Awareness of Awkward Posture and Repetitive Motion as Ergonomic Factors Associated With Musculoskeletal Disorders by Health Promotion Professionals

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders –MSD, particularly on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and cartilage decline the general physiological efficiency of the human body systems. The study aimed to ascertain the status of awareness of awkward posture and repetitive motion as ergonomic factors associated with MSD by health promotion professionals -HPP. The study adopted descriptive survey approach and was carried out in Enugu State of Nigeria, from August 2019 to February 2020. The participants were experts in health promotion through physical exercises. A well-structured questionnaire with reliability index of 0.86 was the only instrument used for data collection. The data analysis was completed using SPSS version 21. All the participants were Nigerians totaling 323 and responded to the questionnaire items completely and correctly. Majority of them were: females 196(60.7%) and rural dwellers 183(56.7%). The study revealed that the health promotion professionals were aware of awkward posture (M=3.22; SD=0.80) and repetitive motion (M=3.18; SD=0.79) as ergonomic factors associated with MSD. The status of awareness of the study phenomenon varied within variables of gender and location. A statistically significant difference was observed with regards to location (P-value <0.05) while none existed on gender (P-value >0.05). Although, the awareness status varied within variables, there is clear demonstration that the status of awareness regarding awkward posture and repetitive motion as ergonomic factors associated with MSD was encouraging. This translates the actual application of the rehabilitative and remedial measures in health promoting exercises involved in improving the quality of life and wellness. Indeed, there is need for routine workshops, seminars and conferences organized for these professionals on addressing ergonomic factors associated with MSD.