Observational methods for analyzing the biomechanical exposure of workers in the workplace: characteristics, measurement properties and applicability

• Grant number: 20/10164-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2021
• End date: February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Rosimeire Simprini Padula
• Grantee: Rosimeire Simprini Padula
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant(s): 24/06110-7 - 15th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2024), AR.EXT

Abstract

The observational methods of biomechanical exposure analysis of workers are widely used and have an important role in the context of occupational health and safety professionals. The observational methods identify the factors for the occurrence of musculoskeletal diseases; contribute to the elaboration of causal nexus, in judicial investigations. In addition, it´s contribute to guide interventions at the workplace to reduce biomechanical exposure. However, the observational methods have from poor to moderate reproducibility and some measurement properties have never been tested limiting the reliability of the analysis results, and the measurement interpretation. Another limitation is the lack of information about level of experience and training of the evaluator for the use of observational methods. Based on these shortcomings, this study aims to update the systematic review of observational methods. To test the properties of the observational methods that have not yet been tested, including responsiveness and predictive validity, of the four observational methods adapted to Brazilian Portuguese (QEC, REBA, RULA and Strain Index). This study will present to practitioners and researchers the recent observational methods, and the measurement properties tested according to current guidelines. In addition, it will also enable health and safety professionals, as well as judicial experts and / or technical assistants, to better inform their analysis. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

VALENTIM, DANIELA PEREIRA; FREITAS CARVALHO, NATHALIA NASCIMENTO; DE CARVALHO, TALITA LOPES; DE SOUZA, LETICIA PAULA; PADULA, ROSIMEIRE SIMPRINI. The non-explicit observational method is reproducible and valid in the analysis of occupational biomechanical exposure of workers. WORK-A JOURNAL OF PREVENTION ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION, v. 72, n. 1, p. 10-pg., 2022-01-01. (20/10164-4)