Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Occupational Driving: A Systematic Review Spanning 2006–2021

Prevalence of Forward head posture among car and bike drivers and its relation with neck and cardiopulmonary health parameters- a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of Forward Head Posture (FHP) in car and bike drivers, and its potential correlation with neck and cardiopulmonary parameters.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 400 participants from urban and suburban areas around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, including 200 car drivers and 200 bike drivers aged 18-65 years with a minimum five-year driving history. Neck health was assessed using measurements such as cervical range of motion and Neck Disability Index (NDI), cardiopulmonary parameters were evaluated through resting heart rate, blood pressure, and pulmonary function tests using the spirometry test, and FHP was assessed using Surgimap application. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 26.0) and included descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for binary data, and correlation analyses.

RESULTS

The result show that difference in the mean FHP between car and bike drivers was statistically significant (p = 0.0001), indicating a higher prevalence of FHP among car drivers than among bike drivers. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between FHP and neck health metrics, especially cervical flexion (r = 0.71, p<0.05), (r = 0.78, p<0.05) and left-side rotation (r = 0.56, p<0.05), (r = 0.61, p<0.05) in car and bike drivers. Among the cardiopulmonary parameters, significant correlations with FHP were observed in resting heart rate (r = 0.33, p<0.05), (r = 0.42, p<0.05), spirometry results FVC (r = 0.29, p<0.05), FEV1 (r = 0.22, p<0.05), and FVC (r = 0.31, p<0.05) for car and bike drivers.

CONCLUSION

We observed a higher incidence of FHP in car drivers, indicating that a prolonged static posture may lead to greater postural deviation than dynamic movement during biking. This association suggests that FHP could have wide-reaching implications for systemic health, beyond musculoskeletal issues. These findings have the potential to influence preventative strategies and interventions aimed at improving the overall health outcomes for drivers.

The effect of home exercises with kinesiotaping on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with non-specific neck pain

BACKGROUND

Clinical research on the management and rehabilitation of work-related upper spinal pain in bus drivers is sparse, indicating a gap in knowledge and treatment strategies. This highlights the growing need for innovative approaches to rehabilitation programs in this area.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers experiencing neck pain.

METHODS

The study involved 44 participants who were randomised into two different groups: the exercise group (n= 22) and the kinesio tape group (n= 22), with participants in both groups undertaking exercise interventions. Evaluations were made before and after 6 weeks of treatment. At the end of the 6-week, the participants' ROM, pain evaluations and functional scales were evaluated with disability, and work functionality.

RESULTS

Neck pain severity decreased in both groups (p< 0.001 for each value), but there was no difference between the groups (p: 0.071). When disability scores were evaluated, improvement was noted in both groups (p: 0.001 for each value), but no statistically significant difference was found (p: 0.754). When the improvements in ROM values before and after the treatment were examined, the difference between the groups was recorded only in the neck extension ROM value (p: 0.011). Significant improvement was noted in all sub-steps of job performance in both groups (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

KT added to ergonomic training and home exercise programmes is effective in controlling work-related musculoskeletal pain in drivers with neck pain. However, the addition of KT to exercise therapy was found to be no more effective than exercise therapy alone in improving pain control, functionality and work performance.

Prevalence of low back pain in professional drivers: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-review aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in professional drivers.

STUDY DESIGN

This study is a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of LBP in professional drivers up to August 2023. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was utilized for cross-sectional analytical studies. Statistical analysis of the included outcome indicators was conducted using Stata 16.0. The prevalence of LBP among professional drivers was measured using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated utilizing subgroup analysis. This meta-analysis review was registered with PROSPERO on April 28, 2023, under the registration number CRD42023422205.

RESULTS

In total, 1, 558 results met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 53 studies were included. The meta-analysis results indicated that professional drivers had a LBP prevalence of 35.0%, 95%CI (0.266, 0.433) for one week, 33.80%, 95%CI (0.233, 0.443) for one month, and 55.30%, 95%CI (0.503,0.603) for one year. In the global population of professional drivers, the prevalence of LBP was 56.0%, 95%CI (0.472, 0.648) and 54.5%, 95%CI (0.488, 0.602) without and with a history and high risk of LBP, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LBP remains prevalent among international drivers and has multiple contributing factors, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and prevention strategies.

