Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry: a state-of-the-art literature review.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are occupational conditions that result from the excessive use of the musculoskeletal system, combined with insufficient time for physiological recovery. These disorders remain prevalent in the automotive industry, particularly on assembly lines, and directly impact workers' health and sector productivity. This study aimed to analyze recent scientific literature on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry. The analysis focused on research approaches, preventive practices, identified challenges, and future directions. The study covered the period from 2020 to 2025 and used a state-of-the-art literature review method. The literature was considered an interpretive and contextual field. Searches were conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and BVS databases using free-text and controlled terms combined with Boolean operators and adapted to the specificities of each database. Grey literature was included through Google Scholar. Study selection was conducted in successive stages: screening, full-text reading, and critical analysis guided by research questions. These stages followed predefined eligibility criteria. Of the 297 initial records, six studies met the established criteria. Repetitive movements, static postures, and production pace remain central determinants of the incidence and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings underscore the importance of integrating technological development and innovation with the active involvement of workers to build safer, healthier, and more sustainable work environments. Promoting network-based research in which workers play a central role is key to advancing solutions that align with occupational health surveillance guidelines and contemporary workplace challenges.