Is shoulder posture during work related to neck and shoulder symptoms among cleaners?

Abstract

Introduction: Cleaners perform work activities that may be related to the development of neck and shoulder symptoms. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between shoulder elevation during work and neck and shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms among cleaners. Methods: Neck and shoulder symptoms were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Shoulder elevation was registered during work using triaxial inclinometers. The data were analyzed descriptively and using point biserial correlation. Results: Twenty-two women, outsourced workers (73%), with an average age of 44 (SD = 11.2) years, who worked an average nine hours a day, participated in this study. Shoulder elevation at work was associated with the presence of shoulder symptoms (rpb=0.51 and rpb = 0.45 for the 50th and 10th percentiles, respectively) and with the percentage of time in shoulder elevation above 30° (rpb = 0.47). There was no association between shoulder elevation and neck symptoms. Conclusion: The findings indicate the need to reduce shoulder elevation among cleaners to control shoulder symptoms.