Citation

Albert WJ, Everson D, Rae M, Callaghan JP, Croll J, Kuruganti U. Work 2014; 47(1): 33-44.

Affiliation

Occupational Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, IOS Press)

DOI

10.3233/WOR-131683

PMID

24004743

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of neck and low back musculoskeletal injuries in transit operators has been shown to be high; with work absences exceed double the National average. There is a lack of biomechanical data generated from field researches to inform on musculoskeletal risk associated with transportation and driving occupations. Instead there has been a reliance on simulated driving and questionnaire-based research. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the musculoskeletal and biomechanical stresses experienced by urban bus drivers. The main objective was to obtain a baseline understanding of sitting posture, muscle activiation and subjective ratings of stress during regular driving tasks. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen urban city bus drivers were recruited for this study. METHODS: Bus drivers drove the same 65-minute bus route once, at the same time of day, in the same preselected bus. Wireless surface electromyography monitored muscular activity of the drivers' neck, upper trapezius, and erector spinae and video analysis and seat pressure mapping was used to monitor changes in driving posture. A health and lifestyle questionnaire was administered to record specific neck and back pain experienced by drivers as well as to provide lifestyle habits. RESULTS: Drivers were found to exhibit non-neutral postures for less than 30% of the time while conducting routine tasks of turning and stopping for passenger loading and unloading. The neck posture was the greatest concern in terms of non-neutral posture and this was supported by the higher muscle activation to the neck musculature. There was significant posture adjustment made during the one-hour driving period with the adjustments increasing with driving time. CONCLUSION: Activities associated with bus driving appear to require the use of non-neutral postures and increase in muscle activation. Significant postural adjustments were needed over the one-hour observation period suggesting that the musculoskeletal demands may increase over a regular 12-hour shift.

Language: en