Page 77 - Petelin, Ana. 2020. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivne populacije / Health of the Working-Age Population. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 77
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-015-8.75-83
Musculoskeletal disorders among preschool
teachers
Jera Gregorc, Mira Dolenc
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education, Kardeljeva ploščad 16, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
jera.gregorc@pef.uni-lj.si
Abstract
Introduction: The profession of pre-school teacher (PST) is physically
and mentally demanding and thus poses a risk to musculoskeletal
disorders. The purpose of the study is therefore to determine how often
musculoskeletal disorders occur among PST, which parts of the body are
most affected, and to analyze whether there is a connection between pain
perception and the risk factors. Methods: The research has included 155
PST from different kindergartens in the Central Slovenian region, who
have answered questions from the reconstructed Cornell Musculoskeletal
Discomfort Questionnaires CMDQ (German version: Kreuzfeld et al.,
2016). The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections. The first part covered
demographic questions, the second questions about stress and frequency
and intensity of motor/sport activities, and the third part was a self-
evaluation assessment of muscle and joint pain. Data were processed with
the statistical package SPSS - 22.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics
were used (Hi-square test of equal probabilities, t-test for independent
samples, and bivariate correlation analysis). Results: We found out that
more than half of PST detect musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly
in the lower back (52%). PST more frequently and intensely perceive
problems in the neck, shoulders and upper and lower back than in the
arms or knees. We also found that those PST who evaluate their work more
stressfully have more problems with muscle and joint pain. Among the
most problematic pain-relieving activities, PST emphasized leaning, lifting
of children, sitting on children’s chairs and squatting. Discussion and
conclusions: Based on the data obtained, we believe it would be reasonable
to offer PST of biomechanics education and training and the use of proper
load-lifting techniques, to make ergonomic adjustments in the playroom,
and to carry out shorter work-appropriate exercise programs.
Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, preschool teacher, risk factors
Musculoskeletal disorders among preschool
teachers
Jera Gregorc, Mira Dolenc
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education, Kardeljeva ploščad 16, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
jera.gregorc@pef.uni-lj.si
Abstract
Introduction: The profession of pre-school teacher (PST) is physically
and mentally demanding and thus poses a risk to musculoskeletal
disorders. The purpose of the study is therefore to determine how often
musculoskeletal disorders occur among PST, which parts of the body are
most affected, and to analyze whether there is a connection between pain
perception and the risk factors. Methods: The research has included 155
PST from different kindergartens in the Central Slovenian region, who
have answered questions from the reconstructed Cornell Musculoskeletal
Discomfort Questionnaires CMDQ (German version: Kreuzfeld et al.,
2016). The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections. The first part covered
demographic questions, the second questions about stress and frequency
and intensity of motor/sport activities, and the third part was a self-
evaluation assessment of muscle and joint pain. Data were processed with
the statistical package SPSS - 22.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics
were used (Hi-square test of equal probabilities, t-test for independent
samples, and bivariate correlation analysis). Results: We found out that
more than half of PST detect musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly
in the lower back (52%). PST more frequently and intensely perceive
problems in the neck, shoulders and upper and lower back than in the
arms or knees. We also found that those PST who evaluate their work more
stressfully have more problems with muscle and joint pain. Among the
most problematic pain-relieving activities, PST emphasized leaning, lifting
of children, sitting on children’s chairs and squatting. Discussion and
conclusions: Based on the data obtained, we believe it would be reasonable
to offer PST of biomechanics education and training and the use of proper
load-lifting techniques, to make ergonomic adjustments in the playroom,
and to carry out shorter work-appropriate exercise programs.
Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, preschool teacher, risk factors
