A kinematic posture analysis of neurological assistants in their daily working practice-a pilot study
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(2020) 15:36
RESEARCH
Open Access
A kinematic posture analysis of neurological assistants in their daily working practice-a pilot study Bijanzadeh Anne1, Hermanns Ingo2, Ellegast Rolf2, Laura Fraeulin1, Holzgreve Fabian1* , Stefanie Mache1,3, David A. Groneberg1† and Ohlendorf Daniela1†
Abstract Background: The aim of this pilot study was to analyze postures during the work of neurologists with respect to their occupational activities. Methods: A total data material of 64.8 h (3885.74 min) of nine (three m/six f) neurologists (assistant physicians) was collected. Kinematic data were collected using the CUELA system (electro-goniometry). In addition, the occupational tasks performed on-site were subject to a detailed objective activity analysis. All activities were assigned to the categories “Office activities” (I), “Measures on patients” (II) and “Other activities” (III). The angle values of each body region (evaluation parameters) were evaluated according to ergonomic ISO standards. Results: Only 3.4% of the working hours were spent with (II), while 50.8% of time was spent with (I) and 45.8% with (III). All tasks of category (II) revealed an increased ergonomic risk to the head, neck, trunk and back areas. During category (I) especially neck and back movements in the sagittal plane showed higher ergonomic risk levels. Conclusion: Despite frequently performed awkward body positions in (II), the ergonomic risk is considered as rather low, since the percentage time share totaled only 3.4%. As a result, “Office activities” have been detected as high predictor to cause stress load on the musculoskeletal system in the daily work of neurologists. Keywords: Neurology, Posture, Kinematic analysis, CUELA system
Introduction Not only in Germany, but also in other industrial countries [1, 2], studies on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been conducted in various occupational sectors [3–10], for example, in the health sector [11–13]. In this sector, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back region is observed [13, 14]. The main cause of MSD among healthcare professionals is the nature of their work; this requires excessive tension and * Correspondence: [email protected] Groneberg David A and Ohlendorf Daniela are equal contributor ship 1 Institute for Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environment Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, House 9b, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
concentration in activities which involve constantly lifting heavy objects, working for long periods of time in static standing positions or performing numerous repetitive tasks [15–20]. The latter have to be executed while writing medical records and patient documentations. In recent years, the focus of research in this field has concentrated on ergonomic activities and processes within individual medical specialties such as surgery [21, 22] or gastroenterology [23]. In particular, during new sur
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