Quality of life and physical activity levels of musculoskeletal disorders in workers exposed to high and low frequency magnetic fields: A comparative study

BackgroundThe increased use of electronic devices and technological advances has led to greater exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in various occupational environments.ObjectivesThe study's objective was to assess the effect of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) on the quality of life and physical activity levels of individuals exposed to high-frequency magnetic fields.MethodsThe mean age of one hundred and twenty EMF exposed workers was 37.44 ± 9.16 years. The following were assessed: musculoskeletal symptoms in the last 12 months (using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Version (ENMQ) and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), working posture (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-Sf), and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-Bref).ResultsThe highest prevalence rate of ENMQ in the last 12 months was 77.5% (n = 31) in the low back region and 50% (n = 20) in the shoulder region in those exposed to high-grade magnetic fields. The mean scores of WHOQOL-Bref were given for those exposed to high and low magnetic fields and those not exposed to magnetic fields (M ± SD: 63.51 ± 8.35; 73.27 ± 9.37; 76.43 ± 8.43, respectively).ConclusionThe prevalence of WMSD in workers was found to be highest in the low back, shoulder, and hand region in HF-MF workers. LF-MF group, the highest concentration was found to be highest in the neck region. Prevalence rates have been reported for different body sites, with the highest prevalence rates observed in the group exposed to HF-MF. Quality of life was found to be lower in the group exposed to HF-MF.