Study of the characteristics and specificity of ten observational methods of analysis of the biomechanical exposure of workers: most used and with better measurement properties

• Grant number: 22/06045-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Rosimeire Simprini Padula
• Grantee: Maria Padilha Alonso Gomes
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Observational methods to assess the biomechanical exposure of workers in the workplace are used to identify risk factors and contribute to both the diagnosis and the assessment of improvements in working conditions. Objectives: to identify and classify the focus of analysis of the eleven most used observational methods and with the best measurement properties identified through a systematic review. Methods: this is a descriptive-analytical study of the criteria and specificity of 10 observational methods for analyzing the biomechanical exposure of workers in the work environment. The methods to be evaluated are EAWS, HAL, OCRA, OWAS, PATH, QEC, REBA, ROSA, RULA, and Strain Index. The extraction of data and analysis of the criteria used by each method will be performed by two professionals in the occupational health area. The primary biomechanical exposure factors to be identified for each method will be posture, strength, effort, contraction, load handled, pressures, and grip quality, among others. More complex information on the form and weight of analysis of each exposure, as well as whether the methods qualify and quantify the magnitude of the variables involving exposure, will also be analyzed and described in a qualitative way. Expected results: There are many doubts on the part of occupational health professionals, and researchers, about how to select the best observational method to be used, considering its characteristics, and focus of analysis to identify the occupational biomechanical exposure of the worker for certain tasks. The systematic review on which this study was based has already shown that these ten methods are reproducible and valid, but this is not enough for the professional's decision to use them. Therefore, better detailing and analysis of each biomechanical risk factor in the final score of the methods will contribute to the description of this information in this study. In addition to supporting the decision of professionals, it will also benefit workers through a more effective choice of preventive programs.(AU)