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The Concept of ”Chair Massage” in the Workplace as Prevention of Musculoskeletal Overload and Pain

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Background: Accumulation of musculoskeletal overload experienced daily over a long period, for months or even years may lead to serious health problems. Simple, quick and easy-to-administer prophylactic and therapeutic interventions not involving complicated medical procedures can bring tangible benefits for sufferers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and effects of a massage programme performed during breaks at work among persons exposed to long-term overload of the spinal column and areas around the spine. Material and methods: We studied 50 office workers (20 women and 30 men, mean age 34.04 years). The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (massage, 25 people) and a control group (25 people). The study was completed in four weeks, during which 8 massage sessions took place (twice a week for 15 minutes). Subjective assessment tools were used, namely the IPAQ-short version for evaluation of physical activity, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) for assessment of musculoskeletal pain and a survey to assess the participants' satisfaction with the massage programme. An objective assessment tool was an algometric evaluation of the pain threshold (kg/cm2) in selected muscle trigger points. Statistical significance of differences was set at p <0.05. Results: The level of physical activity was comparable between the groups, with 42% of the experimental group and 40% in the control group declaring a high level of physical activity. According to the CMDQ, the biggest differences after massage were noted with regard to the reduction of pain in the lower and upper spine and the right arm (p <0.001), while slightly smaller improvements were noted in the right shoulder and left forearm (p <0.05). In other parts of the body and in the control group, the changes were not statistically significant. The pain threshold assessed by algometry increased at all points examined in the experimental group, with pain sensitivity decreasing the most in the trapezius and supraspinous muscles on the left side of the spine (p <0.001). In the control group, the changes were not significant. Conclusions: 1. The proposed programme of chair massage in the workplace proved to be effective in relieving musculoskeletal overload and discomfort of the spine and upper limbs. 2. The advantages of this method include its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration in different places and short treatment time. It seems advisable to popularise it and increase its use in practice in the prevention of physical and mental work-related overload.
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... Among the massage modalities, quick massage is a relaxing technique that integrates classical massage techniques with oriental modalities, such as shiatsu and acupressure, lasting between 10 and 30 minutes 5 . The use of quick massage proved to be beneficial for office workers after eight sessions twice a week when compared to the CG 6 . Another study 7 corroborated these findings after analyzing the effects of quick massage in musicians for the same time and quantity of applications. ...
... Another stu-dy 9 demonstrated that massage was more effective in increasing pain threshold when compared to relaxing music sessions or to the control intervention. The results of studies [6][7][8][9] were obtained using massage during treatment programs with an average of eight massage sessions, but no references were found on the immediate effect after a single session, especially in pain of musculoskeletal origin 10 . Massage is an effective complementary therapy for stress relief, and since university professors are frequently submitted to stressful conditions that can cause muscle tension or physical pain. ...
... However, in this study, PPT was not modified after the intervention in the group that received a massage session and neither in the CG. These findings are opposed to those presented in studies that show an increase in pain threshold by applying massage for a prolonged period of time 6,7 . ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Massage is described as an effective complementary therapy for relieving muscle tension and pain. The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPT). METHODS A randomized clinical study in which 40 professors participated and were randomly divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. They were assessed for the level of muscle tension in the shoulder and neck regions using the visual analogue scale (VAS). PPT was assessed through algometry at the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles and at the following anatomical areas: base of the occipital, scapular spine, thoracic (T6-T7) and lumbar (L4-L5) regions. The EG received a single session of quick massage for 20 minutes on the shoulders, neck and spine. RESULTS Regarding pain, a significant difference was observed only at the base of the occipital, the EG presented greater tolerance to pressure pain both before and after the intervention when compared to the CG. Regarding muscle tension, after the intervention, there was a reduction in the perception in the EG compared to the CG group. CONCLUSION Quick massage was efficient to decrease the perception of muscle tension assessed by VAS, however, PPT did not increase after the intervention. Keywords: Massage; Muscle tonus; Pain; Pain threshold
... (32) The chair, designed by D. Palmer, enables the person to receive a massage in a comfortable sitting position (height adjustment of the seat, angular supports for leg, chest, head, and arms). (33) It presents good results in reducing musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, and anxiety; it also promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality. (29) The massage is performed by acupressure, which is pressure on the points coming f rom acupuncture based on knowledge of meridians from Traditional Chinese Medicine, (34) with the therapists using their thumbs or index fingers. ...
