Evaluating progressive overload changes of the musculoskeletal system in automobile industry workers

Abstract

The formation of overload changes is a well-known concept. Numerous factors contributing to the development of progressive overload changes have also been described, including stress, performing repetitive movements, non-physiological working position, etc. [2-4]. Production line workers constitute an occupational group that is exposed to many of the above-mentioned risk factors. Therefore, the aim of our study is to establish the most common types of musculoskeletal overloads and to investigate the effect of upper extremity overload changes in the lumbosacral spine. A survey was conducted on 111 foundry and assembly workers. Information on the location, type and intensity (VAS scale) of pain was collected. The men also defined their job seniority, type of work, number of repetitive movements performed and knowledge of work ergonomics. Pain of the highest intensity was experienced by the workers in the lumbar and cervical spine and the shoulder joints. Results of the study also show that there is a correlation between lumbar and cervical pain on the one hand, and pain in subsequent joints of the upper extremity on the other. Repeated pain episodes may also reflect the progressive nature of the overload changes.