The Silent Strain: Grip Strength, and Wrist/Hand Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Meat Cutters

Abstract

Background: Meat cutters are a working group that engages in awkward postures, repetitive motion, and forceful wrist/hand exertion. This study was conducted a) to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian meat cutters, b) to assess the wrist musculoskeletal disorders risk assessment and hand grip strength. Methods: Ninety-five male meat cutters in Iran (≥ 1 year tenure) completed a demographic/occupational questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). Ergonomic risk was assessed via the ACGIH-TLV® hand activity method, and maximum hand-grip force was measured. Results: With 69.5% reporting point prevalence and 70.5% reporting period prevalence of wrist/hand musculoskeletal symptoms, the study indicated that meat cutters had a significant prevalence of these symptoms. Most participants demonstrated mild to moderate severity in self-reported wrist symptoms while retaining asymptomatic functional status. The ACGIH-HAL assessment indicated most participants operated at or above the action level (AL), suggesting potential ergonomic risks. Moreover, The ACGIH-HAL ratio had a weak negative association with hand grip strength (β=− 0.0071, p=0.12). Conclusions: These findings highlight the ergonomic challenges associated with meat-cutting tasks.