... A preliminary randomized and controlled study with office workers in Poland applied eight sessions of CHAIR-M twice a week for 15 minutes, and observed a significant reduction of pain in the lower and upper spine and the right arm, and a slightly smaller improvement in the left shoulder and left forearm. (33) Another Polish study (49) with white-collar workers compared three groups, namely CHAIR-M, music therapy, and control groups, to evaluate the effect of chair massage and music therapy on relaxation, tension, and heart rate by algometry. The results showed statistically significant increases in relaxation and a decrease in tension for the two interventions, with better results for the CHAIR-M group which was applied for 15 minutes twice a week for four weeks. ...
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Background: There is a high prevalence of moderate-to-high levels of chronic stress among nurses, as well as an occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage to reduce chronic stress and musculoskeletal pain in the Oncology Nursing team. Setting: Two teaching cancer hospitals, one public and the other private, in São Paulo city, Brazil. Participants: A total of 60 women from the Oncology Nursing team. Research design: A randomized controlled trial divided into two groups: chair massage and control without intervention. Intervention: The massage group received two chair massage sessions lasting 15 minutes, twice a week, for three weeks. Main outcome measure: Reduction of stress and pain measured by the List of Signs and Symptoms (LSS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively. Results: The average age was 32 (± 5.3) years. There was a reduction of stress measured by the LSS with a statistical difference in the group-time interaction (p < .001), with a Cohen's d value of 1.21 between groups. The BPI analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the group-time interaction for general activity (p < .008), mood (p < .03), work (p < .000), and sleep (p = .03), with reduced pain interference in these components. Conclusion: Chair massage reduced stress and pain interference in the team's daily life activities, bringing a positive impact in the context of work stress and pain in Oncology nursing professionals.
... Es gibt zwar Literatur, die die Anwendung von Massagetherapie im Arbeitsplatzumfeld als erfolgreiche Strategie der betrieblichen Gesundheitsvorsorge sowohl allgemein (Cabak et al. 2016;Day et al. 2009) als auch spezifisch im Gesundheitswesen (Zhang et al. 2021) darstellt, die praktische Anwendung ist jedoch von der Präsenz einer Massagetherapeutin/eines Massagetherapeuten abhängig. Insbesondere bei Schichtdienst, wie er in Krankenhäusern selbstverständlich ist, ist hier der Einsatz limitiert. ...
Article
Trigger point treatment tool for self-therapy of myogelosis in the professional environment – An observational study Aim: There is a large number of occupations where workplace-associated movement patterns and/or forced postures lead to muscle tension in the shoulders and back. These tensions have a direct detrimental impact on the quality of life and capacity for work of those affected. In the medium to long term, they also promote the development of structural degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. If employees in the healthcare sector are affected, this impairs high-quality patient care. The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” (ErgoPhysion, Innsbruck, Austria) was developed for the self-therapy of such tension conditions in the workplace. The use of this device was evaluated as part of an application observation in six departments at Vienna General Hospital (AKH). Methods: Six departments at Vienna General Hospital from the areas of surgery, laboratory medicine, internal medicine and radiology were each provided with a “TensionTerminator” device for independent use for 4 months between May 2023 and March 2024. A contact person in each department was trained in the use of the device and how to handle the documentation. As part of the observation, users were asked to independently enter their user ID, the duration of use and their subjective assessment of the effect (“better”/”worse”/”no change”) in a list each time they used the device. Results: During the test period, a total of 430 uses by 145 users were documented in the six departments, i.e. an average of almost 3 uses per person. The average application duration was 6.5 minutes. In 85.1% of all uses, the patient’s condition after use was described as “better”, and in 14% of all cases as “no change”. One of the 430 uses received a negative rating (“worse”). Conclusion: The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” has proven to be an effective device against workplace-associated muscle tension. It was received very well in the hospital setting and was used regularly. Keywords: workplace health promotion – back pain – myogelosis – myofascial trigger points
... Nevertheless, using a single 17minute session of Amma massage, we succeeded in significantly reducing perception of stress, anxiety and in increasing self-confidence in volunteers. Previously, another study already demonstrated that eight sessions of 15-minute Amma massages during four weeks had a positive effect with regard to the reduction of pain in the lower and upper spine, and the arms of polish workers [24]. The present data indicates that this positive effect upon somatic anxiety is already present after a single session. ...
