A study of musculoskeletal strain experienced by nurses

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine whether the activities performed by fourteen registered nurses subjected the different body joints to varied levels of musculoskeletal strain. While the present study confirmed the presence of significant lower back problems among nurses, the findings strongly suggest that nurses experienced significant musculoskeletal strain in other body parts/joints. In general, the lower back, neck, shoulder and wrist/hand recorded the highest scores in terms of frequency and severity of musculoskeletal strain. Discomfort increased significantly during the course of time for all body parts. A practical method was proposed for the evaluation of musculoskeletal discomfort on the basis of the Borg scale. The 0-2 range is suggested as a green zone where no action is required. The 3-5 is presented as a yellow zone where caution should be in place and an action plan should be formulated to monitor the jobs in question in the intermediate and long terms. This zone is preserved for cumulative-based ergonomic problems. Finally, the 6-10 range should be regarded as a red zone where an immediate action should be in place because musculoskeletal troubles are around the corner and could occur any time. Again, the red zone is expected to cover acute-based ergonomic deficiencies.