A blueprint for a new commercial driving epidemiology: An emerging paradigm grounded in integrative exposome and network epistemologies

Excess health and safety risks of commercial drivers are largely determined by, embedded in, or operate as complex, dynamic, and randomly determined systems with interacting parts. Yet, prevailing epidemiology is entrenched in narrow, deterministic, and static exposure-response frameworks along with ensuing inadequate data and limiting methods, thereby perpetuating an incomplete understanding of commercial drivers' health and safety risks. This paper is grounded in our ongoing research that conceptualizes health and safety challenges of working people as multilayered "wholes" of interacting work and nonwork factors, exemplified by complex-systems epistemologies. Building upon and expanding these assumptions, herein we: (a) discuss how insights from integrative exposome and network-science-based frameworks can enhance our understanding of commercial drivers' chronic disease and injury burden; (b) introduce the "working life exposome of commercial driving" (WLE-CD)-an array of multifactorial and interdependent work and nonwork exposures and associated biological responses that concurrently or sequentially impact commercial drivers' health and safety during and beyond their work tenure; (c) conceptualize commercial drivers' health and safety risks as multilayered networks centered on the WLE-CD and network relational patterns and topological properties-that is, arrangement, connections, and relationships among network components-that largely govern risk dynamics; and (d) elucidate how integrative exposome and network-science-based innovations can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of commercial drivers' chronic disease and injury risk dynamics. Development, validation, and proliferation of this emerging discourse can move commercial driving epidemiology to the frontier of science with implications for policy, action, other working populations, and population health at large.

Assessment of the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among three different professionals in Bangladesh: Findings from a face-to-face survey

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh, while also investigating potential contributors within these occupational groups.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP, associated factors and management procedures among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh through face-to-face interviews.

SETTING

The study was conducted in different parts of the Bogura district in Bangladesh.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 396 participants were included in the final analysis, all the participants were men and adult in age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire based on previous research. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant associations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LBP was found to be 42.7% among the participants. Farmers and rickshaw pullers had approximately four-times and three-times higher odds of experiencing LBP compared with office workers. Other significant factors associated with LBP included living in a nuclear family, having a normal body weight, lacking professional training, having a chronic disease, having a family history of LBP and experiencing numbness in the legs or feet. The majority of respondents sought medical attention and took medication for their LBP.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores occupational differences in LBP prevalence, emphasising the necessity for tailored interventions and occupational health policies. Identifying specific risk factors and management practices in these professions can aid in developing effective prevention strategies and enhancing healthcare services.

Assessment of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among heavy vehicle drivers

BACKGROUND

Professional driving requires long hours of work, uncomfortable seats, negotiating rough terrain and highways, and possibly minor repairs and other auxiliary transportation duties. Heavy vehicle drivers driving vehicles such as trucks, bulldozers, etc. due to such working structures are more prone to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain, which is of great concern.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, it is planned to investigate possible ergonomic risk factors such as age, weight, driving exposure, seat suspension systems, lifting heavy weights causing MSDs in drivers of various heavy vehicles. The results of the study are expected to help drivers reduce the risk of MSDs.

METHODS

For the present study, the Nordic questionnaire on musculoskeletal disorders was modified and standardized and was administered to the 48 heavy vehicle drivers randomly selected to collect the data.

RESULTS

The analysis divulged that over the past 12 months, lower back pain (LBP) emerged as the most dominant pain experienced by 56% of drivers, followed by knee pain (KP) (43%) and neck pain (NP) (39%) respectively. The prevalence of shoulder pain (SP) was observed to be much lower than in previous literature. The logistic regression model further revealed that increasing age, poor suspension system and poor body posture were significantly associated with lower back pain. Additionally, a poor suspension system and lifting heavy weights had significant effect on the drivers' knee pain.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated the evident necessity for ergonomic consideration in vehicle designing and ergonomic training for heavy vehicle drivers.

