Tag Archives: perceived fatigue

915-924 T. Sirge, J. Ereline, T. Kums, H. Gapeyeva and M. Pääsuke
Musculoskeletal symptoms, and perceived fatigue and work characteristics in supermarket cashiers
Abstract |
Full text PDF (291 KB)

Musculoskeletal symptoms, and perceived fatigue and work characteristics in supermarket cashiers

T. Sirge*, J. Ereline, T. Kums, H. Gapeyeva and M. Pääsuke

Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Jakobi 5, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia; *Correspondence: triinu.sirge@ut.ee

Abstract:

Working in the sitting position is often regarded as a cause for discomfort and pain in the musculoskeletal system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in different body regions in association with the perceived fatigue and work characteristics in supermarket cashiers, who are predominantly working in the sitting position. The subjects were 67 female supermarket cashiers with the mean (± SD) age of 33.5 years, body mass index (BMI) of 23.8 ± 0.4 kg m-2 and the working time of 9.7 hours a day. All subjects completed the standardized Nordic Questionnaire and self-administered questionnaire concerning cashier’s work, bio-demographic variables and fatigue. The results of this study indicated that 86.6% of subjects reported experiencing discomfort at least in one body area. Musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 6 months were localized primarily in the lower back and neck regions (67.2% and 53.7%, respectively) and in the last 7 days also in the lower back (44.8%) and equally in the neck and wrist (40.3%). Correlation analysis showed that low back pain (LBP) perceived during the last 7 days was associated with knee pain (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). Last 6 months LBP was associated with shoulder (r = 0.35, p < 0.01) and neck pain (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) during last 6 months. On the other hand, no significant correlation emerged between LBP, fatigue and work characteristics (physical and mental fatigue after workday, rushing and monotony at work). From the cashiers, 80.9% had experienced rushing at work, while the majority of them (89.6%) felt physical fatigue after the workday, and 62.7% reported their work being monotonous. Approximately one-half of the subjects (49.3%) practiced recreational sport in their free time. It was concluded that in supermarket cashiers the highest prevalence rate of discomfort and pain was emerged in low back and neck, and they perceived rushing and monotony at work and physical and mental fatigue after the workday. Recreational sport can be recommended as a preventive activity for avoiding discomfort.

Key words:

, , , ,