Dr. Sanjib Kumar Das | Amity University, Noida (original) (raw)
Papers by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Das
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive electrical cortical stimulation technique tha... more Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive electrical cortical stimulation technique that works on electromagnetic induction principles to achieve neuromodulation and neurostimulation. It has emerged as a promising and enviable technique with excellent tolerance, minimal risk, and unprecedented ability to study neurophysiology and neuroplasticity of the brain for research with a potential in therapeutics. So in conclusion, the use of this technique has shown to be a novel non-pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic tool in a variety of neurological disorders, however, its applicability and use in children is only emerging and is the focus of this review.
International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2020
The study elucidates critical success factors to sustain dyadic relationship between buyers and s... more The study elucidates critical success factors to sustain dyadic relationship between buyers and suppliers of Indian pharmaceutical industry and its influence on business performance. The success factors were identified based on social exchange, transaction cost, relationship marketing theories and an extensive literature review, though such literature relevant to Indian pharmaceutical sector is scanty. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey related to relationship information from buyers and suppliers of several pharmaceutical industries. Statistical analyses like regressions, one-way ANOVA, post hoc, were applied to analyse the data. Analytic hierarchical process was applied to validate prioritisation of success factors obtained from the statistical analysis. The authors analysed prioritisation of success factors and its impact on business performance from both buyers' and suppliers' perspective. The study deliberates in macro-ergonomic approach in formulating healthier relationship between buyer-supplier for better supply chain and enhanced performance in strategic procurement.
Journal of Ergonomics, 2019
Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on ... more Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 60 patients having Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) comprising males (43.3%) and females (56.7%) to quantify and ascertain the effective rehabilitative interventions. The patients were randomly selected and equally distributed (n=20) into three groups. Experimental group 1 carried out Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises (DLSE), Experimental group 2 had Kinesio Taping (KT) and Control group had sham taping. The outcomes were measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Revised Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that post interventions both Experimental Group 1 and Experimental Group 2 showed functional improvements; however, a significantly greater improvement in patients of Experimental Group 1 was seen compared to Experimental Group 2. Post interventions, Experimental Group 2 showed significant improvement compared to Control Group. Conclusion: The study concludes that both DLSE and KT interventions are effective, however, DLSE showed significant attenuation of pain and functional disability in NSLBP. Thus, KT can be used as an adjunct intervention. Future studies may be undertaken to equate the efficacies of other rehabilitative interventions to set priorities or preventive strategies..
International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, 2016
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative eff... more Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Excess fat in relation to lean body mass, known as altered body composition, can greatly increase the risks of MSDs. A significant positive relationship does exist between the probability of having MSD and altered body composition. A cross-sectional study with 108 medical practitioners was performed that comprised females (19.4%) and males (80.6%) to ascertain the body composition of medical practitioners to assess if they have an altered body composition and if it did indeed be associated with MSDs. The measures obtained were Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The results revealed the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high (80.55%) with low back, neck and ankles/feet to be the most commonly affected body parts. The male participants prone to MSDs have a higher fat percentage (86.11%), BMI (66.66%) and WHR (87.5%). Similarly, the female participants having higher fat percentage (100%), BMI (53.33%) and WHR (66.66%), showed increased incidences of MSDs. Future studies may be undertaken to determine other ergonomic domains as precipitating factors for the etiology of MSDs in medical practitioners to set priorities, preventive strategies, and interventions in the attenuation of MSDs.
Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating disease... more Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating diseases. Numerous studies have identified risk factors for acquiring these infections, most of which are very common among hospitalized patients; some factors act primarily by inducing immuno-suppression (e.g.,corticosteroids, chemotherapy, malnutrition, malignancy, and neutropenia), while others primarily provide a route of infection (e.g., extensive burns, indwelling catheter) and some act in combination. These infections are called opportunistic infection. Across the world, the Fungal Epidemiology has created a space of greater importance in modern time because of Fluconazole Resistance strain and appearance of Candida non albicans. The authors in the present study has investigated the epidemiology of fungal pathogens in a Multi-Speciality Hospital of South Kolkata, India by using culture data; antifungal susceptibility testing with fluconazole, flucytosine amphotericin B, voriconazole, and...
