Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Occupational Driving: A Systematic Review Spanning 2006-2021

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Driving road vehicles is a common occupation with prolonged sitting.
• This occupational task is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing research on musculoskeletal disorders in occupational drivers.
• To inform the development of effective mitigation strategies for these disorders.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across multiple academic databases.
• Critical appraisal of eligible studies using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.
• Analysis of 25 selected studies with fair interrater agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.332).

Main Results:

• Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant concern for professional drivers.
• Lower back pain is the most frequently reported disorder.
• Truck, bus, and taxi drivers are particularly affected populations.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged sitting, years of service, poor vehicle ergonomics, and vibration are identified risk factors.
• Evidence supports the need for targeted interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorder risks in drivers.