Analysis and mapping of the research landscape on occupational musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on risk factors and preventive approaches (1993-2022)

Abstract

Objective: The current study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research landscape on the risk factors and preventive approaches to occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was developed and used in the Scopus Database for the study period from 1993 to 2022.
Results: A total of 1,132 articles underwent analysis and mapping. Scholars from the United States made the largest contribution, while the Danish institution “National Research Center for the Working Environment” ranked first in the field. The map showed that the nursing profession was the most researched profession with regard to occupational MSDs. The top-100 cited articles included research themes focusing on risk factors, interventions and preventive strategies, and specific body regions affected.
Conclusions: More longitudinal research is needed to identify and confirm the causal relationship between different risk factors and occupational MSDs and more research is needed regarding the effectiveness of various interventional methods on occupational MSDs.