International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2015
Journal of Public Affairs, 2020
The hospitals and nursing homes contribute 49% of the Indian healthcare delivery. Doctors and nur... more The hospitals and nursing homes contribute 49% of the Indian healthcare delivery. Doctors and nurses, who comprise the major chunk of the healthcare sector are vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during the course of their work routine.
Arduous workplace tasks of the doctors include regular walking from ward to ward, constant bending over the bed while physically examining patients, prolonged sitting in outpatient clinics to meet the work demands. Nurses perform a wide variety of activities and are usually responsible for implementation of the care plan the doctor sets up for the patient, sometimes even in back-to-back shifts. A sample of 650 female nurses from nine Indian hospitals and 108 male doctors from four Indian hospitals was carried out.
The findings revealed that nurses face considerable occupational stress, moderate levels of quality of life and a high prevalence of MSDs. Pain and discomfort in low back, knee, neck and shoulder were found to be most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nurses. In doctors, the results showed that the occurrence of WMSDs were most prevalent in lower back, followed by ankles/feet, knees and neck. Visual Analogue Scale revealed significant differences in the morning and evening scores. The mean total work style score exceeded the standardized limits which suggested that the work style of doctors working in Indian hospitals were at risk which may precipitate psychosocial stress.
The conclusion drawn will immensely benefit the healthcare industry in developing administrative reforms and implementing welfare policy initiatives to provide a congenial working environment enhancing their quality of life and better health system.
Keywords: healthcare industry; welfare policy; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; healthcare workers
Journal of Ergonomics, 2019
Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on ... more Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life.
Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 60 patients having Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) comprising males (43.3%) and females (56.7%) to quantify and ascertain the effective rehabilitative interventions. The patients were randomly selected and equally distributed (n=20) into three groups. Experimental group 1 carried out Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises (DLSE), Experimental group 2 had Kinesio Taping (KT) and Control group had sham taping. The outcomes were measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Revised Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Results: The results revealed that post interventions both Experimental Group 1 and Experimental Group 2 showed functional improvements; however, a significantly greater improvement in patients of Experimental Group 1 was seen compared to Experimental Group 2. Post interventions, Experimental Group 2 showed significant improvement compared to Control Group.
Conclusion: The study concludes that both DLSE and KT interventions are effective, however, DLSE showed significant attenuation of pain and functional disability in NSLBP. Thus, KT can be used as an adjunct intervention. Future studies may be undertaken to equate the efficacies of other rehabilitative interventions to set priorities or preventive strategies.
Keywords: Nonspecific low back pain; Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises; Kinesio taping
International Journal of Construction Management, 2017
The Indian construction industry is enormously growing and continuously needs to recruit workers ... more The Indian construction industry is enormously growing and continuously needs to recruit workers to deliver projects. A majority of these construction workers are semi-skilled or unskilled, which puts a great deal of demand on the construction workers and predisposes them to stress at work, which in turn leads to ill health. This study was aimed at evaluating the occupational stress and other factors in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their impact on the quality of life of these workers. Standard questionnaires were used for assessment and six occupational groups were studied. The construction workers worked long hours and were burdened with stress and most of the workers reported musculoskeletal pain in the body parts that were mostly used during the tasks performed. These workers scored poor in all the domains of the quality of life. These data will provide a baseline for risk evaluation and would increase the effectiveness of preventive measures to be undertaken and a basis for further research in long-term follow-up studies.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative eff... more Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Excess fat in relation to lean body mass, known as altered body composition, can greatly increase the risks of MSDs. A significant positive relationship does exist between the probability of having MSD and altered body composition. A cross-sectional study with 108 medical practitioners was performed that comprised females (19.4%) and males (80.6%) to ascertain the body composition of medical practitioners to assess if they have an altered body composition and if it did indeed be associated with MSDs. The measures obtained were Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The results revealed the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high (80.55%) with low back, neck and ankles/feet to be the most commonly affected body parts. The male participants prone to MSDs have a higher fat percentage (86.11%), BMI (66.66%) and WHR (87.5%). Similarly, the female participants having higher fat percentage (100%), BMI (53.33%) and WHR (66.66%), showed increased incidences of MSDs. Future studies may be undertaken to determine other ergonomic domains as precipitating factors for the etiology of MSDs in medical practitioners to set priorities, preventive strategies, and interventions in the attenuation of MSDs.
