Scientific Paper: Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Professional Drivers' Health in Portugal: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) and related symptoms among professional drivers in Portugal, and to examine associations with age, driving experience, professional sector, and physical activity.
Design In this cross-sectional study, 237 professional drivers completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) to evaluate physical activity levels. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 30.0.
Results Pain over the past 12 months was common, most frequently in the lower back (46.0%), neck (32.1%), and knees (30.0%). Physical activity level was significantly associated with knee pain (p = 0.032), with lower activity levels being linked to a higher prevalence of knee pain.
Conclusions Professional drivers face a significant burden of WRMSD and related symptoms. Preventive measures should focus on ergonomic enhancements of the driving environment and encouraging regular physical activity to support occupational health.
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are inflammatory and/or degenerative conditions that affect bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles, thereby impacting multiple areas of the human body. When directly related to work activity, they are termed work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSD). Professional drivers are among the groups most vulnerable to MSDs due to frequent exposure to risk factors such as static postures, vibrations, work shifts, stress, and sudden, repetitive physical exertion.
Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) and related symptoms among professional drivers in Portugal, and to examine associations with age, driving experience, professional sector, and physical activity.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 237 professional drivers completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) to evaluate physical activity levels. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 30.0.
Results: Pain over the past 12 months was common, most frequently in the lower back (46.0%), neck (32.1%), and knees (30.0%). Physical activity level was significantly associated with knee pain (p = 0.032), with lower activity levels being linked to a higher prevalence of knee pain.
Conclusion: Professional drivers face a significant burden of WRMSD and related symptoms. Preventive measures should focus on ergonomic enhancements of the driving environment and encouraging regular physical activity to support occupational health.