... Electric massage chairs are manufactured to mechanically implement hand massage techniques such as kneading, tapping, and acupressure and automatically massage the whole body using mechanical devices, including massage balls, rollers, and airbags; it reduces muscle tension, improves sleep quality, and improves mental fatigue recovery and cognitive ability [8]. One study concluded that the massage chair program is an easy-to-access and economical preventive measure, which can be part of the psychological and physical health prevention program for occupational diseases caused by lack of physical movement and work-related pain during long hours [9]. ...
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Background: With the increasing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, neck and shoulder pain among office workers has also increased. That said, this randomized controlled trial aimed to seek the potential effects of a massage chair (BFR-M8040) on neck and shoulder pain among office workers. Methods: This was conducted at the Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Center from April 2022 to December 2022. Sixty adult participants were randomly allocated. The mean age of male participants was 39.63 ± 8.09 years while female participants was 43.52 ± 8.27; women participated the most (86.67%). The control group received basic physical treatments, including a 10-min heat treatment for deep regions and a 10-min hot pack for the areas on the neck and shoulder of the complained discomfort. The experimental group received the same treatment as the control group and added 20 min of the electric massage chair’s PEMF Neck Mode (XD module 3) (BFR-M8040, Bodyfriend Co., Ltd.). The participants received treatments twice per week. The primary outcome was measured using the numerical rating scale and the Korean version of the neck disability index. And the secondary outcome was measured using pressure pain threshold, range of motion, the Korean occupational stress scale, the Korean version of the Euro-quality of life-5 dimension, and safety evaluation. Results: Fifty-eight participants completed a 6-week follow-up and analyzed (29 in the control group and 29 in the experimental group). There was a significant decrease in the experiment group in both scales for primary outcome measures. For secondary outcome measures, statistically significant increases were observed in pressure pain threshold. The experimental group only showed a slight increase in the quality-of-life measures. There were no reported adverse events. Conclusion: The benefit of using a massage chair (BFR-M8040) was verified to alleviate neck and shoulder pain among office workers; future studies could involve participants from other countries for further investigation.
... 10 Após a análise de 26 estudos randomizados, a revisão sistemática conduzida por Bervoets et al. 11 aponta que a massoterapia reduz a dor e melhora a função quando comparada a nenhum tratamento em algumas condições musculoesqueléticas, como dores no ombro, joelho e lombar. Cabak et al. 12 também relataram a eficácia e os efeitos da massagem realizada durante os intervalos de trabalho de funcionários administrativos: após oito sessões de massagem foi observada redução da dor nas partes superior e inferior da coluna, com diferenças significativas em comparação ao grupo controle e apontando eficácia no alívio musculoesquelético. ...
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Introdução: A ocorrência de dores osteomusculares pode estar relacionada à atividade executada pelo trabalhador, constituindo um grave problema humano e econômico em todo o país na medida em que a diminuição da eficácia do trabalho está atrelada aos distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho. Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou avaliar os benefícios da quick massage nas queixas de dores osteomusculares de funcionários administrativos de uma instituição escolar. Método: Trata-se de estudo piloto com 12 participantes, divididos em dois grupos que receberam uma (G1) ou duas (G2) sessões semanais de quick massage por oito semanas, avaliados em três momentos. Resultados: Os participantes de ambos os grupos relataram dor durante a jornada de trabalho, com destaque para as regiões corporais de pescoço, lombar e dorsal. Houve redução dos sintomas quando comparadas as avaliações realizadas na primeira e na oitava semana de intervenção, sem diferenças significativas na frequência de aplicação da quick massage. Conclusões: Independentemente da frequência oferecida, a quick massage é um recurso benéfico para a redução de dor em trabalhadores administrativos.
... Only when touched can the patient feel that a TrP is present in the area (Simons & Dommerholt, 2006). The sensitivity of tissues may change depending on many factors, i.e. their tension, ambient temperature, disease state taking place within them, age, gender, but also the general condition of the body and hygiene of everyday life related to sleeping, resting, nutrition, hydration, regular physical activity (Andrzejewski et al., 2010), or overload of the musculoskeletal system (Cabak et al., 2016). To monitor pain thresholds in different disease entities or to assess patient status and treatment effects, it is necessary to establish normative values of pain threshold in the populations of people with and without musculoskeletal complaints (Park et al., 2011). ...