Medical practitioners are unduly stressed, leading to ill health, loss of work efficiency, someti... more Medical practitioners are unduly stressed, leading to ill health, loss of work efficiency, sometimes affecting decision-making capability. The present study was conducted with the aim to quantify the psychosocial factors that affect the medical practitioners working in Indian hospitals. This study constructed and validated Re-Modified Work-Style Short Form Questionnaire, an eight-item instrument based on work style of 108 medical practitioners comprising Indian physicians and surgeons. The re-modified tool had acceptable validity and internal consistency, which the modified one did not. Explorative factor analysis identified and labelled three factors:
‘Working through pain’, ‘Deadlines/pressure’ and ‘Self-imposed
workload’. The findings of the study reveal that the mean total work style score exceeded the standardised limits ≥16, which suggests that the work style of medical practitioners working in Indian hospitals are at risk which may precipitate psychosocial stress. Factor weights were derived through Analytic Hierarchy Process to prioritise the relative importance of three potential work-style factors. The study may help to increase the preventive strategies to proactively reduce the effect of risk factors for the precipitation of stress, successfully leading to its attenuation.
To decipher the incidences of MSDs among Indian Housemaids, the urban poor dwelling in the slums ... more To decipher the incidences of MSDs among
Indian Housemaids, the urban poor dwelling
in the slums of Mumbai and to explore the
possible relationship between MSDs and body
composition of elderly and of the younger
maids. Every occupation requires hard work.
Housemaids carry out diverse household work
that might range from cutting of vegetables in
the kitchen to washing clothes. These
dissimilar activities, often carried out with
inappropriate postures over a number of years,
predispose the housemaids to a plethora of
musculoskeletal disorders. The present study
will help to identify and alleviate these
problems through early diagnosis and
proactive interventions. Subjects belonging to
the urban poor of low socio economic
background were included in the study. A
total of 41 maids volunteered to participate in
the study and they were divided into two
groups: Group A comprised 24 women between 41-60 years and Group B comprised
17 women in the age range of 20-40 years.
Personal, social and occupational details of
each women volunteer were collected through
a structured interview. The body composition
was accessed using a bioelectrical impedance
analyzer. Work-related musculoskeletal
disorders were assessed using the Nordic
Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Group A volunteers were found to be significantly
heavier (p<0.01), with significantly higher
BMIs, body fat % and fat weight (p<0.01), as
compared to their Group B counterparts.
Group A volunteers principally reported pain
in the wrists / hands and back. By comparison,
Group B volunteers mainly reported pain in
the neck (89%), back (41.17%) and ankles/
feet (64.7%); the common area of pain for
both the groups being the back. The study was
able to demonstrate the high and alarming
incidences of MSDs in housemaids,
particularly those in the higher age group and
belonging to the lower socioeconomic strata.
Therefore, an in-depth study with wider
ramification needs to be taken up in future.
