Author(s):
Cernean, Nicolai ; Serranheira, Florentino ; Gonçalves, Pedro ; Reis, Cláudia
Date: 2017
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/7336
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
Subject(s): Mammography; Radiographer; Ergonomics; Posture; Work-related disorders; Mammography; Mammography; Radiographer; Radiographer; Ergonomics; Ergonomics; Posture; Posture; Work-related disorders; Work-related disorders
Description
Objectives - To identify alternatives for radiographers' postures while performing mammography that can contribute to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Methods - Radiographers’ postures to positioning craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views were simulated without any intervention for three scenarios: radiographer/patient with similar statures, radiographer smaller than patient and radiographer taller than patient. Actions were taken to modify the postures: seated radiographer; patient on a step; seated patient; radiographer on a step. All the postures were analysed using kinovea 0.8.15 software and the angles were measured twice and classified according to European standard EN1005–4: 2005. Results - The non-acceptable angles were measured mainly during MLO positioning when radiographer was taller than the patient: 139° and 120° for arm-flexion and abduction, 72° for trunk and −24° for head/neck-flexion. The introduction of alternative postures (radiographer seated), allowed improvements in posture (60° and 99° for arm flexion and abduction, 14° for trunk and 0° for head/neck flexion), being classified as acceptable. Conclusions - The alternative postures simulated have the potential to reduce the risk of developing WRMSDs when radiographers and patients have different statures.