title: An integrative approach for evaluating work related musculoskeletal disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a framework for evaluating the work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).
  
  
  METHODS
  The proposed framework was tested on 15~jewellery manufacturing workers working at Chinchpokhli region in Mumbai, India and on 15 students studying in a management institute of Mumbai, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  The framework has been broken into three phases. Phase 1--Ergonomic-risk evaluation; Phase 2--Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation and Phase 3--Clinical examination. Ergonomic-risk evaluation determines the relationship between work relatedness and musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation tries to assess the presence of discomforts/disabilities in different body regions, through subjective evaluation tools. Ergonomic-risk evaluation involved QEC, PLIBEL and posture analysis by RULA. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) evaluation involved administration of self reported questionnaires. Clinical examination involved muscle grading by a physiotherapist and back strength measurement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The framework suggested that ergonomic risk evaluation techniques, self reported body part questionnaires and physical measurement of physiological/biomechanical transients may have a relationship and can be used for the evaluation of work related musculoskeletal disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed integrative approach will help in developing stage wise intervention strategies for work related musculoskeletal disorders.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, India. m.wricha84@gmail.com
authors.forename: Wricha
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.forename: De
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Amitabha
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iqbal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gangopadhyay
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chandra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007221:Industry; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D055498:Jewelry; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014937:Work