Abstract Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is a generic term used to describe sympto... more Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is a generic term used to describe symptoms caused or aggravated by work and characterized by discomfort, impairment, disability or persistent pain in joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues with or without physical manifestations. Musculoskeletal disorders are a major reason for the loss of work efficiency, which is related to type of occupation or activity. Scientific studies have attributed several factors for the precipitation of WMSDs. In this article, the identified risk factors for WMSDs in general physicians (GP) have been categorized into physical and psychosocial factors and the article also views the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a tool to quantify the physical and psychosocial risk factors that have been established as being associated with WMSDs by assessing priority weights. Hence, the authors have attempted to use the factor weights through the AHP analysis, based on the knowledge and experience of experts to act as a decision-support system that would undoubtedly help the GP to increase the preventive strategies and proactively reduce the contribution of risk factors for the precipitation of WMSDs successfully leading to its attenuation.
Keywords
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), general physicians (GP), psychosocial, physical risk factors
Evaluation of muscle strength is imp... more Evaluation of muscle strength is important for human factors
engineers, ergonomists, and healthcare practitioners to formulate successful ergonomic interventions, prescribe exercise regimens, and model credible rehabilitation programmes. Although previous studies have identified the influence of different head-neck (H-N) positions on joint strength production, none have assessed the influence of H-N position on wrist strength. The objective of this study was to compare wrist flexor strength in different head-neck (H-N) positions, including a neutral neck position and eight non-neutral positions involving single or combined rotations in the sagittal and horizontal planes. Isometric flexor strength of the left wrist was measured from 30 right-handed healthy female volunteers, using an isokinetic dynamometer, in each of the nine H-N positions in a random order. Among the nine H-N positions, significant differences in wrist flexor strength were observed only between neck rotation to the right and the remaining positions. These results suggest that H-N positions should be considered while assessing or predicting wrist strength. And, more generally, the results support that strength at a given joint can in some cases is substantially influenced by the postures of others joints, even those rather separated from the joint in question.
Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating disease... more Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating diseases. Numerous studies have identified risk factors for acquiring these infections, most of which are very common among hospitalized patients; some factors act primarily by inducing immunosuppression (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy, malnutrition, malignancy, and neutropenia), while others primarily provide a route of infection (e.g., extensive burns, indwelling catheter) and some act in combination. These infections are called opportunistic infection. Across the world, the Fungal Epidemiology has created a space of greater importance in modern time because of Fluconazole Resistance strain and appearance of Candida non albicans. The authors in the present study has investigated the epidemiology of fungal pathogens in a Multi-Speciality Hospital of South Kolkata, India by using culture data; antifungal susceptibility testing with fluconazole, flucytosine amphotericin B, voriconazole, and itraconazole. During the study period, the Candida species showed the highest value (n=61) out of total (n=108) positive cases found. Candida non albicans showed 100% sensitivity only to amphotericin B and flucytosine. Here, the authors dwell on the spectrum of fungus found in the hospital and ponder on the techniques in mycology in this context. The knowledge would prove useful in selecting empirical antifungal therapy and formulating prophylactic and pre-emptive strategies.
Background: Ergonomics or human factors engineering is a multidisciplinary science that synergize... more Background: Ergonomics or human factors engineering is a multidisciplinary science that synergizes man, machine and the working environment to optimize productivity and performance as well as to enhance and augment the safety, health and well-being of the worker.
Ergonomics is concerned with the fit ‘between people and their technological tools and environments. It takes account of the user's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each other.
Physiotherapy / Physical therapy, is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention. It is believed that knowledge of ergonomics help the physical therapists play a greater role in numerous assessments and in different aspects of physical therapy care and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, rehabilitation ergonomics play a proactive role in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries by utilizing ergonomic principles of worksite redesign, tool selection/modification, work method design, ergonomic education, fitness and early intervention.
Rehabilitation ergonomists specialize in functional evaluation, improvement of functional work
performance, education of the worker and redesign of work to reduce musculoskeletal stressors
but they must analyze both the human who perform work activities and the setting in which they
work. Rehabilitation Ergonomics is still in its early stages, while it gives immense innovative scope for physiotherapists/physical therapist to act as one.