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Background Monitoring of pain threshold is the basis for verification of the effectiveness of therapy or assessment of the patient’s condition. This study aimed to determine the pain threshold of selected superficial muscles of the back taking into account trigger point activity in young and healthy males and females, with the evaluation of intrarater reliability of algometric measurements. Material and methods The study examined 30 young adult participants (15 males and 15 females) aged 26.23 ± 3.21, and BMI of 23.80 ± 3.43. The Pain Test FPX Algometer (Wagner) was used for the study. Trigger points on the levator scapulae and trapezius muscles (superior and inferior portion) on both sides were examined. It was also verified whether the trigger points studied are active or inactive. Furthermore, an author’s survey questionnaire was used. Results Within the trigger points of the right ( p = 0.04) and left ( p = 0.02) superior trapezius muscle and the left ( p = 0.04) levator scapulae muscle, the pain threshold values were higher in the male group. There was a statistically significantly higher number of active trigger points in the female group compared to that in the male group (2.49 ± 1.51 vs . 1.07 ± 1.16, respectively), p = 0.01. For all muscles tested, mean pain threshold values were significantly higher for inactive trigger points. A greater number of active trigger points is associated with lower pain thresholds at these points (left: the superior trapezius, r = −0.597, the inferior trapezius, r = −0.609; the levator scapulae, r = −0.746; right: the superior trapezius, r = −0.610, the inferior trapezius, r = −0.604; the levator scapulae, r = −0.747). The evaluation of the intrarater reliability showed excellent agreement between the first and second measurements, ICC > 0.987 for all examined trigger points. Conclusions (1) Women who reported pain more than once a week in the studied muscles showed a greater number of active trigger points. (2) A greater number of active trigger points in female is related to a lower pain threshold (which is associated with greater pain sensitivity) in female than in male. (3) A sample size of 30 people seems sufficient to detect variations in the pain threshold at active and inactive trigger points of selected back muscles, especially when the frequency of occurrence of both types of points is comparable.
... Chair massage is another cost-effective form of massage that is rarely studied. In the only chair massage study that could be found in this recent literature, 50 office workers were randomly assigned to a massage or a control group [14]. The massage group received eight massage sessions twice a week for 15 minutes. ...
Article
Background: Massage is widely used for neck pain, but its effectiveness remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the benefits and harms of massage compared to placebo or sham, no treatment or exercise as an adjuvant to the same co-intervention for acute to chronic persisting neck pain in adults with or without radiculopathy, including whiplash-associated disorders and cervicogenic headache. Search methods: We searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Index to Chiropractic Literature, trial registries) to 1 October 2023. Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any type of massage with sham or placebo, no treatment or wait-list, or massage as an adjuvant treatment, in adults with acute, subacute or chronic neck pain. Data collection and analysis: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We transformed outcomes to standardise the direction of the effect (a smaller score is better). We used a partially contextualised approach relative to identified thresholds to report the effect size as slight-small, moderate or large-substantive. Main results: We included 33 studies (1994 participants analysed). Selection (82%) and detection bias (94%) were common; multiple trials had unclear allocation concealment, utilised a placebo that may not be credible and did not test whether blinding to the placebo was effective. Massage was compared with placebo (n = 10) or no treatment (n = 8), or assessed as an adjuvant to the same co-treatment (n = 15). The trials studied adults aged 18 to 70 years, 70% female, with mean pain severity of 51.8 (standard deviation (SD) 14.1) on a visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Neck pain was subacute-chronic and classified as non-specific neck pain (85%, including n = 1 whiplash), radiculopathy (6%) or cervicogenic headache (9%). Trials were conducted in outpatient settings in Asia (n = 11), America (n = 5), Africa (n = 1), Europe (n = 12) and the Middle East (n = 4). Trials received research funding (15%) from research institutes. We report the main results for the comparison of massage versus placebo. Low-certainty evidence indicates that massage probably results in little to no difference in