Biomechanical Mapping : a powerful and innovative approach to the prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) is a major challenge in the field of occupational health and safety. Indeed, MSDs remain one of the leading causes of compensated occupational diseases, accounting for 87% of recognized occupational diseases. 

However, questions arise : how can they be prevented, managed, and most importantly, what method of measurement and analysis is most suitable depending on one’s industry and/or organization ? 

🕵️ Here’s a lead that might interest you… 

• MSDs are multifactorial pathologies with a professional component. The main factors contributing to them are often biomechanical and/or related to the psychosocial and organizational constraints of work environments. However, in addition to these factors, stress should be considered, as well as certain individual factors such as aging or certain medical history, which can contribute to the occurrence of disorders. At Moovency, we have decided to focus specifically on biomechanical risks. Why ? Because with the help of capture tools and analysis software, they can be observed, measured, and analyzed: this is what we call biomechanical mapping. 

Biomechanical mapping : What are we talking about? 

Biomechanical mapping is an approach aimed at measuring and understanding in detail the movements and physical constraints exerted on the body during the execution of professional tasks. 

In practice, this method of study relies on the use of cameras or sensors to collect real-time data on the movements and/or loads experienced by workers, coupled with analysis software through which the obtained information will then be processed to identify potential risk factors for MSDs. 

Generally, it allows for an assessment of the criticality of workstations, prioritizing and ranking constraints to implement actions aimed at reducing risk factors. 

How does it work ? 

• Movement capture of operators while they perform their professional activities or tasks.
• Data analysis : The collected data is processed using specialized software. This software reconstructs 3D movements and calculates joint angles for each movement. Most importantly, they allow for the generation of comprehensive reports with objective numerical data, highlighting the constraints of each operator’s movements.
• Interpretation of results : The data is interpreted to identify postures and movements that could pose a risk of MSDs.
• First step for a more comprehensive approach : Prioritization of constraints and actions can then be established.

Biomechanical mapping becomes a gateway to investigate other risk factors and thus leads to a comprehensive prevention strategy ! 

• It is essential to enlist qualified professionals, as biomechanical mapping must adapt to the specific needs of each work environment to be effective. This process requires technical expertise and precise theoretical knowledge to objectively analyze the collected data.
• Biomechanical mapping is therefore most often carried out by qualified professionals such as ergonomists, biomechanical engineers, occupational health and safety specialists, or motion analysis experts. 

But what is the real added value of conducting biomechanical mapping, and how can it be an effective first step in implementing an MSD prevention policy ? 

Several points are to be highlighted to understand the relevance of this approach: 

✅ Identification of determinants at the origin of the risk : Biomechanical mapping allows for a precise evaluation of postures, movements, and loads experienced by workers. It specifically identifies situations at risk of MSDs. 

✅ Customization of recommendations : By identifying the specific movements and constraints encountered by workers, it is possible to highlight a level of hardship and therefore urgency in the actions to be taken, initiating a targeted, effective, and sustainable prevention approach. 

✅ Awareness of risks : Through innovative, playful, and educational tools, workers become more aware of the risks inherent in their activities. This can lead them to reflect and develop different gestural strategies, work methods, or workstation reorganization, thus actively participating in the prevention of MSDs. Employees become actors in the process and in their own prevention. 

✅ Primary prevention, anticipation, and risk management : Biomechanical mapping allows for the detection of potential MSD risks at an early stage, before symptoms develop. This allows for intervention before health problems become irreversible and, above all, ensures the sustainability of the prevention approach. 

In conclusion, biomechanical mapping plays an essential role in the prevention process of MSDs. 

It introduces a comprehensive prevention approach by establishing an objective and impartial assessment of the physical risk factor of MSDs. Through the tools used, it also sensitizes workers and opens discussions about other risk factors such as psychosocial or organizational risks, for example. 

It then becomes the starting point for implementing a complete prevention approach aimed at creating a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment for teams and the company. 

Ultimately, biomechanical mapping places your activity and your team’s work at the heart of your prevention strategy. Both playful and educational, it “objectifies” risks and puts words to professional gestures. It is therefore not only an analysis method but also an interactive and participatory awareness tool. 

A powerful and innovative method for preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders.