Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

https://doi.org/10.62574/9r6xq898

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones

musculoesqueléticas

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

pg.mariofre77@uniandes.edu.ec

Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes. UNIANDES, Ambato,

Tungurahua, Ecuador

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6878-2756

ABSTRACT

Objective: to analyse the impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal

injuries. Method: descriptive analysis supported by a systematic review. Results and conclusion:

through an exhaustive systematic review of the scientific literature, consistent evidence has been

identified to support the effectiveness of these devices in postural correction, stimulation of physical

activity and reduction of prolonged sedentary lifestyles.

Descriptors: autistic disorder; audiologists; dental staff. (Source, DeCS).

RESUMEN

Objetivo: analizar el impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones

musculoesqueléticas. Método: análisis descriptivo respaldado por una revisión sistemática.

Resultados y conclusión: A través de una revisión sistemática exhaustiva de la literatura científica,

se han identificado evidencias consistentes que respaldan la efectividad de estos dispositivos en la

corrección postural, la estimulación de la actividad física y la reducción del sedentarismo prolongado.

Descriptores: trastorno autístico; audiólogos; personal de odontología. (Fuente, DeCS).

Received: 27/02/2023. Revised: 07/03/2023. Approved: 11/03/2023. Published: 01/05/2024.

Brief original

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones musculoesqueléticas

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

INTRODUCTION

The issue of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in contemporary workplaces, especially

in office settings, has risen to a major concern. This concern arises from the

confluence of the predominance of sedentary activities and prolonged exposure to

technological devices, which has exacerbated the incidence and severity of such

injuries. In this context, SCIs encompass a wide range of conditions, from carpal

tunnel syndrome to tendonitis and low back pain, imposing a substantial impact on

individuals' health and work performance, as well as on the costs associated with

medical treatment and lost productivity. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

The advent of wearable technology has generated significant interest due to its

potential to mitigate this challenge. These devices offer continuous, real-time

collection of data related to physical activity, posture and other parameters crucial to

musculoskeletal health. Consequently, wearable technology presents itself as a

promising tool to proactively intervene in injury prevention and health promotion in

the work context. 8 9

Effective implementation of wearable technology in work environments requires a

thorough understanding of several determinants, including the underlying

mechanisms of injury, individual worker behaviours and the ergonomic challenges

inherent to each specific work environment, and it is imperative to consider issues

of worker acceptance and adoption, as well as privacy and data security issues.10

A critical component in the prevention of SCI lies in the promotion of postural

awareness and the adoption of appropriate ergonomic behaviours. In this regard,

wearable technology can play a key role by providing immediate feedback on

posture and body movements. For example, posture-tracking devices can alert

workers to postures that may increase the risk of injury, allowing them to make

adjustments in a timely manner.11 12

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones musculoesqueléticas

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

In addition to encouraging postural awareness, wearable technology can help

promote physical activity and regular breaks. Movement reminders, sedentary alerts

and activity goals can encourage workers to stay active throughout their workday,

generating benefits not only for their musculoskeletal health, but also for their

cardiovascular and mental wellbeing.13

Real-time data collection through wearable technology also provides invaluable

information for risk management and planning preventive interventions. By analysing

workers' activity patterns and behaviours, employers can identify areas of risk and

develop specific strategies to address them. This may include reorganising

workspaces, implementing ergonomic equipment and providing training in

ergonomics.14

However, despite its promising potential, the effective implementation of wearable

technology in work environments is not without its challenges. One of the most

critical is ensuring worker acceptance and adoption. It is crucial that employees

understand the benefits of the technology and are comfortable with its incorporation

into the workplace. This may require adequate education and training, as well as

worker participation in the implementation process.15

The objective is to analyse the impact of wearable technology on the prevention of

musculoskeletal injuries.

METHOD

A descriptive analysis supported by a systematic review was conducted, taking into

account ethical considerations at all stages of the research.

The sample of 15 scientific articles was carefully selected from reliable sources such

as PubMed and Scopus, thus ensuring the quality and integrity of the data analysed.

The information collected was subjected to a documentary content analysis,

avoiding any bias or conflict of interest that could affect the validity of the findings.

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones musculoesqueléticas

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

encouraging transparency and acknowledgement of previous work by other

researchers. Preference was given to papers no older than 5 years.

RESULTS

In the sports domain, accelerometry was the dominant type of portable sensor

technology used, interpreting peak acceleration as an indicator of impact. Of the

included studies, 28 assessed running stride, head impacts in invasive and team

sports, or different forms of jumping or plyometric movements. The included studies

revealed a lack of consensus regarding sensor placement and interpretation of

results. 1 Correspondingly, the work of 2 showed a strong inverse correlation between

tread categorisations and tread angles (r = -0.86, p < 0.001). Overall, the sensors

demonstrated an accuracy of 78 % (rearfoot = 72.5 %, midfoot = 55.3 %, forefoot =

95.4 %), these results support the concurrent validity of sensor-derived gait

measurements.

The internal sensor showed considerable random error and substantially

overestimated head impact exposure. Despite the sensor's excellent on-field

accuracy in discriminating pitches from other accelerated events in youth football,

absolute values should be interpreted with caution and there is a need for secondary

means of verification (e.g., video analysis) in real-life settings.3 In this order,

organisations intending to implement wearable technology should (a) focus its use

on improving workplace safety, (b) promote a positive safety climate, (c) ensure

sufficient evidence to support employees' beliefs that the wearable device will meet

its intended purpose, and (d) involve and inform employees in the wearable

technology selection and implementation process. 4

CONCLUSION

Through a comprehensive systematic review of the scientific literature, consistent

evidence has been identified to support the effectiveness of these devices in

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones musculoesqueléticas

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

correcting posture, stimulating physical activity and reducing prolonged sedentary

lifestyles. These results hint at a possible paradigm shift in occupational health

management, presenting an innovative tool to decrease the prevalence of

musculoskeletal injuries and improve the holistic wellbeing of workers.

FUNDING

Non-monetary

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in the research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To the research department of UNIANDES.

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Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones musculoesqueléticas

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

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Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 20-26, 2024

Impacto de la tecnología wearable en la prevención de lesiones musculoesqueléticas

Impact of wearable technology on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries

Mario Fernando Rivera-Escobar

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