Brief description of subject:Ergonomic tools are increasingly being found to be extremely useful for assessment / diagnosis as well as in treatment and prevention of work related
musculoskeletal disorders, workplace risks and rehabilitation ergonomics.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive electrical cortical stimulation technique tha... more Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive electrical cortical stimulation technique that works on electromagnetic induction principles to achieve neuromodulation and neurostimulation. It has emerged as a promising and enviable technique with excellent tolerance, minimal risk, and unprecedented ability to study neurophysiology and neuroplasticity of the brain for research with a potential in therapeutics. So in conclusion, the use of this technique has shown to be a novel non-pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic tool in a variety of neurological disorders, however, its applicability and use in children is only emerging and is the focus of this review.
International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2020
The study elucidates critical success factors to sustain dyadic relationship between buyers and s... more The study elucidates critical success factors to sustain dyadic relationship between buyers and suppliers of Indian pharmaceutical industry and its influence on business performance. The success factors were identified based on social exchange, transaction cost, relationship marketing theories and an extensive literature review, though such literature relevant to Indian pharmaceutical sector is scanty. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey related to relationship information from buyers and suppliers of several pharmaceutical industries. Statistical analyses like regressions, one-way ANOVA, post hoc, were applied to analyse the data. Analytic hierarchical process was applied to validate prioritisation of success factors obtained from the statistical analysis. The authors analysed prioritisation of success factors and its impact on business performance from both buyers' and suppliers' perspective. The study deliberates in macro-ergonomic approach in formulating healthier relationship between buyer-supplier for better supply chain and enhanced performance in strategic procurement.
Journal of Ergonomics, 2019
Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on ... more Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 60 patients having Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) comprising males (43.3%) and females (56.7%) to quantify and ascertain the effective rehabilitative interventions. The patients were randomly selected and equally distributed (n=20) into three groups. Experimental group 1 carried out Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises (DLSE), Experimental group 2 had Kinesio Taping (KT) and Control group had sham taping. The outcomes were measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Revised Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that post interventions both Experimental Group 1 and Experimental Group 2 showed functional improvements; however, a significantly greater improvement in patients of Experimental Group 1 was seen compared to Experimental Group 2. Post interventions, Experimental Group 2 showed significant improvement compared to Control Group. Conclusion: The study concludes that both DLSE and KT interventions are effective, however, DLSE showed significant attenuation of pain and functional disability in NSLBP. Thus, KT can be used as an adjunct intervention. Future studies may be undertaken to equate the efficacies of other rehabilitative interventions to set priorities or preventive strategies..
International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, 2016
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative eff... more Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Excess fat in relation to lean body mass, known as altered body composition, can greatly increase the risks of MSDs. A significant positive relationship does exist between the probability of having MSD and altered body composition. A cross-sectional study with 108 medical practitioners was performed that comprised females (19.4%) and males (80.6%) to ascertain the body composition of medical practitioners to assess if they have an altered body composition and if it did indeed be associated with MSDs. The measures obtained were Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The results revealed the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high (80.55%) with low back, neck and ankles/feet to be the most commonly affected body parts. The male participants prone to MSDs have a higher fat percentage (86.11%), BMI (66.66%) and WHR (87.5%). Similarly, the female participants having higher fat percentage (100%), BMI (53.33%) and WHR (66.66%), showed increased incidences of MSDs. Future studies may be undertaken to determine other ergonomic domains as precipitating factors for the etiology of MSDs in medical practitioners to set priorities, preventive strategies, and interventions in the attenuation of MSDs.
Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating disease... more Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating diseases. Numerous studies have identified risk factors for acquiring these infections, most of which are very common among hospitalized patients; some factors act primarily by inducing immuno-suppression (e.g.,corticosteroids, chemotherapy, malnutrition, malignancy, and neutropenia), while others primarily provide a route of infection (e.g., extensive burns, indwelling catheter) and some act in combination. These infections are called opportunistic infection. Across the world, the Fungal Epidemiology has created a space of greater importance in modern time because of Fluconazole Resistance strain and appearance of Candida non albicans. The authors in the present study has investigated the epidemiology of fungal pathogens in a Multi-Speciality Hospital of South Kolkata, India by using culture data; antifungal susceptibility testing with fluconazole, flucytosine amphotericin B, voriconazole, and...
