title: Temporal patterns of discomfort reported by plasterers over a five-day workweek.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Plastering activities can involve exposure to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMSD) risk factors that are an intrinsic part of a plasterer's daily work. Exposure can be assessed by recording perceptions of symptoms of discomfort during work.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To record a sample of plasterers' self-reported perceptions of discomfort to identify temporal patterns and to investigate whether work-break patterns and some task demands influence the intensity levels of their discomfort.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen experienced plasterers indicated their level of perceived discomfort for 10 body-parts four times a day for five consecutive workdays using a Body Part Discomfort Survey (BPDS) containing a body map, Visual Analogue Discomfort Scales (VADS) and questionnaires to provide information about their working activities over the duration of the assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plasterers experienced discomfort in all body parts assessed with symptoms increasing over the working day and week and declining after periods of rest i.e. after lunch and overnight. Task activities and standing platforms used influenced the patterns of discomfort intensity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plasterers in this group experience greater physical strain with infrequent work/break patterns, or when carrying out the same activity or using a single standing platform for prolonged periods.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nugent
authors.forename: Enda
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fallon
mesh_terms: D060389:Construction Industry; D006801:Humans; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010465:Perception; D011601:Psychophysics; D012146:Rest; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD); finishing activities; standing platforms; visual analogue discomfort scale (VADS)