Intelligent Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Processing Decision Support System-An Aid in Expert Analysis of Shoulder and Neck Pain Occupational Risk Factors

This research develops a fuzzy decision support system (FDSS) to evaluate and prioritize the relative importance of the imprecise, uncertain and vague nature of risk factors causing shoulder and neck pain (SNP), an important musculoskeletal disorder and most ubiquitous pain complaint in an occupational environment. The objective involves derivation of mechanical-, physicaland psychosocial-related risk categories using knowledge acquisition implemented by identifying the risk factors through literature analysis, conventional and concept mapping interviews with expert neurologist, orthopaedict, psychologist and physiotherapist. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is applied as an evaluation tool to measure the significance of the risk factors. The results indicate that the proposed system supplements SNP diagnosis experts with more precise key decision support information.