Literature review highlights the prevalence and ergonomic impact on sewing machine operators, suggesting improvements are needed.
INTRODUCTION: Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting workers in manual labour-intensive industries such as leather and garment manufacturing. This paper aims to explore the prevalence, contributing factors, and impact of NSLBP among sewing machine operators, with a particular focus on the textile sector. AIM: The primary aim of this study is to examine the socio-economic impact of NSLBP among sewing machine operators in the leather and garment industries, and to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in alleviating the symptoms and improving the quality of life. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports, and case studies. Relevant studies from online databases were analyzed, focusing on the prevalence of NSLBP, the impact of ergonomic interventions, and the socio-economic consequences of chronic pain in manual labour sectors. Twelve relevant studies were selected for this review, incorporating data from both gender and industry-specific perspectives. RESULTS: The review found a high prevalence of NSLBP among sewing machine operators, with significant gender differences in reported severity and coping strategies. Ergonomic interventions, including workstation modifications and posture training, were shown to reduce pain and improve productivity. However, the long-term efficacy of these interventions requires further investigation. CONCLUSION: NSLBP remains a significant health challenge for workers in manual labour industries. Comprehensive ergonomic interventions and further research into gender-sensitive approaches are essential for reducing the burden of NSLBP. Improving workplace health conditions is critical for both the well-being of workers and the economic stability of these industries.
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Kaushal et al. (2025) studied this question.
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