Musculoskeletal Disorders, Healthy Buildings, and the Hotel Industry: A Narrative Review and Critical Reflection

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) continue to be problematic globally. Numerous guideline-based management approaches have been advocated for MSDs, but long-term recovery is elusive. Thus, innovations should be explored to help mitigate the adverse consequences of these disorders. The objective of this paper was to provide a narrative literature review and critical reflection of MSDs and healthy buildings in the hotel industry. Searches of the peer-reviewed medical literature (via PubMed) and hospitality literature (via SCImago) were conducted for MSDs, healthy buildings, and hotels. The available evidence from the searches was synthesized and critically examined, and research and implementation recommendations were proposed. Key findings include the available evidence displays a substantial risk of bias, and numerous gaps in knowledge and research exist at the aggregate interface of MSDs, healthy buildings, and hotels; hotel workers appear to be particularly vulnerable to MSDs, yet interventions are needed to address MSDs in this occupational setting; and interventions delivered in luxury resort hotels may be useful for guests with MSDs. This paper is the first known attempt to critically examine the new field intersecting MSDs, healthy buildings, and the hotel industry. In consideration of the limited available evidence, it offers recommendations for medical and hotel stakeholders to advance the field through scientifically sound research and implementation efforts. If positive findings are observed in future initiatives, a new healthcare value proposition is created, with the desired outcome of mitigating MSDs and improving the health, wellness, quality of life, and experiential takeaway of hotel employees and guests.