A narrative review of musculoskeletal problems of the lower
extremity and back associated with the interface between
occupational tasks, feet, footwear and flooring

Anderson, J; Williams, AE; Nester, CJ

Abstract

At least 50% of workers are exposed to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to spending
prolonged hours standing at work. There is a lack of information regarding issues with the
feet, solutions to the problem, and links between MSD, feet, footwear and flooring. The present
article provides a narrative review of the research in this area, based on 31 papers. Workers who
stand for large proportions of the working day had a level of MSD considerably greater than a
normal population. Muscle co‐activation, blood pooling, muscle fatigue and individual characteristics
are all associated with MSD. Altering flooring provided mixed results, while footwear
appeared to have the potential to affect MSD, although the dearth of literature limited the conclusions
that could be drawn. Despite their inextricable link, literature regarding the relationship
between occupational tasks, MSD, footwear and flooring remains limited and future studies will
benefit from rigorously designed protocols.

Citation

occupational tasks, feet, footwear and flooring. Musculoskeletal Care, 15(4), 304-315. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1174

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Dec 29, 2016
• Publication Date: Dec 29, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jan 5, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 29, 2017
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 304-315
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1174
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1174
• Related Public URLs: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1557-0681
• Additional Information: Funders : KTP