The Comparison of Fatigue and Trunk and Neck Postures during Working in Tailors with and Without Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Objectives: Work-induced musculoskeletal pain disorders are among the most common problems among workers. This study aimed to compare fatigue and trunk and neck postures during work in tailors with and without nonspecific chronic neck pain. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 sewing machine operators participated voluntarily and were divided in two groups of people with (15 persons) and without (15 persons) chronic nonspecific neck pain. The craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angles were calculated three intervals (at the start of work, after 2 hours of continuous work, after 4 hours of continuous work) using the photogrammetric method. Borg scale was used to examine work-induced fatigue. A one-way repeated measure analysis of variance at the significance level of 0.05 was used for data analysis. Results: There were significant differences in craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angle changes (P < 0.001) between the two groups while working. Postural trunk and neck changes were more evident in the nonspecific chronic neck pain group. However, there were no significant differences in terms of fatigue levels between the two groups (P = 0.639). Conclusion: The upper trunk related posture among workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain may be more negatively affected during work. So it is suggested that maintaining proper posture should be more emphasized among these workers.