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Biomedical subjects

N M Alexandre

Publications and source records attributed to N M Alexandre.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Evaluation of a program to reduce back pain in nursing personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a program designed to reduce back pain in nursing aides. METHODS: Female nursing aides from a university hospital who had suffered episodes of back pain for at least six months were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. The intervention program involved a set of exercises and an educational component stressing the ergonomic aspect, administered twice a week during working hours for four months. All subjects answered a structured questionnaire and the intensity of pain was assessed before and after the program using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test for independent samples, and Chi-square test or the Exact Fisher test for categorical analysis, were used. The McNemar test and the Wilcoxon matched pairs test were used to compare the periods before and after the program. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of cervical pain in the last two months and in the last seven days in the intervention group. There was also a reduction in cervical pain intensity in the two periods (2 months, 7 days) and lumbar pain intensity in the last 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a program of regular exercise with an emphasis on ergonomics can reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in nursing personnel.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Ergonomics in the transfer of patients: a study carried out with workers of a transportation center at a university hospital].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate ergonomic aspects involved in using a stretcher and a wheel chair to transfer patients. 249 transfers carried out by the workers of a university hospital lifting sector were observed. The observations showed that the idea of having a team to transfer patients has to be stimulated but the members of the team require specific training in handling and transferring patients. Mechanical equipment and other devices should also be available.

Brazil↗
PubMed2001

[Spinal cord physical-functional assessment model].

The study describes semiological methods that must be employed in posture and spinal cord evaluation, considering primary health care. The methods used in this study involve the patient's history, and a specific physical examination which includes a static inspection, posture examination, dynamic inspection, palpation, muscle strength and flexibility assessment, neurological examination and special tests.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

[Moving and lifting patients: postural and ergonomic aspects].

The most dangerous and difficult tasks faced by health workers are those procedures involved with lifting and moving patients. Therefore, training and recycling programs in lifting procedures are a compulsory part of programs for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in schools and health institutions. The present study presents basic and innovative orientation with an ergonomic approach regarding these procedures, together with the use of devices.

Ergonomics↗
PubMed1998

[Accidents with sharp instruments in nurses in a university hospital in Campinas, Sao Paolo].

This study has the objective to evaluate certain aspects of the occurrence of accidents of work with perforative cutting tool in nursing workers of a university hospital. Forty-six workers who had accidental needlesticks and injuries from other sharp objects (from June to/December 1994) were interviewed. The data found are likely to help programs of prevention of accidents with nursing workers.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1998

[Occupational accidents involving the spine: study on nurses at a university hospital].

In order to evaluate certain characteristics of the occurrence of occupational back injury among nursing staff, all workers affected during a period of six months were interviewed. These individuals were 43.2 years old on average and were basically female. There was no statistical significative difference showing a predominance among working turns and among the different nursing ranks involved in the accident. Most of the accidents happened within the hospital unit while they were moving or transporting patients and equipment, because of falls due to slipping floor. The most affected regions of the spinal column were the lumbar and cervical portions. The majority of the subjects affirmed that they had some type of back problem.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1998

[Ergonomic aspects of hospital environment and equipment].

Ergonomics has been one of the most important strategies for reducing musculoskeletal injuries caused by working conditions. The present report discusses particular aspects of the working environment such as work space, working heights, as well as the limits of reach and of the equipment used, and attempts to relate these to the occupational activities in nursing.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1995

[Lifestyle and work of nursing personnel and back pain].

This paper is part of a broader study. In order to describe life style and occupational history possibly related to back pain, 75 female workers of the nursing staff from a University Hospital were interviewed during clinical evaluation.

Back Pain↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Educational proposal focused on ergonomics as prevention tool against musculoskeletal injuries for the nursing staff].

Nursing staff is subject to lesions in the back due to ergonomic factors and inadequate posture. A specific educational proposal for nursing personnel was elaborated with the objective of helping to reduce these lesions. This study presents the development and topics of this educational strategy that was constructed from an analysis of the work environment and of the activities engaged in by this personnel. Themes relative to the anatomy and biomechanics of the vertebral column were presented, as well as general posture orientations, specific ergonomic aspects of nursing tasks and considerations about the movement and transportation of patients.

Back Pain↗