International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2015
Journal of Public Affairs, 2020
The hospitals and nursing homes contribute 49% of the Indian healthcare delivery. Doctors and nur... more The hospitals and nursing homes contribute 49% of the Indian healthcare delivery. Doctors and nurses, who comprise the major chunk of the healthcare sector are vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) during the course of their work routine.
Arduous workplace tasks of the doctors include regular walking from ward to ward, constant bending over the bed while physically examining patients, prolonged sitting in outpatient clinics to meet the work demands. Nurses perform a wide variety of activities and are usually responsible for implementation of the care plan the doctor sets up for the patient, sometimes even in back-to-back shifts. A sample of 650 female nurses from nine Indian hospitals and 108 male doctors from four Indian hospitals was carried out.
The findings revealed that nurses face considerable occupational stress, moderate levels of quality of life and a high prevalence of MSDs. Pain and discomfort in low back, knee, neck and shoulder were found to be most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among nurses. In doctors, the results showed that the occurrence of WMSDs were most prevalent in lower back, followed by ankles/feet, knees and neck. Visual Analogue Scale revealed significant differences in the morning and evening scores. The mean total work style score exceeded the standardized limits which suggested that the work style of doctors working in Indian hospitals were at risk which may precipitate psychosocial stress.
The conclusion drawn will immensely benefit the healthcare industry in developing administrative reforms and implementing welfare policy initiatives to provide a congenial working environment enhancing their quality of life and better health system.
Keywords: healthcare industry; welfare policy; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; healthcare workers
Journal of Ergonomics, 2019
Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on ... more Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life.
Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 60 patients having Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) comprising males (43.3%) and females (56.7%) to quantify and ascertain the effective rehabilitative interventions. The patients were randomly selected and equally distributed (n=20) into three groups. Experimental group 1 carried out Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises (DLSE), Experimental group 2 had Kinesio Taping (KT) and Control group had sham taping. The outcomes were measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Revised Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Results: The results revealed that post interventions both Experimental Group 1 and Experimental Group 2 showed functional improvements; however, a significantly greater improvement in patients of Experimental Group 1 was seen compared to Experimental Group 2. Post interventions, Experimental Group 2 showed significant improvement compared to Control Group.
Conclusion: The study concludes that both DLSE and KT interventions are effective, however, DLSE showed significant attenuation of pain and functional disability in NSLBP. Thus, KT can be used as an adjunct intervention. Future studies may be undertaken to equate the efficacies of other rehabilitative interventions to set priorities or preventive strategies.
Keywords: Nonspecific low back pain; Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises; Kinesio taping
International Journal of Construction Management, 2017
The Indian construction industry is enormously growing and continuously needs to recruit workers ... more The Indian construction industry is enormously growing and continuously needs to recruit workers to deliver projects. A majority of these construction workers are semi-skilled or unskilled, which puts a great deal of demand on the construction workers and predisposes them to stress at work, which in turn leads to ill health. This study was aimed at evaluating the occupational stress and other factors in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their impact on the quality of life of these workers. Standard questionnaires were used for assessment and six occupational groups were studied. The construction workers worked long hours and were burdened with stress and most of the workers reported musculoskeletal pain in the body parts that were mostly used during the tasks performed. These workers scored poor in all the domains of the quality of life. These data will provide a baseline for risk evaluation and would increase the effectiveness of preventive measures to be undertaken and a basis for further research in long-term follow-up studies.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative eff... more Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Excess fat in relation to lean body mass, known as altered body composition, can greatly increase the risks of MSDs. A significant positive relationship does exist between the probability of having MSD and altered body composition. A cross-sectional study with 108 medical practitioners was performed that comprised females (19.4%) and males (80.6%) to ascertain the body composition of medical practitioners to assess if they have an altered body composition and if it did indeed be associated with MSDs. The measures obtained were Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The results revealed the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was high (80.55%) with low back, neck and ankles/feet to be the most commonly affected body parts. The male participants prone to MSDs have a higher fat percentage (86.11%), BMI (66.66%) and WHR (87.5%). Similarly, the female participants having higher fat percentage (100%), BMI (53.33%) and WHR (66.66%), showed increased incidences of MSDs. Future studies may be undertaken to determine other ergonomic domains as precipitating factors for the etiology of MSDs in medical practitioners to set priorities, preventive strategies, and interventions in the attenuation of MSDs.
