DETERMINATION OF THE OPTIMAL DURATION OF WORK EXPOSURE WHILE SITTING IN A SQUATTING POSITION TO AVOID LOW BACK PAIN: A SIMULATION STUDY

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal duration of work exposure while sitting in a squatting posture. A simulation study was formulated on work similar to the traditional jewellery manufacturing activity. The task of metal setting was simulated in a controlled environment. Fifteen young adult males participated in this study. The results of 12 participants were included as others discontinued the study for their personal reasons. The study continued for 2 hours. Trunk muscle strength and body part discomfort (BPD) were measured before and after completion of the task. BPD ratings in CR 10 scale were also collected after each 15 minutes of work. The mean age (year), height (cm), weight (kg) and BMI (kg/m2) of the subject were 24.25 ± 2.14, 172.47 ± 3.88, 65.08 ± 4.52 and 21.88 ± 1.33, respectively. Using inferential statistics, a predictive equation was developed to determine the optimal duration of exposure in a squatting position similar to traditional jewellery manufacturing activity. An hour of work with a small break was suggested after considering the study result for the workers who worked in a squatting posture like traditional jewellery manufacturing.