Prediction of the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine under multi-axis whole-body vibration using a whole-body finite element model

Low back pain has been reported to have a high prevalence among occupational drivers. Whole-body vibration during the driving environment has been found to be a possible factor leading to low back pain. Vibration loads might lead to degeneration and herniation of the intervertebral disc, which would increase incidence of low back problems among drivers. Some previous studies have reported the effects of whole-body vibration on the human body, but studies on the internal dynamic responses of the lumbar spine under multi-axis vibration are limited. In this study, the internal biomechanical response of the intervertebral disc was extracted to investigate the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine under a multi-axial vibration in a whole-body environment. A whole-body finite element model, including skin, soft tissues, the bone skeleton, internal organs and a detailed ligamentous lumbar spine, was used to provide a whole-body condition for analyses. The results showed that both vibrations close to vertical and fore-and-aft resonance frequencies would increase the transmission of vibrations in the intervertebral disc, and vertical vibration might have a greater effect on the lumbar spine than fore-and-aft vibration. The larger deformation of the posterior region of the intervertebral disc in a multi-axis vibration environment might contribute to the higher susceptibility of the posterior region of the intervertebral disc to injury. The findings of this study revealed the dynamic behaviours of the lumbar spine in multi-axis vehicle vibration conditions, and suggested that both vertical and fore-and-aft vibration should be considered for protecting the lumbar health of occupational drivers.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China

Objective

The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing.

Methods

A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.

Patient safety culture and associated factors among health care providers in government and private hospitals, Bahir Dar City Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Patient safety in a healthcare setting is now a major global concern. Millions of people suffer disabling injuries or death directly related to medical care errors, particularly in developing countries. Evidence about patient safety culture in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the level of patient safety culture and associated factors among healthcare providers in government and private healthcare providers.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 30, 2022. Self-administered hospital survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) tool was used to select 448 study participants. Epi Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26 were used for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test, Bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regressions were done to determine the association between the independent and outcome variable.

RESULT

A total of 448 healthcare providers with a response rate of 99.6% participated. The prevalence of good patient safety culture was 50.9%( 95%CI: 46.2, 55.6%). Patient safety culture difference was observed between government and private healthcare providers (× 2 = 22.6, df = 1, p = 0.000). Type of hospitals (AOR = 0.37(95% CI:(0.21, 0.68), profession (AOR = 2.16 (95% CI:(1.02,4.62), job satisfaction (AOR = 0.19,95%CI:(0.12,0.30), participated in patient safety programs(AOR = 2.69:(95%CI:1.53,4.75), providing necessary equipment and materials (AOR = 2.05(95%CI: 1.18,3.55%), and work shift (AOR = 0.47( 95%CI: 0.25,0.93) were found significantly associated with good patient safety culture among healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of good patient safety culture was relatively low. Patient safety culture difference is observed between government and private healthcare providers. Type of hospitals (public or private), profession, job satisfaction, participation in patient safety programs, providing necessary equipment and materials, and work shifts were associated factors for patient safety culture. Therefore, it is better to design patient safety improvement strategies for both government and private healthcare providers.

Prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among taxi drivers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among professional taxi drivers.

DESIGN

Community-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect data. Through a simple random sampling technique, 371 taxi drivers were selected in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

DATA ANALYSIS

SPSS V.22 was used for data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with low back pain. A p value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI were used to declare statistical significance.

RESULT

A total of 371 respondents, with a response rate of 95.4%, have participated. The past 1 year and week's prevalence of low back pain among taxi drivers was 85.7% (95% CI 82.5 to 89.2) and 53.4% (95% Cl 48.0 to 58.5), respectively. Overweight/obese (AOR=0.33, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.80)), alcohol drinking (AOR=4.77, 95% CI (1.16 to 19.5)), job dissatisfaction (AOR=4.58, 95% CI (1.39 to 15.2)), prolonged working hours per day (AOR=2.64; 95% CI (1.02 to 6.08)), not using the adjustable seat with back support (AOR=6.38, 95% CI (2.39 to 17.01)) were associated with low back pain among taxi drivers.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of low back pain among taxi drivers was high. Being overweight/obese, alcohol drinking, job dissatisfaction, prolonged working hours per day, and not using adjustable seats with back support, were factors associated with low back pain among taxi drivers. Therefore, ergonomic and behavioural-related awareness training is recommended to minimise the burden of low back pain among taxi drivers.