Musculoskeletal Injuries which Masapan Craftsmen are Exposed

Abstract

The results of repetitive and prolonged trauma are reflected in most musculoskeletal injuries, which are pathologies that can be articular, due to the maintenance of forced postures or the excessive use of the affected joint. These injuries, regardless of the classification, affect the intervertebral ligaments or discs, tendons, bones and muscles. The present research was carried out on masapan craftsmen in Calderón parish, Ecuador, which is characterized by manufacturing decorative figures that have survived over time. The efforts in the joints as a result of repetitive actions in the production process were analyzed. The results associated four risks: Lifting excessive weights very frequently; operate the masapan sheeter manually until the dough takes the necessary consistency to develop the crafts; maintain forced or fixed postures for hours; and perform the same movement pattern every few seconds for hours at a time. With the application of BIOMEC Software it was identified which are the areas of the body that are overloaded, which will allow taking corrective actions to avoid associated injuries.