Causal Relationship Between the Risk Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Professional Drivers: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: This review evaluates the evidence on the strength of causal relationship between categories of risk factors (RFs) and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among professional drivers. BACKGROUND: A compilation of evidence on the causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers is lacking. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in major electronic data bases that include Medline (1946 + via OvidSP), Embase (1974 + OvidSP), CINAHL (1982+), AMED, and Web of Science. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed and scored. A descriptive analysis on the categories of RFs associated with WRMSDs was conducted. The Bradford-Hill causation criteria and evidence interpretation tool were used to evaluate the causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs in professional drivers. RESULTS: Among the 54 studies reviewed, a strong evidence suggests a causal relationship between RFs such as whole-body vibration, awkward postures, lifting tasks, manual material handling, job stress, job demand, and previous pain episodes with WRMSDs. Moderate evidence was observed on RFs such as uncomfortable seat and low job satisfaction. The evidence on causal relationship between RFs such as years of professional driving, driving duration, and individual characteristics such as age and body mass index was inconclusive. CONCLUSION: There is strong to moderate evidence on the causal relationship between the physical and psychosocial RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers. APPLICATION: Potential application of this review highlights evidence to occupational health practitioners, policy makers, and stakeholders on the strength of causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Professional drivers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal pain (MSP) due to risk factors such as prolonged sitting, whole body vibration, awkward posture, and repetitive actions. This review investigates the reported prevalence of MSP among professional drivers. METHODS: An electronic search of Medline (1946 + via OvidSP), Embase (1974 + OvidSP), CINAHL (1982+), AMED, PubMed, and Web of Science from 1990 to July 2019 was performed. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using three quality assessment tools for cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies. The prevalence of MSP was reported using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: A total of 56 studies conducted in 23 different countries across a total of 14 types of occupational transport were reviewed. Data of a total pooled population of 18 882 professional drivers were analyzed for MSP. The prevalence of MSP ranged between 43.1% and 93%. The low back was the most frequently reported body region for MSP with a meta-prevalence rate of 53% (N = 9998). Neck, shoulder, and upper back were the other common regions with high prevalence. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of MSP in professional drivers and low back was the most frequently reported body region, followed by neck, upper back, shoulder, knee, hip/thigh, wrist, ankle, and elbow. MSP is complicated in nature and therefore in-depth exploration of causal relationships between MSP and risk factors is necessary so that appropriate healthcare programs can be initiated to prevent and treat MSP effectively.