A Study to Determine the Effectiveness of Ergonomic Training on Body Posture and Musculoskeletal Disorder in Hospital Nurses

Abstract

The study aims in determining the effectiveness of ergonomic training on work- related musculoskeletal disorders and body posture among hospital nurses. Thirty hospital nurses were selected based on the selection criteria. Pre-test assessments were obtained using Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire, Visual analogue scale and Rapid upper limb assessment. The nurses were further split into experimental and control group with fifteen each. A comprehensive 8 week ergonomic training program was aided to the experimental group. Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to determine the significance between the pre-test and the post-test values. P= 0.0001 (P less than 0.05 is considered significant). The frequency of the musculoskeletal pain has decreased with improved body posture. The study reveals the evidence for a need of a multicentre approach towards the treatment of work related musculoskeletal disorders. Study also illuminates the dynamic role of an occupational therapist in the field of ergonomics and intervening musculoskeletal disorders.