Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Innovations in Prevention and Intervention

Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal disorders are a pressing challenge across industries, notably recognized as a prevalent occupational issue worldwide. The proliferation of these disorders underscores the need for effective ergonomic interventions. Ergonomists and occupational health practitioners are tasked with analyzing work activity to comprehend risk factors and to improve work conditions, forming the basis for innovative and effective interventions. The integration of advanced technologies (e.g., intelligent digital technologies, AI, cobot, robotics), evolving work contexts (e.g., part-time work, temporary work, hybrid work) and the importance of diversity and inclusion at work (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, disabilities and limitations) hold potential for enhancing ergonomic interventions. However, further research is imperative to refine ergonomic analysis, evaluate intervention contexts and outcomes, and harness modern tools for more effective interventions.

Researchers, practitioners, and experts are warmly invited to contribute their valuable insights to our forthcoming Special Issue. We eagerly welcome contributions that span a diverse range of topics within the realm of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. This could encompass in-depth explorations of ergonomic work activity analysis, ergonomic interventions, biomechanical assessment methodologies, and evaluations of measurement tool validity and reliability.

Furthermore, we encourage scholarly inquiries into the complexities of musculoskeletal disorders, delving into physical, organizational, and psychosocial facets of work that influence the emergence of these disorders.

Of particular interest are submissions that shed light on evidence-based ergonomic interventions, encompassing dynamic training strategies and innovative technical approaches that harness pioneering technologies to fortify intervention tactics.

We cordially invite the submission of both original research articles and insightful reviews, with a focus on portraying the current knowledge in this dynamic field. Within this Special Issue, we welcome contributions based on a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research approach that encompass a diverse range of research domains, including but not limited to:

• Ergonomics Interventions: Empirical examinations of interventions encompassing both training strategies and innovative technological solutions. Analyses of complex ergonomics interventions (contexts, processes and/or outcomes);
• Field Studies: Investigating work activity, the variance in exposure to MSD risk factors, and its nuanced aspects;
• Epidemiological Studies: Unraveling the interplay between work organization and its tangible impact on the occurrence of MSDs;
• Psychosocial Factors: Exploring the intricate relationships between psychosocial factors and their interplay with other influencers in the realm of MSDs;
• Organizational Factors: Exploring the intricate relationships between organizational factors and their interplay with other influencers in the realm of MSDs;
• Biomechanical Studies: Laboratory or field investigations that probe the ramifications of biomechanical techniques and tools such as Opensim, anybody, and digital human modeling;
• Systematic Reviews: Delving into rigorous systematic or other types of reviews that scrutinize the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions, ergonomics analysis of work, and the multifaceted landscape of MSD risk factors;
• Assessment Tool Studies: Comprehensive examinations of assessment tools, whether observational or wearable technologies, that contribute to the depth of our understanding;
• Modern technology for work improvement: Submissions that explore transformative potential of pioneering technologies such as virtual reality, digital twins, serious games, cobot and exoskeletons for optimizing workplace conditions.

Your contributions are highly anticipated and hold the potential to shape the trajectory of research and practice in this critical domain. We look forward to receiving your valuable insights and innovative contributions.

Dr. Mohsen Zare
Prof. Dr. Marie-Eve Major
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• ergonomics
• interventions
• musculoskeletal disorders
• work activity analysis
• ergonomic analysis of work
• biomechanical assessment
• modern technologies
• work contexts
• working populations