Background:Stress in nurses may increase the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts and job stress among nurses and to investigate the association between musculoskeletal discomforts and occupational stressors.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 144 nurses in one of the main referral hospitals of Tehran-Iran were randomly selected and studied. Data were collected by HSE job stress questionnaire and The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire through interviews with nurses in their workplace.Results:Most reported musculoskeletal discomforts localized in the neck, back, knee and shoulder and the minimal discomforts were in wrist and elbow. On the other hand, stressors such as demand, changes in workplace, control and responsibilities had significant effect on increasing musculoskeletal discomforts of organs such as neck, shoulders and back (P < 0.001).Conclusion:There was a significant association between stressors such as demand, control, responsibilities and changes in workplace and reported musculoskeletal disorders, especially in neck, shoulders and back. It is suggested to use defined programs for management and control of stressors to control occupational stress in nurses. Moreover, prevention of musculoskeletal discomforts due to their high prevalence in the study population is important.
Background: Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common complaints of people, which may interfere with some aspects of daily living activity such as walking. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to objectively assess the effects of mechanical low back pain on the gait pattern. Methods: Thirty mechanical low back pain patients and 30 healthy subjects were recruited randomly (age 18-60). The spatiotemporal parameters of gait were assessed and recorded as subjects walked on a two-meter platform three times at their normal walking speed. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate demographic characteristics. The independent samples t-test was used to compare the groups for the gait parameters. Results: No significant differences were found between controls and patients in demographic variables. Significant differences were obtained between patients and healthy subjects in step length (P < 0.04), step time (0.009), single support time (0.04), stride length (0.04), stride time (0.01), velocity (0.03), and cadence (0.009). Conclusions: The results of this study showed mechanical low back pain has a great influence on the spatiotemporal parameters of gait. The findings can be used in selecting better rehabilitation procedures.
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