Postural Analysis and Assessment of Perceived Musculoskeletal Pain of Cleaners in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Risk of Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) due to the nature of cleaning work has been proven abroad. The study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSD and the correlation between perceived discomfort and actual risk faced by cleaners due to daily routine tasks in the Philippine context. For the study, cleaners in educational institutions and commercial establishments in Metro Manila were analyzed using a survey based on the Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the Analysis of Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Survey results show that there is high WMSD prevalence among Filipino cleaners while RULA and REBA scores indicate medium to very high risk. Results of both objective and subjective assessment had no correlation. This suggests an improvement in the method and tools used in identifying the risks of WMSD, and the possibility of other factors affecting the perceived pain of Filipino cleaners.

Appendix

1.1 Appendix A. General Part of the Survey

1.2 Appendix B. Specific Part of the Survey

Body part	Have you experienced pain in the specified body part within the last twelve (12) months?		Have you experienced pain in the specified body part within the last seven (7) days?		Rate the pain you feel in the specified body part 0-no painat all 10-extremely painful											How long does the pain last? 1-never 2-less than 12 h 3-12-24 h 4-2-6 days 5- 1 week or more					How often does the pain occur? 1- never 2- rarely (om = nce every couple or more months) 3- Sometimes (omce a month) 4- Often (omce a week) 5- Always (everyday)
Neck	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Shoulder	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Upper back	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Lower back	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Wrists/hands	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Upper arm	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Lower arm	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Knees	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5
Calf	YES	NO	YES	NO	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5