Lower back pain and its association with whole-body vibration and manual materials handling among commercial drivers in Sabah

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) and its association with whole-body vibration (WBV) and manual materials handling (MMH). We studied 110 commercial vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire and the VI-400Pro human vibration monitor. Prevalence of LBP was 66.4%. The percentage of drivers who had frequent manual handling of heavy loads was 45.5% and those who handled heavy loads in awkward postures accounted for 86.4%. Daily vibration A(8) averaged on the z axis was 0.25 (0.06) m·s⁻² and at vector sum was 0.29 (0.07) m·s⁻². Daily vibration exposures on the z axis, frequent manual handling of heavy loads and awkward posture during MMH were significantly associated with LBP. Drivers who are exposed to WBV and frequently handle heavy loads manually and with awkward postures probably have more LBP than drivers who are exposed to only one of these risk factors.

• whole-body vibration
• manual materials handling
• lower back pain
• commercial vehicle drivers

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Medical Faculty of UKM for approving the short-term grant to conduct this study.

Contributions

KAL provided the whole process of research and writing, MSJ was field investigator and KGR was supervisor.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Khamisah Awang Lukman http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4840-2925

Mohammad Saffree Jeffree http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0373-4451

Krishna Gopal Rampal http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4011-0373

Notes

1. RM 1000 = USD 230 = EUR 200.

Additional information

Funding

The Medical Faculty of UKM approved funding [short-term grant FF-144-2008].