Inara Roja

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) in Construction Workers and Main Causes

Construction industry still is characterized with physically demanding work duties despite the ongoing modernization of new technology. Construction work requires physical and psychosocial effort, working in compulsory and awkward postures. WRMSD are the most common health problems among employees in construction. The aim of this study was to determine WRMSD reasons caused by physical load and psychosocial risks at work for painters and tilers in the construction enterprise. Results of the study shows that causes of WRMSD in employed in construction, are not only physical risks at work, but also psychosocial risks, as well as individual attitude towards one’s own health.

The Significance of Early Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Health Promotion for Workers with VDT Suffering from NSAH Complaints

METHODS The study was performed over a period of one year. Twenty offi ce workers aged 40,2 yrs. (±SD 8,1) participated. We selected participants who had suffered from pain between 2 to 5 years (without sick-lists) and who had had physical pain at least 6 8 times during one month working with VDT. The workers questionnaire was utilized. The pain level in NSAH and the effectiveness of rehabilitation after successfully completing the programme was determined using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Rehabilitation was carried out for 9 months and consisted of various physical activities. The autogenic training (AT) method was applied in order to learn the technique of self relaxation and self positive control. Muscles tension was measured with MYOTON-3 device before, during and at the end of rehabilitation. Life quality was assessed before and after rehabilitation using the Quality Of Life Scale.

Stress at Work and Physical Load in Professional Sport

Various professional sports have reached a high level of development. Stress at athletes’ work partly characterizes quality of psycho-emotional work environment. Psychological effects caused by stress frequently change into physical effects. At the same time, it should be noted that athletes do not receive adequate attention from the occupational health and safety point of view. The aim of the research was to investigate influence of work stress and physical load on professional volleyball athletes during trainings in comparison with volleyball competitions. The results reveal that the volleyball players are generally exposed to physical load (94%) and 82% - to work stress and other psycho-emotional risks. Heart rate measurements proved that athletes are subjected to significant overload during competitions since it is increased by accumulated workload during trainings as well as by psychological strain during competitions. Work stress and physical load (intense physical activity, forced postures) affect work performance and physiological parameters of the body during the trainings and competitions. This can increasingly contribute to sports injuries.

Physical Load Among Construction Workers and Analysis with Objective Ergonomics Research Method

There is growing number of work related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in construction industry. Employees in construction professions admit physical load and discomfort in various body parts after the work. Accordingly to Eurostat statistical data 60 % of total work related diseases are attributed to musculoskeletal disorders in Latvia. The aim of this study was to determine physical load of construction auxiliary workers and bricklayers using objective ergonomics research method HR monitoring and subjective ergonomic risk assessment methods. The research involved full time 8 auxiliary construction workers and 7 bricklayers. Analysis of the heart rate monitoring data proved that objective physical load analysis method is more precise than subjective workload evaluation methods. Results showed that construction workers workload falls into hard and moderate work heaviness category. More experienced workers with longer length of service were subjected to lower work heaviness category.

Combined Treatment for Penile Rehabilitation in Aging Males after Prostatectomy

METHODS During 2007-2008 years period 17 heterosexual males, aged 59-69, suffering 5-10 months from ED after RP, were treated and observed. Erectile function was evaluated using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Hypnotic susceptibility and quality of couple`s well-being was determined by Stanford scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A group`s patients (n=10) received eight weeks combined treatment course: oral PDE-5 inhibitor vardenafi l (Levitra), 10 mg once a day, cognitive hypnotherapy session and couple therapy once a week. B group`s patients (n=7) received eight weeks only vardenafi l. Catamnesis data were obtained after six months. RESULTS Analysis of IIEF-EF and VAS data showed signifi cant improvement in 8 A group`s patients. After follow-up 8 men reported about restoration of erectile function, successful intercourse. Only one B group`s patient reported about restoration of erectile function.