PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY WORKERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-9067-2025-30-6Keywords:
footwear industry workers, musculoskeletal disorders, working conditions, biomechanical factors, work ergonomics, industrial activity.Abstract
Abstract. Over the past decades, the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders caused by working conditions has shown a rising trend worldwide. Aim: To investigate the impact of occupational activity on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among footwear industry workers. Materials and methods: This study is presented as a systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific publications on the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among footwear industry workers. It includes an analysis of sources published in Ukrainian and English up to May 2025. Results: The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among footwear industry workers (36.8–66%) is due to the specific features of the production technology and work methods commonly used in this sector. These include manual handling of components, repetitive movements, fixed and awkward body postures, excessive physical effort during shoe assembly and equipment operation, poor workplace organization, and the absence of an adequate work-rest cycle. The complexity of the production process is characterized by short production cycles, which are frequently repeated, and limited possibilities for automation in certain stages of footwear manufacturing. The most affected areas by WMSDs were the back/lower back (23.6%), shoulders (14.5%), legs (11.3%), and neck (9.2%). The development of localized and multiple occupationally-induced WMSDs among footwear industry workers was also influenced by psychosocial factors, which, when combined with individual characteristics (such as lifestyle, body mass index, low physical activity, etc.), increased the likelihood of occurrence and progression of these disorders. Ergonomic interventions, the implementation of physical activity programs, and improvements in working conditions and the production environment contributed to a reduction in WMSD-related pain among workers. Conclusions. An in-depth investigation of the causes and minimization of factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders among footwear industry workers is crucial for developing effective and long-term preventive strategies in the sector.
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