Síntomas Musculoesqueléticos En Trabajadores De Vulcanización y Acabado Final De Continental Tire Andina S.A Cuenca, Septiembre 2025- Febrero 2026

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent one of the main occupational health problems worldwide, affecting more than 1.7 billion people and generating negative effects on functionality, quality of life, and work productivity. In the tire manufacturing sector, high physical demands, awkward postures, manual handling of loads, and repetitive movements favor the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. However, in the company Continental Tire Andina S.A. located in Cuenca Ecuador, there is limited evidence regarding the prevalence of these symptoms in the vulcanization and final finishing areas.Objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in different body regions among workers in the vulcanization and final finishing areas using the Kuorinka Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 143 workers, and the final sample included 106 participants selected according to inclusion and exclusión criteria. Data collection was carried out using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: The body regions with the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the previous 12 months were the lumbar spine, knees, thoracic spine, and upper extremities. During the last 7 days, symptoms were mainly concentrated in the lumbar spine and knees. Symptoms were more frequent among workers with longer tenure,full-time schedules, and limited task rotation. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms associated with the physical and organizational demands of work.