Document details

Ergonomic strategies to improve radiographers’ posture during mammography activities

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.

Document Type Journal article
Language English
Contributor(s) RCIPL
CC Licence
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