The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limbs among Iranian workers: A meta-Analysis study

Background and aims: Musculoskeletal disorders are increasing all over the world in the last decades. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limbs in order to achieve perfect results with high statistical power using metaanalysis. Methods: In a systematic review and meta-Analysis work-related musculoskeletal disorders data were investigated. Some keywords were searched through accessible databases including SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, Medlib, IranMedex, and PubMed. In general, 27 articles published from 2001 to 2010 were gathered. 12 indices were used to evaluate heterogeneity of articles and ultimate data were analyzed using random effects models. Results: The total sample size of all studies performed in Iran was 6090 patients with a mean of 225 samples per study. Musculoskeletal disorders were studied at various jobs with confidence level (CL) 95: lower back 50 (42.5-57.5), hips and thighs 20.7 (16.4-25), knees 42.1 (35.1-49.1) and Ankles and feet 27.7 (18.8-36.7), respectively. Conclusion: Work related musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limbs, especially in lower back and knees were more than other limbs in Iran compared to similar studies in other countries. Occupational health and ergonomics training on prevention of these disorders, especially for these limbs among Iranian workers is recommended