MUSCULO-SKELETAL RISK SCREEN

The musculo-skeletal risk factor profile looked at a range of parameters including mobility, strength and flexibility and whether people are training to keep themselves strong and flexible. The musculo-skeletal risk factor profile is comprised of the following test items:

• Current musculo-skeletal condition

• Closeness to ideal weight

• leg strength

• Abdominal strength test

• Upper body strength test

• Flexibility

• Ability to sit up straight with legs crossed

• Shoulder function

• Strength training behaviour

• Flexibility training behaviour.

The 'pass mark' for each individual test item is 7/10. The 'pass mark' for the test overall is 70/100.

A score of 70% is attainable by those who have a regular and systematic training program.

Those scoring less than 70 are not doing sufficient in the way of strength and flexibility exercises. They are therefore exposing themselves to a high risk of musculo-skeletal dysfunction. (It would be bizarre for a workplace to offer to pay the rehabilitation costs of people who were not keeping themselves strong enough or flexible enough to do their job without succumbing to musculo-skeletal dysfunction, wouldn't it?)

   

	A smaller than normal number of people are experiencing constant pain and discomfort. In a corporate setting we'd recommend that those scoring less the 6 need to be required attend a prehab/rehab program, for their own benefit and that of the organisation.		As an estimate, at least 25% of people were 20Kg over weight, some a great deal more than that. Being over weight is a significant risk factor in the development of joint and muscle pain.
	Relatively speaking, leg strength was good. Having said that, 8 people couldn't squat down and up once in 60 seconds and close to 25% of people could be classed as performing poorly.		40% of people failed this test.
	Around 40% of people failed this test. One of the best predictors of risk of lower back pain is the ability to do pressups.		This is a good result. Only 9 people couldn't touch their toes. Lower back pain goes with poor hamstring flexibility.
	More than 30% of people couldn't sit up straight with legs crossed and hands clasped behind their back, without falling over. A major cause of lower back pain is tight buttock muscles.		With a relatively few exceptions, shoulder function was good. Poor shoulder function can usually be restored to good with an intensive strength and flexibility training program.
Its always the case, few people have a regular strength and flexibility program. The organisation needs to put in train a regular and systematic training program, on site, that includes   1.  specialist prehab and rehab sessions for those at serious risk and those already dysfunctional and on compo   2.  daily strength and flexibility sessions in the workplace for everyone.
Average score: 49. Not a good result. This graph show why some people are experiencing pain. Too many people do not have the strength and flexibility training program needed to keep their musculo-skeletal system in good condition. There is a strong case of the group to implement an obligatory strength and flexibility program for those who scored less than 60 in this profile.