Medical practitioners are unduly stressed, leading to ill health, loss of work efficiency, someti... more Medical practitioners are unduly stressed, leading to ill health, loss of work efficiency, sometimes affecting decision-making capability. The present study was conducted with the aim to quantify the psychosocial factors that affect the medical practitioners working in Indian hospitals. This study constructed and validated Re-Modified Work-Style Short Form Questionnaire, an eight-item instrument based on work style of 108 medical practitioners comprising Indian physicians and surgeons. The re-modified tool had acceptable validity and internal consistency, which the modified one did not. Explorative factor analysis identified and labelled three factors:
‘Working through pain’, ‘Deadlines/pressure’ and ‘Self-imposed
workload’. The findings of the study reveal that the mean total work style score exceeded the standardised limits ≥16, which suggests that the work style of medical practitioners working in Indian hospitals are at risk which may precipitate psychosocial stress. Factor weights were derived through Analytic Hierarchy Process to prioritise the relative importance of three potential work-style factors. The study may help to increase the preventive strategies to proactively reduce the effect of risk factors for the precipitation of stress, successfully leading to its attenuation.
To decipher the incidences of MSDs among Indian Housemaids, the urban poor dwelling in the slums ... more To decipher the incidences of MSDs among
Indian Housemaids, the urban poor dwelling
in the slums of Mumbai and to explore the
possible relationship between MSDs and body
composition of elderly and of the younger
maids. Every occupation requires hard work.
Housemaids carry out diverse household work
that might range from cutting of vegetables in
the kitchen to washing clothes. These
dissimilar activities, often carried out with
inappropriate postures over a number of years,
predispose the housemaids to a plethora of
musculoskeletal disorders. The present study
will help to identify and alleviate these
problems through early diagnosis and
proactive interventions. Subjects belonging to
the urban poor of low socio economic
background were included in the study. A
total of 41 maids volunteered to participate in
the study and they were divided into two
groups: Group A comprised 24 women between 41-60 years and Group B comprised
17 women in the age range of 20-40 years.
Personal, social and occupational details of
each women volunteer were collected through
a structured interview. The body composition
was accessed using a bioelectrical impedance
analyzer. Work-related musculoskeletal
disorders were assessed using the Nordic
Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Group A volunteers were found to be significantly
heavier (p<0.01), with significantly higher
BMIs, body fat % and fat weight (p<0.01), as
compared to their Group B counterparts.
Group A volunteers principally reported pain
in the wrists / hands and back. By comparison,
Group B volunteers mainly reported pain in
the neck (89%), back (41.17%) and ankles/
feet (64.7%); the common area of pain for
both the groups being the back. The study was
able to demonstrate the high and alarming
incidences of MSDs in housemaids,
particularly those in the higher age group and
belonging to the lower socioeconomic strata.
Therefore, an in-depth study with wider
ramification needs to be taken up in future.
Abstract Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is a generic term used to describe sympto... more Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is a generic term used to describe symptoms caused or aggravated by work and characterized by discomfort, impairment, disability or persistent pain in joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues with or without physical manifestations. Musculoskeletal disorders are a major reason for the loss of work efficiency, which is related to type of occupation or activity. Scientific studies have attributed several factors for the precipitation of WMSDs. In this article, the identified risk factors for WMSDs in general physicians (GP) have been categorized into physical and psychosocial factors and the article also views the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a tool to quantify the physical and psychosocial risk factors that have been established as being associated with WMSDs by assessing priority weights. Hence, the authors have attempted to use the factor weights through the AHP analysis, based on the knowledge and experience of experts to act as a decision-support system that would undoubtedly help the GP to increase the preventive strategies and proactively reduce the contribution of risk factors for the precipitation of WMSDs successfully leading to its attenuation.
