880/ijie.2022.14.04.002

Albanesi, B., Piredda, M., Bravi, M., Bressi, F., Gualandi, R., Marchetti, A., Facchinetti, G., Ianni, A., Cordella, F., Zollo, L., & De Marinis, M. G. (2022). Interventions to prevent and reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries and pain among healthcare professionals: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature. Journal of Safety Research, 82, 124-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2022.05.004

Barr, A. E., Barbe, M. F., & Clark, B. D. (2004). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and wrist: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and sensorimotor changes. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 34(10), 610-627. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2004.34.10.610

Chinedu, O. O., Henry, A. T., Nene, J. J., & Okwudili, J. D. (2020). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in higher education institutions: A cross-sectional study. Ethiopian journal of health sciences, 30(5). https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v30i5.10

Da Costa, B. R., & Vieira, E. R. (2010). Risk factors for work‐related musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review of recent longitudinal studies. American journal of industrial medicine, 53(3), 285-323. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20750

Dovjak, M., & Kukec, A. (2019). Identification of health risk factors and their parameters. In Creating Healthy and Sustainable Buildings: An Assessment of Health Risk Factors.

Dubé, M., Posner, G., Stone, K., White, M., Kaba, A., Bajaj, K., ... & Reid, J. (2021). Building impactful systems-focused simulations: integrating change and project management frameworks into the pre-work phase. Advances in Simulation, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41077-021-00169-x

Gasibat, Q., Rani, B., Causevic, D., Spicer, S., da Silva, R. P., Xiao, Y., Changqing, X., Ahmad, N. B., & Rafieda, A. E. (2023). Impact of stretching exercises on work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review. International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science,11(3), 8-22. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.11n.3p.8

Hamberg-van Reenen, H. H., Van Der Beek, A. J., Blatter, B. M., Van Der Grinten, M. P., Van Mechelen, W., & Bongers, P. M. (2008). Does musculoskeletal discomfort at work predict future musculoskeletal pain? Ergonomics, 51(5), 637-648. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130701743433

Hendrickse, P., & Degens, H. (2019). The role of the microcirculation in muscle function and plasticity. Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motility, 40, 127-140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10974-019-09520-2

Hody, S., Croisier, J. L., Bury, T., Rogister, B., & Leprince, P. (2019). Eccentric muscle contractions: Risks and benefits. Frontiers in physiology, 10, 442082. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00536

Hossain, M. D., Aftab, A., Al Imam, M. H., Mahmud, I., Chowdhury, I. A., Kabir, R. I., & Sarker, M. J. P. o. (2018). Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and ergonomic risk assessment among readymade garment workers of Bangladesh: A cross sectional study. PloS One, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0200122

Hotta, K., & Muller-Delp, J. (2022). Microvascular adaptations to muscle stretch: Findings from animals and the elderly. Frontiers in Physiology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.939459

Jung, K. S., Jung, J. H., In, T. S., & Cho, H. Y. (2020). Effects of prolonged sitting with slumped posture on trunk muscular fatigue in adolescents with and without chronic lower back pain. Medicina, 57(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57010003

Lee, S., De Barros, F. C., De Castro, C. S. M., & Sato, T. D. O. (2021). Effect of an ergonomic intervention involving workstation adjustments on musculoskeletal pain in office workers: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Industrial health, 59(2), 78-85. https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.2020-0188

Lee, Y. C., Hong, X., & Man, S. S. (2023). Prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders symptoms among construction workers: A cross-sectional study in South China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4653. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054653

Mehrparvar, A. H., Heydari, M., Mirmohammadi, S. J., Mostaghaci, M., Davari, M. H., & Taheri, M. (2014). Ergonomic intervention, workplace exercises and musculoskeletal complaints: A comparative study. Medical journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 28.

Mendonça, C. R., Noll, M., dos Santos Rodrigues, A. P., & Silveira, E. A. (2020). High prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in individuals with severe obesity: Sites, intensity, and associated factors. The Korean Journal of Pain, 33(3). https://doi.org/10.3344%2Fkjp.2020.33.3.245

Musumeci, G. (2015). Effects of exercise on physical limitations and fatigue in rheumatic diseases. World journal of orthopedics, 6(10). https://doi.org/10.5312%2Fwjo.v6.i10.762

Nishikawa, K. C., Lindstedt, S. L., & LaStayo, P. C. (2018). Basic science and clinical use of eccentric contractions: History and uncertainties. Journal of sport and health science, 7(3), 265-274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2018.06.002

Nunes, I. L., & Bush, P. M. (2012). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders assessment and prevention. Ergonomics-A Systems Approach, 1(5). https://doi.org/10.5772/37229

Oagaz, H., Schoun, B., & Choi, M. H. (2022). Real-time posture feedback for effective motor learning in table tennis in virtual reality. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2021.102731

Reif, J., Chan, D., Jones, D., Payne, L., & Molitor, D. (2020). Effects of a workplace wellness program on employee health, health beliefs, and medical use: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA internal medicine, 180(7), 952-960. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.1321

Rempel, D., Dahlin, L., & Lundborg, G. (1999). Pathophysiology of nerve compression syndromes: Response of peripheral nerves to loading. JBJS, 81(11), 1600-1610.

Soares, C. O., Pereira, B. F., Gomes, M. V. P., Marcondes, L. P., de Campos Gomes, F., & de Melo-Neto, J. S. (2019). Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Narrative review. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Trabalho, 17(3), 415. https://doi.org/10.5327%2FZ1679443520190360

Szmyd, B., Sołek, J., Błaszczyk, M., Jankowski, J., Liberski, P. P., Jaskólski, D. J., Wysiadecki, G., Karuga, F. F., Gabryelska, A., Sochal, M., Tubbs, R. S., & Radek, M. (2022). The underlying pathogenesis of neurovascular compression Syndromes: A systematic review. Frontiers in Molucular Neuroscience,15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2022.923089

Yang, H., Haldeman, S., Lu, M. L., & Baker, D. (2016). Low back pain prevalence and related workplace psychosocial risk factors: a study using data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 39(7), 459-472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.07.004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/abdimas.v9i2.12730