pain, function-disability and health-related quality of life when compared against a placebo for subacute-chronic neck pain at up to 12 weeks follow-up. It may slightly improve participant-reported treatment success. Subgroup analysis by dose showed a clinically important difference favouring a high dose (≥ 8 sessions over four weeks for ≥ 30 minutes duration). There is very low-certainty evidence for total adverse events. Data on patient satisfaction and serious adverse events were not available. Pain was a mean of 20.55 points with placebo and improved by 3.43 points with massage (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.16 better to 1.29 worse) on a 0 to 100 scale, where a lower score indicates less pain (8 studies, 403 participants; I2 = 39%). We downgraded the evidence to low-certainty due to indirectness; most trials in the placebo comparison used suboptimal massage doses (only single sessions). Selection, performance and detection bias were evident as multiple trials had unclear allocation concealment, utilised a placebo that may not be credible and did not test whether blinding was effective, respectively. Function-disability was a mean of 30.90 points with placebo and improved by 9.69 points with massage (95% CI 17.57 better to 1.81 better) on the Neck Disability Index 0 to 100, where a lower score indicates better function (2 studies, 68 participants; I2 = 0%). We downgraded the evidence to low-certainty due to imprecision (the wide CI represents slight to moderate benefit that does not rule in or rule out a clinically important change) and risk of selection, performance and detection biases. Participant-reported treatment success was a mean of 3.1 points with placebo and improved by 0.80 points with massage (95% CI 1.39 better to 0.21 better) on a Global Improvement 1 to 7 scale, where a lower score indicates very much improved (1 study, 54 participants). We downgraded the evidence to low-certainty due to imprecision (single study with a wide CI that does not rule in or rule out a clinically important change) and risk of performance as well as detection bias. Health-related quality of life was a mean of 43.2 points with placebo and improved by 5.30 points with massage (95% CI 8.24 better to 2.36 better) on the SF-12 (physical) 0 to 100 scale, where 0 indicates the lowest level of health (1 study, 54 participants). We downgraded the evidence once for imprecision (a single small study) and risk of performance and detection bias. We are uncertain whether massage results in increased total adverse events, such as treatment soreness, sweating or low blood pressure (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.08 to 11.55; 2 studies, 175 participants; I2 = 77%). We downgraded the evidence to very low-certainty due to unexplained inconsistency, risk of performance and detection bias, and imprecision (the CI was extremely wide and the total number of events was very small, i.e < 200 events). Authors' conclusions: The contribution of massage to the management of neck pain remains uncertain given the predominance of low-certainty evidence in this field. For subacute and chronic neck pain (closest to 12 weeks follow-up), massage may result in a little or no difference in improving pain, function-disability, health-related quality of life and participant-reported treatment success when compared to a placebo. Inadequate reporting on adverse events precluded analysis. Focused planning for larger, adequately dosed, well-designed trials is needed.
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Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Vancouver, Canada, has been hosting a massage therapy practicum within the hospice since 2011. The practicum is delivered by upper-level massage therapy students who are supervised by a registered massage therapist and clinical instructor through West Coast College of Massage Therapy. This study aimed to explore clinicians' perspectives on the value of providing massage therapy to support children in hospice care, their families, and staff. The research participants (n = 6) comprised Canuck Place clinicians who have experience with the massage therapy practicum. In this descriptive phenomenological inquiry, semistructured interviews and thematic analysis were used. The findings demonstrated that Canuck Place clinicians valued the massage therapy practicum for its practical support in terms of creating access to massage therapy and self-care in the hospice. Massage therapy was also valued for supporting physical wellness (injury prevention/maintenance and symptom management) and psychosocial wellness (supporting dignity, interconnection, intraconnection, and rest/relaxation and providing a source of comfort/nurturing). This study is the first to explore clinicians' perceptions of massage therapy within a pediatric hospice and contributes to understanding massage therapy's potential role in the support of children, families, and staff within a hospice setting.
