Assessment of ergonomic risks in automotive mechanics workers and their relationship with musculoskeletal pain

Authors

  • Ana Victoria Sánchez Martínez Carrera de Fisioterapia y Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, sede Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay Autor/a
  • Martin Inmediato Carrera de Fisioterapia y Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Norte, sede Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay Autor/a

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22759555

Keywords:

ergonomic risk, automotive mechanics, OWAS method, musculoskeletal pain

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are a frequent cause of absenteeism and functional limitation in workers with high physical demand, including automotive mechanics. The aim was to analyze ergonomic risks in automotive mechanics workers and their relationship with musculoskeletal pain (September–November 2025).

Materials and methods: Correlational, non-experimental quantitative study. OWAS and the Örebro Screening Questionnaire were applied to 30 workers from workshops in Asunción and Greater Asunción (convenience sampling).

Results: Mean age 33.68 years (SD ±10; 23–62). Most frequent pain: lumbar 30%, shoulder and upper back 20% each. Pain >1 year 43%; no days lost 40%. Predominance of OWAS category 4 (very high risk). Örebro: chronic lumbar pain of moderate intensity, low disability, no kinesiophobia and high job satisfaction.

Conclusions: There is a dissociation between high postural risk and low perceived disability, consistent with adaptation or presenteeism and latent risk if ergonomics is not corrected.

References

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Published

2026-03-28

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Assessment of ergonomic risks in automotive mechanics workers and their relationship with musculoskeletal pain. (2026). Revista UniNorte De Medicina Y Ciencias De La Salud, 15(1), 126–130. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22759555

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