Keywords
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), general physicians (GP), psychosocial, physical risk factors
Evaluation of muscle strength is imp... more Evaluation of muscle strength is important for human factors
engineers, ergonomists, and healthcare practitioners to formulate successful ergonomic interventions, prescribe exercise regimens, and model credible rehabilitation programmes. Although previous studies have identified the influence of different head-neck (H-N) positions on joint strength production, none have assessed the influence of H-N position on wrist strength. The objective of this study was to compare wrist flexor strength in different head-neck (H-N) positions, including a neutral neck position and eight non-neutral positions involving single or combined rotations in the sagittal and horizontal planes. Isometric flexor strength of the left wrist was measured from 30 right-handed healthy female volunteers, using an isokinetic dynamometer, in each of the nine H-N positions in a random order. Among the nine H-N positions, significant differences in wrist flexor strength were observed only between neck rotation to the right and the remaining positions. These results suggest that H-N positions should be considered while assessing or predicting wrist strength. And, more generally, the results support that strength at a given joint can in some cases is substantially influenced by the postures of others joints, even those rather separated from the joint in question.
Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating disease... more Fungus can cause severe infection in immuno compromised patients and also in debilitating diseases. Numerous studies have identified risk factors for acquiring these infections, most of which are very common among hospitalized patients; some factors act primarily by inducing immunosuppression (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy, malnutrition, malignancy, and neutropenia), while others primarily provide a route of infection (e.g., extensive burns, indwelling catheter) and some act in combination. These infections are called opportunistic infection. Across the world, the Fungal Epidemiology has created a space of greater importance in modern time because of Fluconazole Resistance strain and appearance of Candida non albicans. The authors in the present study has investigated the epidemiology of fungal pathogens in a Multi-Speciality Hospital of South Kolkata, India by using culture data; antifungal susceptibility testing with fluconazole, flucytosine amphotericin B, voriconazole, and itraconazole. During the study period, the Candida species showed the highest value (n=61) out of total (n=108) positive cases found. Candida non albicans showed 100% sensitivity only to amphotericin B and flucytosine. Here, the authors dwell on the spectrum of fungus found in the hospital and ponder on the techniques in mycology in this context. The knowledge would prove useful in selecting empirical antifungal therapy and formulating prophylactic and pre-emptive strategies.
Background: Ergonomics or human factors engineering is a multidisciplinary science that synergize... more Background: Ergonomics or human factors engineering is a multidisciplinary science that synergizes man, machine and the working environment to optimize productivity and performance as well as to enhance and augment the safety, health and well-being of the worker.
Ergonomics is concerned with the fit ‘between people and their technological tools and environments. It takes account of the user's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each other.
Physiotherapy / Physical therapy, is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention. It is believed that knowledge of ergonomics help the physical therapists play a greater role in numerous assessments and in different aspects of physical therapy care and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, rehabilitation ergonomics play a proactive role in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries by utilizing ergonomic principles of worksite redesign, tool selection/modification, work method design, ergonomic education, fitness and early intervention.
Rehabilitation ergonomists specialize in functional evaluation, improvement of functional work
performance, education of the worker and redesign of work to reduce musculoskeletal stressors
but they must analyze both the human who perform work activities and the setting in which they
work. Rehabilitation Ergonomics is still in its early stages, while it gives immense innovative scope for physiotherapists/physical therapist to act as one.
Brief description of subject:Ergonomic tools are increasingly being found to be extremely useful for assessment / diagnosis as well as in treatment and prevention of work related
musculoskeletal disorders, workplace risks and rehabilitation ergonomics.