Backpack-back pain complexity and the need for multifactorial safe weight recommendation.

The study analysed backpack-related back pain in school children by investigating the possibility of multiple interactions among causative factors, which may be responsible for the non-conclusive findings on the issue. Using data from 444 prepubescent schoolchildren, a mixed method design combining survey, observation and direct measurement strategies was implemented. Using a multivariate structural equation modelling approach, the study investigated interactions among anthropometry, posture, backpack volume, rating and back pain constructs, with each construct made of 2-4 indicators.

Interaction of body mass index and age in muscular activities among backpack carrying male schoolchildren.

Background: The complex and limited understanding of the interactions among multiple factors associated with back pain occurrence among schoolchildren might explain the current inconclusive and contradictory findings on the issue. The global increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, which reportedly affects children's physical abilities, calls for concern among school/children ergonomists and other stakeholders.

Objective: The study investigated the interaction of body mass index (BMI) and age on the muscular activities, backpack height and perceived level of pain arising from carrying different weight of backpacks.

Anthropometric data reduction using confirmatory factor analysis.

Objective: The unavailability of anthropometric data especially in developing countries has remained a limiting factor towards the design of learning facilities with sufficient ergonomic consideration. Attempts to use anthropometric data from developed countries have led to provision of school facilities unfit for the users. The purpose of this paper is to use factor analysis to investigate the suitability of the collected anthropometric data as a database for school design in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in wall plastering jobs within the construction industry.

Participants: A total of 43 workers within three workplaces participated in the study.

Methods: Subjects were interviewed using self-report charts.

WERA: an observational tool develop to investigate the physical risk factor associated with WMSDs.

This paper describes the development of the Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) for investigating the physical risk factor associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The initial development of WERA tool involved the following procedures: (1) first stage, development of WERA prototype from literature review, (2) second stage, evaluation of the psychometric properties including (a) validity trials and (b) reliability and usability trials. In the validity trials, the relationship of the individual WERA body part scores to the development of pain or discomfort is statistically significant for the wrist, shoulder and back regions.