Affiliations: Division of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA | School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College
of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA | Sound Ergonomics LLC, Seattle, WA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Shawn C. Roll, PhD, Division of
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, CHP 133, Los
Angeles, CA 90089-9003, USA. Tel.: +1 323 442 1850; Fax: +1 323 442 1540;
E-mail: sroll@usc.edu
Abstract: Objective: Three-fourths of diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS)
and vascular technologists (VT) experiencing discomfort due to job demands
indicate having discomfort in the shoulder region. An analysis of factors
related to shoulder discomfort highlighted salient factors requiring further
investigation and intervention. Participants: The respondents were a convenient sample of DMS and VT
that answered a survey, hosted on a secure website. Methods: The responses of 2,163 DMS and VT from a survey of a
representative sample were analyzed to determine personal factors, work
demands, and workstation design characteristics of those experiencing
discomfort in the shoulder region. Frequencies and response distributions were
calculated and cross tabulation with chi-square analysis was completed. Results: A majority of respondents with shoulder discomfort have
co-morbid reports of discomfort in other locations. While overall sonographer
discomfort is linked to age and years of experience, shoulder discomfort was
also noted to be linked to specific workstation characteristics. A lack of
adjustability in equipment, picture archiving and communication system (PACS)
workstations, awkward and positions required to complete bedside exams contributes to
discomfort due to sustained and repetitive shoulder abduction and twisting of
the neck and trunk. Conclusions: There is a need for studies investigating redesign of
equipment and workstations or interventions with DMS and VT specifically
focused on improving adjustability and improved positioning of sonographers in
order to reduce shoulder discomfort while performing job demands.
Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics, human factors
