Musculoskeletal disorders among female and male air traffic controllers performing identical and demanding computer work

Abstract

Operators with identical, demanding computer work (90 female and 97 male air traffic controllers) were found to have high prevalences of disorders (assessed by questionnaire and physical examination) in neck, shoulders and upper back. In spite of the identical work, the women displayed higher prevalences than the men (e.g. neck diagnoses 21% vs. 4%). Disorders in elbows, wrists and hands were less common, with similar rates in both genders. Generally, the psychosocial work environment (assessed by questionnaire) was found to be good, but with large inter-individual variation. Women experienced lower decision latitude than men, particularly regarding influence and freedom at work, but perceived higher social support. Physically, the work was characterized by relatively low angular velocities of upper arms (measured by inclinometry) and wrists (right: <1°/s during 19% of time, measuring by goniometry), dynamic muscular activities and high time fractions of rest in the trapezius and forearm extensor muscles (measuring by electromyography). There were only minor differences between the genders.

Keywords:

• Physical examination
• Complaints
• Diagnoses
• Neck
• Psychosocial work environment
• Physical exposure

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the county councils of southern Sweden, the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research and the Medical Faculty, Lund University. Technical assistance was given by Ms. Anita Olsson, Ms. Lothy Granqvist and Dr Med Sci Istvan Balogh. The kind cooperation of the Swedish Board of Civil Aviation and the air traffic controllers is acknowledged.