Background and aims: Cardiorespiratory capacity determines performance and productivity of daily jobs.Shoe production workers have heavy work load and musculoskeletal disorders is prevalent in this job.  Investigation on the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and job strain index (SI) and physical activity capability of shoe workers can help to reduce MSDs.

Methods: This study was done on 235 shoe workers of Tehran Great Bazar. Cases of the study were categorized as having 5 roles of cutting, coating, preworking, gluing, and finishing (packaging, etc.). Nordic questionnair was used to assess the rate of musculoskeletal disorders, and Tuxworth & Shahnavaz step-test was used to find aerobic capacity, and the job strain index was used for ergonomic estimation. All data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software.

Results: Between job strain and musculoskeletal disorders of end part of upper limbs (right side, left side), a significant relationship was found (p<0.05). No significant relationship between VO2max index scores of shoe workers and musculoskeletal disorders of shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, hip, spinal cord, and waist, and all organs in general (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders of terminal part of upper organs (wrist, shoulder, and elbow) had strong correlation with job strain. Proper planning to reduce job strain and ergonomic training can reduce the risk of MSDs in terminal part of upper organs in shoe makers.
 

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Job Strain Index, Physical Activity, ergonomic

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