title: Effect of physical activity on musculoskeletal discomforts among handicraft workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Handicrafts seems to be one of the high-risk jobs regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which necessitate the implementation of different corrective intervention like regular physical activities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical activity on WMSDs among craftsmen.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was an analytical - descriptive study carried out on 100 craftsmen working in Isfahan, Iran, in 2013. The sampling method was census, and all workshops involved with this job were included. Information on demographic parameters and physical activity was collected by demographic forms. The data related to worker's musculoskeletal discomforts were conducted using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using statistical tests including independent t-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The highest percentages of complaints related to severe musculoskeletal discomfort were reported in right shoulder (%36), right wrist (%26), neck (%25), and upper right arm (%24), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between physical activity and musculoskeletal discomforts of left wrist (P = 0.012), lower back (P = 0.016), and neck (P = 0.006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the study results, it can be inferred that regular but not too heavy physical activity can have a positive impact on decreasing the musculoskeletal discomforts.
authors: Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Mahnaz
authors: M
authors: Shakerian
authors: Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Masoud
authors: M
authors: Rismanchian
authors: Department of HSE, Mobin Petrochemical Company, South Pars, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Pejman
authors: P
authors: Khalili
authors: Department of Statistics and Mathematics, Khomeinishahr Branch, Islamic azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Akram
authors: A
authors: Torki
keywords: Cornell questionnaire; handicrafts; musculoskeletal discomforts; physical activity