Musculoskeletal health, work-related risk factors and preventive measures in hairdressing: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Hairdressers are exposed to various work-related biomechanical and organizational risk factors. To date, there has been no overview of the evidence for this occupational group. The purpose of this scoping review is to gain insight into the current state of research on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in hairdressing. Methods Studies published up to November 2018 were identified by a systematic search using electronic databases (MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, LIVIVO), Google Scholar and reference lists of articles. Studies were screened by two researchers and synthesized in a descriptive manner. Results Overall 44 studies with different study designs, scopes and approaches were included. Nineteen studies provided data on MSD prevalence in at least one body site. The prevalence values between the studies varied considerably. On average, the highest 12-month prevalence was reported for the lower back (range 13–76%), neck (range 9–58%), shoulder (range 28–60%) and hand/wrist (range 11–53%). In comparison to other occupational groups, hairdressers reported more frequent MSD in all body regions or exhibited a greater risk of leaving the profession for health reasons. Common risk factors include working with arms above shoulder level, repetitive movements, forceful exertion of upper extremities, awkward back postures and movements, high mechanical workload and standing. In addition to physical stress, lack of adequate breaks, overtime, and general distress may deteriorate health and performance of hairdressers. Three rehabilitative and three preventive interventional studies were found. Only the rehabilitative studies showed positive effects on the management of physical and mental strain and resulted in significant pain reduction, increased physical capacity and knowledge of potential risk factors for MSD. Conclusion This data provides some evidence for work-related risk factors for MSD in hairdressers and indicate that there should be an intense focus on preventive measures. High quality and long-term interventional studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of complex preventive concepts in hairdressing. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12995-019-0244-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence and healthcare seeking practice of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal sectors of hairdressers in Ethiopia, 2019: findings from a cross-sectional study

“…Specific ergonomic hazards such as extended standing, awkward work postures, strenuous and excessive shoulder movements, forceful exertion, and repetitive motion are inherently linked to hairdressing tasks [14,[20][21][22]. As a result, scholars indicated musculoskeletal pain among hairdressers is recurrently reported.…”

A kinematic posture analysis of neurological assistants in their daily working practice-a pilot study

“…Not only in Germany, but also in other industrial countries [1,2], studies on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been conducted in various occupational sectors [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], for example, in the health sector [11][12][13]. In this sector, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back region is observed [13,14].…”

Risk factors for self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome among hairstylists in Gaborone, Botswana

“…An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the participants' demographic characteristics, CTS severity and CTS awareness, as well as the physical and psychosocial exposures of the hairstylists during the course of their work. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections covering: -demographic items (gender, age, educational level, marital status, and smoking and alcohol consumption) and the prevalence of CTS by asking if the participants had experienced the listed CTS symptoms; -the participants' carpal tunnel troubles using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ); paired fitness to work [4]. Previous epidemiological studies have identified some associations of CTS with individual and psychosocial factors, such as repetitive/prolonged hand-intensive activities, forceful exertions of the hand, awkward and/or static postures, extreme temperatures, and localized mechanical stress [3,5].…”

“…The review of previous research suggests that the prevalence of hand/wrist pain among hairdressers ranges 11-86.6% [8,[13][14][15]18,20]. Consequently, hairdressers have been reported to have subsequently left their profession because of ill-health [4]. The relatively high prevalence of self-reported CTS among Gaborone hairstylists could be attributed to the high workload of hairstylists and the lack of regular breaks.…”