Biomechanical Risk Factors in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders arise from physical exposures that impose mechanical stress on muscles, tendons, nerves and joints. Key biomechanical risk factors include high force demands, repetitive motions, sustained non-neutral postures and exposure to vibration. These elements act alone or in combination to exceed tissue tolerance thresholds, leading to micro-trauma, inflammation and overuse injuries. Forceful exertions—such as heavy lifting or gripping—elevate internal loads on the spine and upper extremities. Repetition amplifies cumulative load, while awkward postures—such as prolonged trunk flexion or wrist deviation—alter lever arms and increase muscle activity. Whole-body vibration and localized mechanical vibration further accelerate the degradation of spinal discs and joint structures. The interplay between physical demands and individual susceptibility—shaped by age, gender and anthropometry—modulates injury risk. Advances in measurement techniques, ranging from inclinometry to electromyography, enable precise quantification of exposure on a continuous scale. Global research underscores the economic and social burden of these disorders, with prevention relying on ergonomic design, task rotation and real-time feedback to limit hazardous exposures. Emerging strategies integrate sensor technology, automated analysis and predictive modelling to tailor interventions and promote workplace health.

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Biomechanical Risk Factors in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders publication trend

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Technical terms

Biomechanical risk factor: Physical characteristic of a task that contributes to mechanical loading beyond tissue tolerance, such as force, repetition or posture.

Inclinometer: A device that measures the angle or orientation of a body segment relative to the vertical axis, used to quantify posture.

Electromyography (EMG): Technique for recording the electrical activity generated by muscle fibres, indicating force production and fatigue.

Wearable motion capture device: Portable sensors attached to the body that record movement kinematics and dynamics in real time.

References

1. Improving Workplace Safety and Health Through a Rapid Ergonomic Risk Assessment Methodology Enhanced by an Artificial Intelligence System. Applied System Innovation (2024).
2. Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics—An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. Sensors (2023).
3. Correlations between Ratings and Technical Measurements in Hand-Intensive Work. Bioengineering (2023).