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Background The aim of the present study was to determine the acute effect of rolling massage on pressure pain threshold (PPT) in individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles. Methods In a randomized control trial and single blinded study, tender spots were identified in 150 participants’ plantar flexor muscles (gastrocnemius or soleus). Then participants were randomly assigned to one of five intervention groups (n = 30): 1) heavy rolling massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-R), 2) heavy rolling massage on the contralateral calf (Contra-R), 3) light stroking of the skin with roller massager on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Sham), 4) manual massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-M) and 5) no intervention (Control). PPT was measured at 30 s and up to 15 min post-intervention via a pressure algometer. Results At 30 s post-intervention, the Ipsi-R (24 %) and Contra-R (21 %) demonstrated higher (p < 0.03) PPT values compared with Control and Sham. During 15 min post-intervention, PPT was higher (p < 0.05) following Ipsi-R (19.2 %), Contra-R (15.9 %) and Ipsi-M (10.9 %) compared with Control. There was no difference between the effects of three deep tissue massages (Ipsi-R, Ipsi-M and Contra-R) on PPT. Discussion Whereas the increased PPT following ipsilateral massage (Ipsi-R and Ipsi-M) might be attributed to the release of fibrous adhesions; the non-localized effect of rolling massage on the contralateral limb suggests that other mechanisms such as a central pain-modulatory system play a role in mediation of perceived pain following brief tissue massage. Conclusion Overall, rolling massage over a tender spot reduces pain perception.
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The study was part of the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study and aimed to quantify the burden arising from low back pain (LBP) due to occupational exposure to ergonomic risk factors. Exposure prevalence was based on occupation distribution; estimates of relative risk came from a meta-analysis of relevant published literature. The work-related burden was estimated as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Estimates were made for each of 21 world regions and 187 countries, separately for 1990 and 2010 using consistent methods. Worldwide, LBP arising from ergonomic exposures at work was estimated to cause 21.7 million DALYs in 2010. The overall population attributable fraction was 26%, varying considerably with age, sex and region. 62% of LBP DALYs were in males-the largest numbers were in persons aged 35-55 years. The highest relative risk (3.7) was in the agricultural sector. The largest number of DALYs occurred in East Asia and South Asia, but on a per capita basis the biggest burden was in Oceania. There was a 22% increase in overall LBP DALYs arising from occupational exposures between 1990 and 2010 due to population growth; rates dropped by 14% over the same period. LBP arising from ergonomic exposures at work is an important cause of disability. There is a need for improved information on exposure distributions and relative risks, particularly in developing countries.
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To estimate the global burden of low back pain (LBP). LBP was defined as pain in the area on the posterior aspect of the body from the lower margin of the twelfth ribs to the lower glutaeal folds with or without pain referred into one or both lower limbs that lasts for at least one day. Systematic reviews were performed of the prevalence, incidence, remission, duration, and mortality risk of LBP. Four levels of severity were identified for LBP with and without leg pain, each with their own disability weights. The disability weights were applied to prevalence values to derive the overall disability of LBP expressed as years lived with disability (YLDs). As there is no mortality from LBP, YLDs are the same as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Out of all 291 conditions studied in the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study, LBP ranked highest in terms of disability (YLDs), and sixth in terms of overall burden (DALYs). The global point prevalence of LBP was 9.4% (95% CI 9.0 to 9.8). DALYs increased from 58.2 million (M) (95% CI 39.9M to 78.1M) in 1990 to 83.0M (95% CI 56.6M to 111.9M) in 2010. Prevalence and burden increased with age. LBP causes more global disability than any other condition. With the ageing population, there is an urgent need for further research to better understand LBP across different settings.
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Back pain in Air Force fast jet pilots has been studied by several air forces and found to be relatively common. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and degree of the pain intensity in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, subjective risk factors and their effect on the pilots' performance while flying high maneuver aircrafts and the consequences for cognitive deficiencies. The study was designed as a retrospective, anonymous questionnaire survey, collecting data on the age, aircraft type, flying hours, pain characteristics, physical activity, etc. The study was participated by 94 pilots aged 28-45 years (mean age: 35.9±3.3 years), actively flying fast jet aircrafts Su-22, Mig-29 and F-16. The estimates regarding the level of the subjective back pain were established using visual analogue scales (VAS). The values of the Cochran and Cox T-test for heterogeneous variances are as follows: for the total number of flying hours: F = 2.53, p = 0.0145, for the pilot's age: F = 3.15, p = 0.003, and for the BMI factor F = 2.73, p = 0.008. Our questionnaire survey showed a significant problem regarding spinal conditions in high performance aircraft pilots. The determination of the risk factors may lead to solving this problem and help eliminate the effect of the unfavorable environment on piloting jet aircrafts. Experiencing back pain during the flight might influence the mission performance and flight safety. The costs of pilots education are enormous and inability to fly, or even disability, leads to considerable economic loss. More research on specific prevention strategies is warranted in order to improve the in-flight working environment of fighter pilots.
