Risk factors for lower extremity fatigue among assembly plant workers

Abstract

BackgroundWork‐related fatigue of the lower extremities is a known cause of lost productivity and significant employer costs. Common workplace solutions to reduce fatigue levels include anti‐fatigue matting, shoe orthoses, or sit/stand work stations. However, assessment of these anti‐fatigue measures within the workplace has been limited.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study in an automotive assembly plant on employees with at least 6 months tenure. Subject data were collected via questionnaires including Likert‐scale questions to define fatigue severity. Jobs were evaluated for lower extremity ergonomic exposures via videotaping, pedometers, interviews, and industrial engineering records.ResultsLower extremity fatigue at the end of the work day was associated with a higher prevalence of smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, job dissatisfaction, use of shoes with firmer outsoles, and increased time on the job spent standing or walking. Supervisor support and increased time spent on carpet were protective. Lower extremity fatigue that interfered with activities outside of work had additional risk factors including higher BMI, prior diagnosis of osteoarthritis, and increased hours per week spent working.ConclusionsWhile these results identify carpet as being protective against lower extremity fatigue, no similar relationship was identified for anti‐fatigue mats. No adverse relationship was found between hard surfaces such as concrete and lower extremity fatigue. Given the high costs associated with work‐related fatigue, future areas for potential intervention include smoking cessation, specific shoe recommendations, and enhancing psychosocial aspects of work such as supervisor support. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:216–223, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

A narrative review of musculoskeletal problems of the lower extremity and back associated with the interface between occupational tasks, feet, footwear and flooring

“…Participants' subjective measures of footwear relating to discomfort and fatigue have been recorded in multiple studies (Chiu & Wang, ; Gell et al, ; King, ; Lin, Wang, & Drury, ; Orlando & King, ). Gell et al .…”

“…Gell et al . () reported that for every increase of 5 on the BMI scale, the odds of reporting fatigue increased by 28%. A BMI of 25–30 and over 30 increased the odds of developing plantar fasciitis by factors of 2 (CI = 1.28 to 3.08) and 5.6 (1.9 to 16.6), respectively.…”

“…Participants' subjective measures of footwear relating to discomfort and fatigue have been recorded in multiple studies (Chiu & Wang, 2007;Gell et al, 2011;King, 2002;Lin, Wang, & Drury, 2007;Orlando & King, 2004). Gell et al (2011) reported that harder footwear (those with a type C durometer reading over 32) increased the risk for lower extremity self-reported fatigue 2.6-fold (CI = 1.3 to 5.3) in comparison with footwear with a low hardness level (those with a type C durometer reading below 18). King (2002) found that viscoelastic insoles and floor mats provided statistically similar reductions in both general fatigue (mean floor =3.95; mean with insoles =2.84) and leg fatigue (mean on floor =3.93; mean with insoles =2.68) in comparison with a hard floor, over an entire working week.…”

“…Andersen et al (2007) reported that a higher BMI increased the odds of any regional pain from 1.1 to 1.4, and for hip, knee and foot pain from 1.4 to 2.3, dependent on BMI category. Gell et al (2011) reported that for every increase of 5 on the BMI scale, the odds of reporting fatigue increased by 28%. A BMI of 25-30 and over 30 increased the odds of developing plantar fasciitis by factors of 2 (CI = 1.28 to 3.08) and 5.6 (1.9 to 16.6), respectively.…”

Work-Related Knee Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments

“…62 Additionally new knee pad designs that redistribute the pressure at the knee to a greater surface area have been recommended for low seam coal miners. 63 Among assembly plant workers proper selection of shoes reduced lower extremity fatigue 64 —a risk factor for falls and joint pain. Workplace exercise interventions have not been well studied, but exercise programs among older community members have been shown to improve balance and improve lower extremity strength.…”