CMDQ, a tool for pain sensation solution for ergonomic postural assessment during practical laboratory work

Abstract

Human activity in the technical education sector, particularly practical activities such as workshop work, is stressful and tiring, with existence of risk and hazard. Previous studies have been conducted to assess postural risk factor using score decision during their practical work in workshop. Hence, this study adopts a Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) as a solution tool aims for students involve in practical activity. Respondent (n = 5) are consisting of students attend welding practice throughout the semester. The respondent was given a detailed CMDQ questionnaire for student to measure the level of discomfort while doing their practical task. Frequency of occurrence, discomfort, and working capability, will be combined to create total CMDQ scores. Additional of individual interviews were utilized to quantify pain emotions and explore the frequency of discomfort. The finding shows that respondents are having the pain sensation after their practical work. This indicates that the student version of CMDQ is a feasible tool to assess ergonomic postural risk during practical laboratory work.