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Low back pain (LBP) is a common and costly problem that many interpret within a biopsychosocial model. There is renewed concern that core-sets of outcome measures do not capture what is important. To inform debate about the coverage of back pain outcome measure core-sets, and to suggest areas worthy of exploration within healthcare consultations, we have synthesised the qualitative literature on the impact of low back pain on people's lives. Two reviewers searched CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Medline, identifying qualitative studies of people's experiences of non-specific LBP. Abstracted data were thematic coded and synthesised using a meta-ethnographic, and a meta-narrative approach. We included 49 papers describing 42 studies. Patients are concerned with engagement in meaningful activities; but they also want to be believed and have their experiences and identity, as someone 'doing battle' with pain, validated. Patients seek diagnosis, treatment, and cure, but also reassurance of the absence of pathology. Some struggle to meet social expectations and obligations. When these are achieved, the credibility of their pain/disability claims can be jeopardised. Others withdraw, fearful of disapproval, or unable or unwilling to accommodate social demands. Patients generally seek to regain their pre-pain levels of health, and physical and emotional stability. After time, this can be perceived to become unrealistic and some adjust their expectations accordingly. The social component of the biopsychosocial model is not well represented in current core-sets of outcome measures. Clinicians should appreciate that the broader impact of low back pain includes social factors; this may be crucial to improving patients' experiences of health care. Researchers should consider social factors to help develop a portfolio of more relevant outcome measures.
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Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a 10 min chair massage on the stress perception of hospital nurses in comparison to a routine “coffee break” during a working shift. Methods Eighty-two bedside nurses, (M=4M=4; F=78F=78), mean age of 34.77±9.32, within a small, suburban hospital, participated in this study to determine the effect a 10-min on-site chair massage (n=41n=41) had on their stress perception in comparison to a 10-min “coffee break” (n=41n=41). The feasibility of incorporating a massage into their workload during a shift was also considered. Using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), stress perception was assessed in an experimental pre-test–post-test design and analyzed using t-tests for dependent samples. Results Stress perception was significantly lower in the massage group (P<.05P<.05) and was not significantly changed in the control group. Also, 86% of the nurses scheduled to participate in the study were able to do so within their normal workday. Conclusion Incorporating chair massage into a nurse's hospital shift is feasible and a 10 min session reduces the stress perception of the nurse more so than the standard “coffee break”. This study focused on a one-time intervention for the 82 nurses enrolled. Further study on the longer term feasibility and effects of chair massage on this population and others in high stress professions is warranted.
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The historical perspective of the problem ofwork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD)is outlined to understand why a newbiopsychosocial paradigm is required. The availableepidemiologic evidence is reviewed, and theclinical problem underlying the chronic pain thatmany sonographers experience is identified. Problem solving is broken down into identifyingobstacles to recovery. Causation is multifactorial, and therefore management must bemultimodal. A case that had a good outcome ispresented. New industry standards (May 2003)for the prevention of WRULD in sonographersare cited.
Article
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of workplace manual technique interventions for female participants on the degree of joint range of motion and on the level of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort experienced when performing workplace responsibilities. Nineteen (19) female volunteers were given chair massages on-site twice per week for 1 month. Participants included individuals in administration and management from a company in Ljubljana, Slovenia. A total of 19 female volunteers 40-54 years of age enrolled for this study. Fifteen (15) of them completed all measurements. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used, and range-of-motion measurements in degrees were taken. Subjects completed a series of self-report questionnaires that asked for information concerning musculoskeletal discomfort for the neck, upper back, and lower back in the form of a body diagram. A range-of-motion test (to compare the change in joint angles) was performed with a goniometer to assess cervical lateral flexion, cervical flexion, cervical extension, lumbar flexion, and lumbar extension. Between the first and the last measurements, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found in increased range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (28.8%). Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (42.4±6.3 to 48.3±7.3), cervical extension (63.2±12.4 to 67.2±12.3), and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.7±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.7 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 2 to 3. Significant reductions were also shown in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.8±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.8 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 1 to 3. On-site massage sessions twice per week for 1 month are the most effective interventions (compared to one session or no massage intervention) for decreasing the duration of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort and for increasing range of motion.