Evaluación de posturas laborales en docentes de preescolar y su relación con trastornos musculoesqueléticos en una institución educativa de Machala.

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the work postures adopted by preschool teachers at an educational institution in Machala and their relationship with the development of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to identify ergonomic risk factors and propose strategies to improve occupational health and well-being. A mixed-method study was designed: descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational. Ten preschool teachers were selected from the educational institution using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. Validated tools were used for data collection, highlighting the Nordic Questionnaire on Musculoskeletal Disorders and the REBA Method. Additionally, MAC and OCRA methods, semi-structured interviews, direct workplace observation, and anthropometric measurements of the study population and furniture were used to expand the analysis. The data obtained demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in preschools, with frequent affected areas such as the neck, shoulders, upper back, and lower back associated with repetitive movements, the environment, and awkward postures. Finally, statistical analysis revealed critical activities such as lifting and transferring children, lifting objects, assisting children with feeding, sitting at desks, and bending down for school activities were considered influential factors and correlated with musculoskeletal discomfort. This highlights the emerging need to implement prevention and correction strategies for these disorders.